Dave Martin
Dave Martin served as editor of this magazine for 17 years and began aviation journalism evaluating ultralights in the early ’80s. A former CFI (airplanes, gliders, instruments), he'd flown more than 160 aircraft types plus 60 ultralights (including a single-seat, no-basket hot air balloon). Dave passed away in June, 2021.
The Independence Project: Tackling the Tail
Dave Martin and the builders of Chapter 292 break out the rivet guns and bucking bars, and work on the RV-12 tail.
The Independence Project: Winging It
Dave Martin and EAA Chapter 292 take on the latest offering from Vans Aircraft: the RV-12 LSA kit.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin finds a Light Sport seaplane at the 2009 Sebring LSA Expo that made a real splash.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin returns to Sebring, and found a healthy supply of browsers and buyers. A healthy supply of aircraft, great weather, reasonable ticket and food prices, and no race noise combined to make the show a success.
25th Anniversary: Rotax Run
The Rotax engines continual development over the years has led it to become the dominant engines among todays Light Sport Aircraft. Dave Martin details the engines evolution, and takes a look at what may be next.
Lambada Powered Sailplane
Dave Martin introduces you to the Lambada powered sailplane, following his test flight in one.
Light Stuff
Although Van’s has been a top-selling kit manufacturer for years, the company’s foray into the SLSA (factory-built Light Sport Aircraft) market with the RV-12 has proven to be challenging—and the airplane may not ever be sold ready-to-fly. By Dave Martin.
Industry Report: What’s Up With LSAs?
Four years after SLSAs were approved by the FAA, dozens of companies producing more than 100 aircraft models have qualified as SLSAs. Dave Martin examines the state of the industry in light of the current economic climate.
In Case You Missed It
Are you considering an alternative engine?
Patrick Panzera explains some specific formulas he uses to see if an engine' claimed numbers pass muster.
Dare To Be Bare
After checking with a variety of aluminum polishing aficionados, author Bob Fritz came up with a winning combination for maintaining the shine on metal airplanes. He details not only which products to use, but also how to use them for maximum effectiveness with minimal elbow grease.
The Home Machinist (Part 11)
In our continuing series, author Bob Fritz explains how to use a boring head to drill odd-size or big holes. Hint 1: The bigger the hole, the slower the going. Hint 2: The traveling rest, which moves with the cutting tool, braces the material in two directions to minimize flexing.
Ye Olde Slip Roll
This month’s project is a follow-on to the Pietenpol muffler that was the subject...