Kerry Fores
Kerry Fores was born and raised in Oshkosh, WI and was interested in homebuilding by age 12. Between 1998 and 2003 he scratchbuilt and polished a Sonex, which he named Metal Illness. Kerry logged nearly 500 hours in Metal Illness and was awarded Plans Built Champion at AirVenture 2006. Kerry is retired from a 21-year career at Sonex Aircraft, most of it dedicated to supporting builders. Kerry is on the web at thelifeofdanger.com.
Weight, For the Right One
Classified ads for flying homebuilts boast of the meticulous workmanship and maintenance. The engine upgrades and professional paint are noted. A string of characters,...
Shop in Comfort
I’ve confessed to building Metal Illness in a space that many, or most, would rate less than ideal. In my defense, my brain’s right...
Vendor Bonding Day
For those of you who leave AirVenture before the final Sunday, and that is 97% of you, you may not be aware that the...
The Sonerai Turns 50
John Monnett, President of Sonex Aircraft LLC, unknowingly launched his homebuilding career fifty years ago at the 1971 EAA Aviation Convention and Fly-in in...
Navel Gazing From an Oshkosh Townie
“Oh! You’re from Oshkosh?” It’s a common comment I hear when AirVenture attendees ask me where I’m from. It’s not a strictly accurate comment,...
Your Head, Your Heart, Your Hands and the Truth
Three chords and the truth. That’s how songwriter Harlan Howard, who, with Hank Cochran, penned “I Fall to Pieces,” described country music. I got...
Wittman. Field. Video.
If it was strange for you to stay home, it was equally strange to be nearly the only person there.
Pack Your Spotted Cow and Go
I heard Jester’s coarse voice and felt the impact of each syllable, “You. Nev-er. Leave. Your wingman.” I’m foreshadowing the past, though, so let...
Defining “Done”
“Kerry, you know your airplane could be flying in two weeks.” That observation, offered by someone qualified to make the assessment, caught me off...
Know (You May Be) the Limit
I was in a bad place. I knew the flight might not end well before I took off from the taxiway of an Air...
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry clarifies what notification the FAA expects when a prop has been changed. His advice? Treat it like a major mod.
Firewall Forward: Ignition Systems
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...but how? Dave Prizio considers some of the choices.
Flight Testing: Static System Error, Theory and Practice
Flight testing requires precise airspeed calibration and measurement. A less-than-optimal pitot-static system can compromise those numbers. Heres how to troubleshoot the problem.
Homebuilt Aircraft Directory 2022
Here we are again with our annual “directory” of homebuilt aircraft that are available...