Paul Dye
Paul Dye, KITPLANES® Editor at Large, retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 40 years of aerospace experience on everything from Cubs to the Space Shuttle. An avid homebuilder, he began flying and working on airplanes as a teen and has experience with a wide range of construction techniques and materials. He flies an RV-8 and SubSonex jet that he built, an RV-3 that he built with his pilot wife, as well as a Dream Tundra and an electric Xenos motorglider they completed. Currently, they are building an F1 Rocket. A commercially licensed pilot, he has logged over 6000 hours in many different types of aircraft and is an A&P, FAA DAR, EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor; he was formerly a member of the Homebuilder’s Council. He consults and collaborates in aerospace operations and flight-testing projects across the country.
Fly-Ins Made Simple
One of aviation’s great pleasures is to meet up with a bunch of friends at some out-of-the-way airport and just watch airplanes, enjoy the...
Ultimate Avionics Work Surface
Wiring a panel? How about upgrading to the ultimate avionics work surface?
Wire Supports
If you’re building/wiring an instrument panel, especially one with modern EFIS screens and avionics, you no doubt have dealt with the problem of how to secure wire bundles.
Take the Time—Build a Template
I’m sure we’ve all been there when building something—one hand holding a “thing,” one holding a measuring device, another a pen and… uh, oh…...
Not Bent, We Checked
The Whisper features a new and radical prop design from Craig Catto - one with a pretty interesting kink in the end of the blades.
Most Awesome Cleco Pliers
We walked up on probably the most complex and awesome set of cleco pliers we’ve ever seen.
An Old Friend Moves Towards Completion
The Danni May started as a dream for Mel and Ann Asberry in 2004.
AirVenture 2024 In Perspective
Home for 24 hours, it’s time to look back and think about our eight-day sojourn in Wisconsin.
How to Attract Pilots
Cool airplanes and the chance to fly are great - but if you really want to attract a crowd of pilots, just bring free donuts!
In Case You Missed It
Design Process: Planform Effects on Structure and Weight
Last month we took a look at how the planform of the wing affects...
Unusual Attitude
Guest columnist Bob Collins takes on those who would rush the airplane building process in the name of getting real about the project. To him, the journey is as important as the destination, and he believes he has his priorities straight when he occasionally puts family and friends ahead of spending an extra hour or two in the garage.
