Paul Dye
Paul Dye, KITPLANES® Editor at Large, retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 50 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.
Building Trust—Reliability vs. Redundancy
It is hard to fly without a little trust. Call it faith if you will, but we fundamentally can’t leave the ground without some...
Another Week, Another Prop
This week, we’re flying the new “Explorer” three-blade composite prop from Hartzell on our RV-8.
The Art of Assembly
The day will come when all of your engine’s parts come home from their exciting trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Remember that, in the last...
Spinner Bulkheads – Getting the Spacing Right
If you have ever needed to change props or spinners on your completed homebuilt, you have probably sweated out the clearance between the rear...
I Spent How Much? Oh… OK…
I just placed an order with our favorite major aircraft parts vendor for some tires. Small, little tires. A couple of tailwheel pneumatic tires...
The Little Things Can Get Ya’…
When I was a teenager, I was a member of an Aviation Explorer Post that was sponsored by an FBO. We got to spend...
Following the DIY Approach to Engine Overhaul, One Step at a...
Following the DIY approach to engine overhaul, one step at a time.
Clocks & Timers
Recently, a friend who owns both a certified airplane and a homebuilt asked my advice on what to do about the timer mounted in...
In Case You Missed It
Dan Parker and the Altitude Airplane
Dan Parker was just another enthusiast looking to make his mark in aviation with some kind of crazy, notable project. Then he came across the Facet Opel, current altitude record holder, and the race was on. Since then, hes been working on his airplane full time, hoping to break the existing record, and along the way hes come up with some innovative and exceptionally efficient building and design practices.
Wrong Rudder Cable Nut and Missing Cotter Key
Wherever a bolt is subject to rotation, it is required to have a castellated...
Two Years to Solo
Ken Pollock did not come by his interest in flying in the usual way. His father was the first to want to learn, but then when he changed his mind, his son took up where Dad left off. All this despite the fact that Ken had broken his neck in a car accident, and had no use of his legs, and little use of his arms and hands.