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.
And we're off!
Yes--the new kit is here! Our Subsonex project got underway just this weekend, starting with a complete inventory (of a very complete kit). With...
Checking In – Deland, Florida
The Deland Sport Aviation Showcase wraps up our show attendance for this year, and as I leave Florida, I can think back on a...
2019 Homebuilt Aircraft Directory
So many airplanes, so little time: over 1000 aircraft to choose from. Also learn how 10 of our regular contributors chose their own experimental aircraft. Introduction Directory compiled by Omar Filipovic.
Rites of Passage
Throughout human history, societal groupings of like-minded people have developed certain requirements for new members aspiring to join their fraternity. Whether it be a...
Tool Migration
It could be happening right now, while you're safely at your desk or on your couch. It happens quietly, when your guard is down....
Light it Up!
How many times have you been working in the depths of your aircraft's fuselage, a flashlight in your mouth, and a work light burning...
Mixing it Up
There are all sorts of things I would like to know, but never take the time to learn - so much stuff, so little...
Point Designs
Point designs are the answers to a particular, well-defined problem. They don‘t necessarily answer any other problem.
Well There's Your Problem!
Dan "Nordo" West's 248 mph RV-8 held its place in the Sport Bronze race today, but wasn't able to move up because it started...
In Case You Missed It
Alternative Realities
Larry Simpsons first building experience was deepened by his engine choice: an Eggenfellner H6 Subaru conversion. His attention to detail and tailored modifications led to more of a hands-on experience than he expected-sometimes frustrating, expensive and fascinating. By Larry Simpson.
Viewfinder
Editor-at-Large Marc Cook takes a look at Rotax’s first foray into fuel-injected engines: the 912iS.
Firewall Forward: Ignition Systems
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...but how? Dave Prizio considers some of the choices.