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.
'Twas the Week Before Oshkosh
No, sorry - not going to do the poetry thing. I'm way too busy getting ready for the big show - and the big...
The Call
Hmmm... unknown caller from Georgia on the cell phone. With the amount of robocalls for cruise lines that seems to be generated these days,...
Building a Jet
"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do."
--Warren Miller
I have always enjoyed Warren Miller's ski films, not...
A Whole 'lotta Ribs!
Yup - that's a lot of ribs for one wing, isn't it? Finally, after a long delay building a new shop, we got back...
Well THERE'S Your Problem!
Our little single seater recently developed a ned to have its right brake bled--like after every few flights. We didn't let that go on...
Nope, no, no way… flying 30+ years!
I am often amazed at just how big our margins can be in aviation. Engineering margins, that is - operational margins are as big...
Flight Test Morning
Early morning is the time for flight testing, especially in summer, and especially in the high desert! Today's mission was to do the first...
The Morning is for Flying
The Idaho back country is a piloting Mecca, with outstanding scenery and challenges to any level of aviator. From large, relatively flat strips with...
Stole it!
We're spending a few days in the Idaho back country, and stopped by the Kitfox headquarters in Homedale before heading in to the mountains....
In Case You Missed It
Aero ‘lectrics
Columnist Jim Weir puts two, two, two LED lights in one hole, angled to ensure the maximum nav light visibility in any direction. He explains how to put the system together and explains why heat matters.
Ask the DAR
This month DAR Mel Asberry addresses what it takes to build to LSA requirements, why importing an ultralight from Canada can be problematic, and when ELTs are required.
