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.
Just Pitch In!
Hanging out with the volunteers at AirVenture Homebuilt Camping, we noted an interesting phenomenon. Volunteers get a few perks for taking time out of...
The Days Before
While AirVenture doesn't officially start until Monday, the three or four days before are really my favorite. It's the time of gathering, the time...
Know Your (Operating) Limitations
Experimental aircraft are issued "special" airworthiness certificates, and those come with specific operating limitations.
Reviewing the NOTAM
If you've been flying in to AirVenture since it was still just called "Oshkosh," you probably have the arrival and departure procedures down cold....
'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...
In Case You Missed It
Something Wild
When a homebuilder has a vision for a unique paint scheme on his RV-3, he assembles a team that can bring it to life.
Light Stuff
The Sport Pilot rules allow you wide latitude in changing categories of aircraft without a lot of re-training, opening up intriguing options for pilots interested in diversifying their flying. By Roy Beisswenger.
