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.
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....
Three-Hour Rudder
The trapezoidal box arrived from Mexico (Missouri) a few weeks ago, but we just recently had the time to open it up and begin...
Five-Hour Phase One
Yesterday I completed the shortest Phase 1 flight testing program I have ever done - it was for a neighbor's ELSA RV-12, an airplane...
Old Dog… New Trick?
So I opened a fresh box of Tempest oil filters today, and on top of the filters was the notice that you see in...
Single-seat Economics
I love flying single-seat airplanes. In fact, for pure, unadulterated aeronautical fun, it is hard to beat a single-seater. Since they are generally smaller,...
Necessary Tedium
There comes a time when you realize that your assortment of aircraft hardware has reached a point where you have to hunt and peck...
Six in Six
One of the problems with living in a beautiful western mountain setting is that it is hard to maintain instrument currency. Back on the...
In Case You Missed It
Light Sport Repairman—Maintenance
Have you ever thought about becoming a licensed airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic, but...
Down to Earth
When a big storm is coming, timing is everything. If you’re going to get out of the way, do so early. By Amy Laboda.
