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.
Kneeboard Notes
One of the frustrating things about editing a print magazine is the long lead-time required to bring ideas from the field into the actual...
It Takes a Team
Wherever I have gone on the AirVenture grounds this year, I have received compliments on the coverage that Kitplanes has been providing on the...
Trying On a Classic
I am of an age such that the BD-5J figured large in my imagination as I was learning to build and fly airplanes. While...
Surviving the Storm
Early arrivals at AirVenture generally get a chance to see the calm before the storm - and this year, they got to survive the...
Oshkosh – Before the Show
Taking advantage of a clear weather window, I launched from Nevada at first light and sailed along with tailwinds (and two fuel stops) to...
In Case You Missed It
Installing and Maintaining Your Pitot-Static System
The pitot-static system is usually one of those items appearing on your to-do list...
Editor’s Log
Mary Bernard discusses the challenges companies face when they try to improve an existing design, let alone develop a new product. The Glasair Sportsman TC is a case in point.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin samples one of the three PiperSport LSA models introduced at the Sebring Expo, and finds it to his liking.