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 Aircraft’s SuperSTOL
Just Aircraft is well known for its sporty, two-place taildraggers and at Sun 'n Fun 2013 the company had on display a new model called the SuperSTOL.
Superior Air Parts brings back XP-Engine Build School
Superior Air Parts, Inc., announced today that the company is again offering its popular XP-Engine Build School at its Coppell, Texas headquarters. This program...
Sporty's New Sun 'n Fun App Available for Free Download
Sporty's, in partnership with SUN 'n FUN, is releasing a free mobile app for the 2013 show that is available for both Apple and...
New Lightweight 6" Main Wheel Assembly for LSA and Other Light...
Beringer Wheels & Brakes has announced a new 2-piece lightweight 6" main wheel and brake assembly for LSA and other very light aircraft, featuring...
Aviators By Design Announces "Soar Like an Eagle" Campaign
Organization to raise funds to complete student-built Zenith CH750 aircraft.
Aviators By Design, Founder and President, Jerry Graf announced today that the organization is kicking...
Editor’s Log
As Paul Dye takes the helm at KITPLANES, he looks forward to covering this exciting time in the Experimental aircraft community.
Nobody’s Perfect
Nobody's perfect. Neither is any airplane or airplane part—there’s always a tolerance from perfection, and that’s OK, as long as you understand the art of repair.
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.
Build It Better: Hope Is Not a Plan
There are always unknowns in any human endeavor, but in aviation, we must think about the ways we can minimize them.
Free Flight
To fly or not to fly? Often it depends on the weather, which can be uncertain. That’s why it’s good to have IFR clearance, and crucial to have a backup plan.
In Case You Missed It
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook looks at the potential impact on GA of Lycomings new IE2 engine that features electronic engine management.
All About Avionics
Stein Bruch reviews the airborne weather choices for the homebuilder, using technology undreamed of only 20 years ago.