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.
Reinventing the Wheel
Do you really need to spend your time coming up with a better solution when the one provided is more than good enough?
Free Flight
Filing IFR gives you the flexibility to take advantage during fluctuating weather conditions rather than being at the mercy of them.
Free Flight
There are many reasons that building your own airplane takes awhile. Columnist Paul Dye details the pitfalls of completing one seemingly simple maintenance task, which brings into focus the bigger picture.
What’s The Worst That Could Happen?
When you're tempted to take shortcuts during a build or repair without asking questions about the ramifications, it may be wise to contemplate the worst-case scenario.
Free Flight
When testing a new avionics component in your homebuilt, you must be prepared to deal with any consequences that may develop.
Learning Complex Systems Means Knowing How They Work
The importance of understanding your aircrafts avionics systems in terms of form, function and troubleshooting.
In Case You Missed It
Countersinking for a Flush Fastener Fit
In last month’s column, we talked about the procedures needed for installing flush rivets...