Ron Wanttaja
Ron Wanttaja is a systems engineer, engaged in satellite orbit/constellation design and analysis, launch vehicle and onboard propulsion system trades, and operations concepts for space systems. He worked on the early design studies for the International Space Station.
Homebuilt Accidents: Comparing the Causes
Do certified aircraft have different types of accidents than Experimentals?
Homebuilt Accidents-Comparing the Rates
A true head-to-head comparison with production aircraft is difficult to achieve.
Do-It-Yourself Ejection Seat
Adding lift to the seat allows a builder to exit his Fly Baby easily (plus it’s virtually undetectable to bystanders).
Amateur-Built Aircraft Safety Study
Ron Wanttaja digs into the details of the NTSBs safety study on Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft to determine whether we got a fair shake. He also discusses its recommendations for the FAA and EAA.
Safety Is No Accident: Buying a Previously Owned, Flying Homebuilt
Ron Wanttaja looks at the accident data to determine whether its safer to buy than build an Experimental, and he identifies the key factors to ensuring a successful outcome.
Safety Is No Accident: Fatality Rates for Homebuilt Aircraft
The accident fatality rate for homebuilt aircraft is higher than the GA rate, but why?
Safety Is No Accident: Auto-Engine Conversions
Ron Wanttaja crunches the numbers to determine whether homebuilts powered by auto-engine conversions are inherently less safe than their traditional engine brethren.
Safety Is No Accident: Glasair and GlaStar
Ron Wanttaja examines the accident data for the Glasair and GlaStar designs and finds structural support may play a key role.
Safety Is No Accident: Zenith
Ron Wanttaja examines the accident data for two of Zenith Aircrafts most popular designs, the CH 601 and CH 701.
In Case You Missed It
Wind Tunnel
Seemingly inconsequential alterations—even mounting an inflight camera on the airframe—can result in big changes to an aircraft’s handling and performance.
