Tom Wilson
Pumping avgas and waxing flight school airplanes got Tom into general aviation in 1973, but the lure of racing cars and motorcycles sent him down a motor journalism career heavy on engines and racing. Today he still writes for peanuts and flies for fun.
The Fly As You Go Plan
Learned colleague Paul Dye recently wrote about the time-limited nature of aviation hardware. That is, every bolt has its day. Eventually the cad plate...
Old World, New Engines
After putting another $140 into the gas tanks of my 300-hp biplane, I have to admit the newer sport planes coming out of Europe...
Going Around
Gallons of ink have been dedicated—with only minor effect—to figuring out what it is that joins pilots together. But clearly there’s something in the...
Higgs, Grove Form AC Aero
Engine designer and industry consultant Andrew Higgs has joined with Sport class air racer Karl Grove to form AC Aero USA LLC. The new...
Just a Trim, Please
Being well out of trim myself at the time, staying busy whirling the little knobbed wheel in the Cessna 150 trainer never appeared overly...
Missing Red Bull
Am I alone when saying the Red Bull Air Races were not my ideal of aviation pursuit? I surprise myself a little saying that,...
On Getting Dark
Tyrants make memorable flight instructors, a good thing when the lessons being imparted need remembering. And I must say, my primary flight instructor was...
On Thanksgiving
One of the compelling reasons to aviate is it can demand the ultimate payment, and with an impartiality Hemingway appreciated. That alone elevates flying...
Cutting It Short
Recidivist readers will recall last month I went on a bender over a breeze in Mojave and how a single chock saved the day....
In Case You Missed It
Timing
Building an airplane is something that requires not only specific shop skills and experience,...
Design Process: Vertical Tail Planform
The size and shape of the planform of the vertical tail determine its ability...