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.
A Chock Talk
About a year ago my son whittled us some traveling chocks, just bits of 2-inch aluminum angle Swiss-cheesed to save weight. We’re a performance...
Long-EZs and More
If there’s a chance to meet or hear an aviation celebrity speak, it’s my observation it’s worth the effort. Much of this is just...
Living With RVs
For the last 20 plus years any person who’s thought of building their own airplane has had to get past one big question: “Why...
Cracks, Both Foreign and Domestic
Perhaps like me, you missed the big show this year. That is, they ran AirVenture without me, and I’m not sure anyone really noticed....
Findlay Dominates
Weather was a factor on Sunday for the final Gold races at Reno. High winds were forecast and materialized just long enough mid-morning to...
Anticipating Sunday in Reno
Depending on where you look, the racing this year at Reno ranges from decline to epic. Luckily for KITPLANES readers the epic contests are...
The Big Scare
You look down at the instruments, and instantly energy drains down your body as if bomb bay doors on the soles of your feet had opened and the concrete floor were a sponge.
Rear Cockpit: The Other Guy’s Plane
In a parallel life of mine—auto journalism—shop talk occasionally got around to just how few cars the average person probably drives in their lifetime....
In Case You Missed It
What’s New
Dr. RoTech introduces an engine analyzer for Rotax 912/914 engines, Planemakers offers builder assistance for composite aircraft, and Ameritech distributes Electroair ignition systems.
Light Stuff
Earlier this year, columnist Dave Martin had the opportunity to fly Flight Designs CTSW (short wing) factory-built Light Sport Aircraft. This month, he flies the company's new CTLS (Light Sport model), and he details the differences between the two.
Design Process: Wing Structure
Last month we started our discussion of wing design with a look at the...