Vic Syracuse
Vic is a fixed-wing and helicopter commercial pilot, CFII with ASMEL/ASES ratings, an A&P/IA, DAR, and EAA technical advisor and flight counselor. Passionately involved in aviation for over 40 years, he has built 11 aircraft and logged over 10,000 hours in 72 different kinds of aircraft. Vic volunteers as a Young Eagle pilot, has his own sport aviation business called Base Leg Aviation, and has written two books on aircraft prebuy and condition inspections.
Fuel Pump Overflow
The overflow connection at the engine-driven fuel pump needs to be connected to a tube that exits the cowling.
Failed Ignition System
When it comes to aircraft ignition systems, I’ve always favored having one magneto and one electronic ignition system (EIS). Many dual electronic ignitions require...
Unairworthy Engine Controls
Engine controls should be mounted properly to the engine, not the engine mount tubes, and they should be secured with the proper attachments. The...
The Best Oshkosh Ever
I know many of you following the progress of my Hummingbird helicopter are probably thinking that flying it to the show is what made...
Bad Weld
Sometimes welding should be left to those more skilled in its practice. I don’t think I would trust this repair that was made to...
The Case of No Rotor RPM Indication
I am now in the flight-testing stage with my Hummingbird helicopter. Personally, I’ve always liked the 40 hours of required flight testing as it...
Cabin Air
Do not use the engine compartment as a source of fresh air or heat, as there is the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Building the ‘Beater – Part 6
As promised, Lycoming delivered the Thunderbolt engine in December to Vertical Aviation. Since this was the first Thunderbolt engine to be installed in a...
In Case You Missed It
Light Stuff
What do you get when you combine the ambiance of a military fighter with the design constraints of a Light Sport Aircraft? The MySky MS-1. By Dave Martin.
Roll Your Own
Weight and balance, taxi tests, first flights and debriefings. This is what it all comes down to when you design and build a one-of-a-kind Experimental aircraft. Happily, the airplane lives up to its builders expectations… and then some.
Build Your Skills: Metal, Part 2
How to meld with metal and bash rivets without blood or tears; by Dan Checkoway.