Firewall Forward: Tools of the Trade
Here are the tools you'll need during your engine installation, plus suggestions for keeping them organized.
Engine Update: New Life for Old Radials
Barrett Precision Engines has taken the nine-cylinder Vedeneyev M14P radial engine to a whole other level with a fuel-injection upgrade and new ignition system. By Marc Cook.
Build It Better: Show Me the Data!
Don’t believe everything you hear when making an important building or maintenance decision—do your homework.
Switch Blade
Weighing just 11 pounds for a hub and three blades, the new carbon-fiber prop from Whirl Wind Propellers improves the performance in both climb and cruise on a RANS S-7.
Firewall Forward: Choosing a Prop for Your Project
Wood or composite? Constant speed or fixed pitch? The choice of propeller should be made just as carefully as the choice of an engine. Dave Prizio outlines some of the important factors to consider.
Unusual Attitude
If you want to install an alternative engine in your aircraft, make sure you've thought through the issues of weight, thrust line, cooling and cowling.
Build It Better: Where’s Your Margin?
How can you give yourself that margin of safety that you hope you'll never need?
Cable Classroom
Most homebuilt aircraft use control cables, so it's helpful to understand how to select, install and maintain them.
In Case You Missed It
The Paint Shop Experience
Deciding that you don't want to paint your homebuilt airplane yourself means placing your baby in the hands of a paint shop. Susan Brunner offers some tips to help manage this important aspect of the building process successfully.
Getting Its Props
Few people have the opportunity to tour the kit manufacturers shop, let alone the manufacturing facilities of ancillary items such as engines, avionics and props. Author Bob Fritz remedies that last one by taking us on a tour of Sensenichs plant, and you'll marvel at the company's unique blend of old school and high tech.