Exploring

In keeping with the spirit of this years Directory of Plansbuilt Aircraft, Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook extols the virtues of enjoying the process of building of an airplane as much as the flying of it.

Among the news items this month are the announcement of extended-range fuel tanks for the Arion Aircraft Lightning, a flight bag thats customized for RV aircraft, a light-aircraft jack and a new transceiver from Microair Avionics of Australia.

Sage philosopher and aviation nut Uncle Ishmael explains how, for about the price of a 4-year-old Ford pickup truck, you can own a serviceable homebuilt aircraft. Youll probably have to forgo anything certified, and hone your scrounging skills, but when all is said and done, isn't getting up in the air flying better than sitting on the ground dreaming?

Inherent biases or previous experience can alter the perceptions of any product reviewer, but perceptions may change when one takes the time to investigate further, sometimes turning what was thought to be a detriment into something less significant. Such was the case when columnist Dave Martin revisited one feature (pilot visibility) of the Remos G-3 SLSA.

Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook highlights an intriguing product that caught his eye at AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, and he reiterates the difficulty of bringing new engines to market.

While new electronic flight instrument systems (EFISes) sometimes seem ubiquitous, PC Avionics new yourGlassPanel line stands out as an easily retrofittable blend of form and function that may fit the bill for homebuilders seeking a moderately priced primary or backup EFIS; by Marc Cook.

Home equity loans, building loans, credit cards: These are only a few of the ways that one can finance an airplane building project. But beware: Each option has its benefits and disadvantages, and the wise builder will consider these carefully before signing on the dotted line; by Dave Higdon.

The Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association presented its 16th annual Presidents Award to Rotaxs Eric Tucker at Oshkosh/AirVenture this year. Tuckers history dovetails with LAMAs history, and each will play a significant role in the growing Light Sport Aircraft market; by Dave Martin.

There's always something new to be had in the field of aviation-related equipment, and this year we stay on the beaten trail and wander off of it a bit with a new EFD/MFD, a build-it-yourself headset, a readily stowable inflatable tent, a headset boom light, a digital attitude indicator, an electronic flight bag and spiffy, low-draw LED landing lights; a Staff Report.

Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook weighs the relative merits of perfectionism in building and maintaining homebuilts versus using the aircraft for its intended purpose: flying.