Tribute to Teachers and Mentors
I write this submission during the month of November when traditionally we ponder and express gratitude for things, some would say blessings, that we...
No One Is Watching
For better or worse, kit manufacturers are under no FAA oversight. There are no independent engineering reviews. No mandatory wing loading or landing-gear drop...
What’s Ahead?
As we close out 2022 (as I am writing this) and reflect on a year that showed both immense promise—people continue to build and...
Economics Buffet the Engine Market
Few disagree that the Experimental/Amateur-Built world revolves around gas-burning piston engines. Of course, the legacy engines have had a significant head start but Rotax...
Bingo Fuel
Having more gas on board than needed for a given flight seems easy enough to comprehend, yet every year an alarming number of flights...
A Cautionary Tail
One Monday morning I opened an email from the second owner of a Onex. It was sent at 8:12 p.m. on Saturday. An attached...
My Home Airport
Recently I walked into Van’s Aircraft and kissed the cutest engineer I could find. He didn’t seem that thrilled. I suppose that’s what happens...
Nothing New
Apparently having done something evil in a former life, I’ve been consigned to toil on this magazine’s Engine Buyer’s Guide in this life. I...
Executing the Execution
Airplanes are born of time and tedium. Mostly tedium. A harsh statement, yet a true one. There’s just no way around deburring the thousands...
In Case You Missed It
Building a Hidden Oil Door Hinge and Latch
A different approach to a popular modification. By Brad Benson.
Aero ‘lectrics
There are many ways to check the accuracy of your airplanes tachometer. From the commonplace to the offbeat, Jim Weir explains their benefits and drawbacks.