Magazine

Todays homebuilt aircraft avionics packages often incorporate a number of boxes behind the panel, all requiring a particular type of wiring to go with them (not to mention all the other power draws such as lights, flap motors, etc.). Its advisable, then, to consider the length and nature of the wiring to be included in your project from the moment you start building. Avionics techno Stein Bruch explains the how and why of managing the wiring requirements for your aircraft.

If you always wanted a custom exhaust for your homebuilt but were too afraid to ask, consider this alternative where you build the model and then send it in to the shop for professional fabrication. Author Bret Davenport found the Aircraft Exhaust four-into-one collector system for his Pitts S-1S more than satisfactory.

Mark Townsend’s scratch-building seminar allows builders to come away with the hands-on experience and the confidence they’ll need to start building a kit aircraft such as the Zenith STOL CH 701 from plans.

What do you do if you want to cut a longer-than-usual taper? Well, first you'll need to create a simple tool from some round stock that will provide target zones for your dial indicator, and then you may need to buy some more tools-what a shame! Home Machinist Bob Fritz takes you through the process. Hint: Choosing the right Morse Taper is critical.

If you've ever wondered who invented the ubiquitous light-emitting diode, wonder no more. Columnist Jim Weir explains the origin and evolution of LEDs, and how to wire them up for use in your aircraft.

When is an airplane in trim? At least to the pilot, the airplane is trimmed when no stick force is required to maintain equilibrium. So how do we achieve this? Barnaby Wainfan explains any number of ways to go about it, including the use of trimtabs, spring systems, sparrow strainers and variable incidence tails.

Editor in Chief Marc Cook was skeptical early on about using the Primary Category to address the problem of over-reliance on commercial builder assistance. But further consideration made him think it may have a role to play in the FAAs revised guidance.

Two RANS kits return to production, Aircraft Spruce offers the Castleberry electric attitude indicator, and two Six Chuter SLSAs are certified.

Surviving an emergency or crash landing in a remote area is just the beginning of staying alive long term. Thinking about what you might need and equipping yourself adequately for the type of flying you intend to do are essential to making it until help arrives.

When faced with the choice of going commercial or flying his RV-6 to Alaska, author Ken Scott opted to be pilot in command. Having never flown his plane on trips long enough to require an en-route fuel stop, he figured it was time. What ensued was the trip of a lifetime, with scenery only Alaska can offer, glimpses of aviation history, and flying challenges tempered by friendly encounters with the natives.