CD-Based Weather Course Introduced
Weather Statement Groundschool is now offering a course on METARS (Aviation Routine Weather Reports) and TAFs (Terminal Area Forecasts) that you can complete on your home computer. METARS include temperature, dew point, wind speed, direction, precipitation, cloud cover, visibility, lightning and barometric pressure. TAFs are used in conjunction with METARS and use similar terminology. [IMG(CAP1)] …
Commentary: Experimental "51%" solutions—is Primary Category the answer?
In February, when the FAA published the final report from the working group looking at “major portion” guidance, another proposal was floated to help...
You Don’t Need a Weatherman to Know Which Way the Wind...
Yes, you do, if you’re going to fly safely. And while there are a lot of websites out there that give...
News: On Changes to 51% Rule Guidance, VanGrunsven “Cautiously optimistic.”
Among the current kit manufacturers, Van’s Aircraft is indisputably the volume leader. Nearly 5600 RVs are flying, and like all other kit manufacturers, the...
Update: Dan Parker's Altitude Attempt
KITPLANES readers will recall a recent article about Dan Parker and his High Flyer (January 2008 issue). He is in the process of...
News: Reworked Guidance for Kitbuilt Aircraft on the Way
Will revised Advisory Circulars kill builder assistance?Last Friday, the FAA published the final report from the Amateur-Built Aircraft Aviation Rulemaking Committee that outlines plans...
KITPLANES Magazine Newsblog Goes Live!
Welcome to the KITPLANES newsblog, where you will find the latest news and views on the world of homebuilt aviation. This is not intended...
KITPLANES Launches Newsblog
Brand new, still under warranty: The KITPLANES newsblog, where you will find the latest news and views on the world of homebuilt aviatioon. This is not intended to be a substitute for the great content you'll find in each issue of the magazine or right here on KITPLANES.com, but rather it will serve as a venue for late-breaking news, opinion, show coverage and stories in brief. We hope you'll take the time to share your…
Build A Plane Needs Airplane Donations
Oshkosh, Wisconsin-Build A Plane (BAP), the non-profit organization that helps kids learn science, technology, engineering and mathematics by building real airplanes, is in need of aircraft donations. Currently there are over 50 projects across the United States, plus others in India, the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and more than a 100 projects are forecast to be operating before the end of 2008. Kids are given project aircraft of all descriptions, from cabin class…
Randy Schlitter Among Eight Inducted into EAA Hall of Fame
Prolific aircraft designer Randy Schlitter has been inducted into the EAA Homebuilders Hall of Fame, one of eight individuals honored in Oshkosh on November 9. In addition to Schlitter, the EAA inducted Debby Rihn-Harvey and Bill Kershner to the International Aerobatic Club (IAC) Hall of Fame; Wilson "Connie" Edwards to the Warbirds of …
In Case You Missed It
Aero ‘lectrics
Columnist Jim Weir reminds us that its good to laugh at ourselves once in a while, and, to that end, he acts as an unofficial translator between pilots and the FAA, construing what they mean by what they say, and what they mean by what they don't say. He also details the latest contributions to Murphys Law from the world of aviation.
Flight Testing
You've planned; you've prepared. Now we look at how to conduct your first flight in a homebuilt aircraft.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir delves into the world of barrier strips, wire markers, resettable fuses, nylon connector usage, dyeing and inrush current limiters.