Table of Contents

September 2004 Issue

Cover Story

The Hummingbird Helicopter

Many prospective buyers have dreamed of the day when a kit helicopter would serve as a magic carpet to transport their families to previously unreachable destinations. That day has dawned. The Vertical Aviation Technologies, Inc. (VAT) Hummingbird kit helicopter is not only a fantasy fulfilled, it also possesses the potential to grow into a turbine-powered chopper. VAT has created a mock-up for a Hughes 500-like installation of an Allison (now Rolls-Royce) C-18 or later model machine. By Ken Armstrong

Flight Reports

The Hummingbird Helicopter

Ken Armstrong test flies the world's first four-place kit helicopter.

The Sleek and Sexy Safari

This two-place helicopter's appeal isn't just skin-deep; by Ken Armstrong.

Builder Spotlight

An Airplane in Our Living Room, Part 1

A husband and wife team builds a DFE Ultralights Ascender III-C; by Adam Hunt.

Completions

Subject: builder_reports, builder_spotlight, business, avionics

Shop Talk

How Piston Engines Make Power, Part 7

"Turbo Tom" Wyatt provides a layman's guide to tuned ports.

Bring on the Tools!

These unique construction tools should be on every homebuilder's wish list; by Ed Wischmeyer.

Aero 'Lectrics, Part 2

In the second part of this series, Jim Weir demonstrates how to build an ILS/VOR test box; by Jim Weir.

The Quiet Homebuilt

How would you like to construct a homebuilt that reduces generated noise? by Ed Wischmeyer.

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Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

Barnaby Wainfan examines pitch feel devices; by Barnaby Wainfan.

Exploring

Around the Patch

Announcing our first Readers' Choice awards; by Brian E. Clark.

What's New

Mountain High unveils pulse-demand oxygen technology; edited by Brian E. Clark.

Kit Helicopters 101

Everything you need to know before you consider building a kit helicopter; by Ken Armstrong.

B. J. Schramm--A Homebuilding Legend

The RotorWay and Helicycle designer pioneered the kit helicopter industry; by John M. Larsen.

The Top 20, Part 1

Meet the most influential figures who have shaped homebuilt aviation; by Rick Lindstrom.

Chelton's EFIS Revamped

The Sierra EFIS-SV Sport offers a total package at an affordable price; by Dave Higdon.

Next-Generation Nemesis

Ed Wischmeyer reports on the racer's rollout; by Ed Wischmeyer.

Light Stuff

Built from carbon-fiber reinforced wood, this ultralight goes the distance; by Dan Johnson.

Kit Bits

Letters

List of Advertisers

Builders' Marketplace

The Classified Builder

Kit Stuff

Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.

Web Links in this Issue

Photo by Richard VanderMeulen

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTICE TO KITPLANES SUBSCRIBERS:

The Kitplanes Magazine Customer Service Center has moved from Palm Coast, FL to Big Sandy, TX. Our toll-free number, 800-622-1065, and website, kitplanes.com, remain the same. All mailed correspondence, including subscription invoices, renewals, and gift notices, will bear our new address:
PO BOX 8535
Big Sandy, TX 75755

We look forward to serving you from our new location.

Garmin 796At AOPA Summit in Hartford, Garmin will unveil its latest portable, the touchscreen aera 796. Take a video tour of the navigator's features, which include synthetic vision, enhanced chart functions, and a new touchscreen interface.
par100exKITPLANES talked to PS Engineering’s Mark Scheuer about the new PAR100EX Experimental-class audio panel with a communication radio.
Sebastien Heintz at SNF 2011KITPLANES talks with Zenith Aircraft’s Sebastien Heintz at Sun ‘n Fun 2011.
garmin g3xKITPLANES gets the scoop on Garmin’s developments and rebates for the G3X EFIS at Sun ‘n Fun 2011.
Dynon DX15KITPLANES caught up with Dynon Avionics at Sun ‘n Fun to get a glimpse of the new DX15 handheld com radio.
whirlwind-snip2KITPLANES tours the Whirlwind Propeller factory where the firm's fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers are made, as well as the blades for Whirlwind constant-speed props.
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