Table of Contents
August 2005 Issue
Cover Story
If it's indeed true that speed sells, the Epic LT ought to be popping out of the molds in Bend, Oregon, at a ferocious pace. After all, this outsized six-seater, offered initially as an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft but destined to be FAR Part 23 certified and mass produced, cooks along at an eye-widening 403 mph--a number that still sounds mighty impressive as 350 knots. That's fleeter yet than the Turbine Legend and even a turbine-powered Lancair IV. If you're shopping across the aisle in production turboprop singles, know that the current Epic beats the Pilatus PC-12, which boasts the same total power, by 80 knots and the EADS/Socata TBM700 by a solid 50 knots.
Flight Reports
This 1200-hp single gives new meaning to the term fast glass; by Ed Wischmeyer.
Builder Spotlight
Build Your Skills: Metal, Part 1
An RV builder begins our journey through the gritty details of working with metal; by Dan Checkoway.
Don't try this at home; by Dick Starks.
The new MD3 Rider is the latest development from the designer of the Skyboy; by Dan Johnson.
Shop Talk
Yep, homebuilts need them, too. What to know before you throw your money down; by Brian E. Clark.
Welcome to the wood works; by Rick Lindstrom.
Build Your Own Instrument Panel, Part 2
Engine monitor dos and don'ts; by Marc Cook.
A little preventative maintenance can help you avoid serious problems under the cowl; by Ed Wischmeyer.
Be sure to identify and remedy common firewall-forward problems after your first flight; by Tim Kern.
Now that we have the wind indicator flying, let's electrify it; by Jim Weir.
Designer's Notebook
The choice of engine is one of a designer's most critical decisions; by Barnaby Wainfan.
Exploring
Are you ready for the jets? by Marc Cook.
Lamar Technologies debuts master control unit for Experimentals; edited by Brian E. Clark.
Useful Loaders: 14 Kits for Heavy Haulin'
For true haulers, useful load is about more than just pounds; by Dave Higdon.
Not much in the way of surprises at this year's annual Florida fly-in; a staff report.
Kit Bits
Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.
Web Links in this Issue
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At 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.
KITPLANES talked to PS Engineering’s Mark Scheuer about the new PAR100EX Experimental-class audio panel with a communication radio.
KITPLANES talks with Zenith Aircraft’s Sebastien Heintz at Sun ‘n Fun 2011.
KITPLANES gets the scoop on Garmin’s developments and rebates for the G3X EFIS at Sun ‘n Fun 2011.
KITPLANES caught up with Dynon Avionics at Sun ‘n Fun to get a glimpse of the new DX15 handheld com radio.
KITPLANES 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.
