Kitplanes

Cover Story

Van's RV-8: Sport Plane Standard Setter

The RV-8 arguably is the standard sport plane of our era. As we went to press in early July, there were 714 RV-8s flying among the 5200 RVs of all types. The only models with larger fleets samong RVs are the -4 and the -6/6A. It trails the -4 by 500 units, but you could easily see the RV-8 making up the gap in its lifetime, especially now that the whole kit is built with pre-punched (or matchhole) components. It has set the standard--in performance and handling--for today's sport planes.

Builder Spotlight

Van's RV-8: Sport Plane Standard Setter

Although the RV-8 debuted 12 years ago, author Ed Wischmeyer flies a splendid builder example and notes how the design has fared over the years; by Ed Wischmeyer.

Aircraft Handling: What's It Mean To You?

Two seasoned test pilots, Chuck Berthe and Ed Wischmeyer, discuss their favorite aircraft and the traits that make the aircraft endearing. They also offer a brief history of aircraft design, and discuss the payoffs and compromises inherent in any design effort. Some of their selections are surprising. a Staff Report.

A Sign of the Zodiac (Part 5)

Builder Rick Lindstrom’s Zenith Zodiac 601 XL project continues as he discusses the successes and setbacks he experienced along the way to the first flight; by Rick Lindstrom.

O For Some Plans!

Builder Ray Ordorica is in the process of realizing a long-term dream of building the real airplane that he flew as a model during his early years. The project is not without its trials, though, as original plans are not available, and many small mysteries must be solved before the real building can begin; by Ray Ordorica.

Build Your Skills: Composites (Part 6)

In this series installment, author Bob Fritz takes you through the basics of a three-day project you can really use: lightweight fiberglass wheel chocks. The article covers materials, cutting, patterns, foam cutting, eliminating bubbles, and pitfalls to look out for during the build; by Bob Fritz.

All About Avionics, Part 7

If you intend to fly non-precision or precision GPS approaches, you really do need an IFR GPS. This article explains the options available and the legal issues associated with using the latest in-cockpit GPS technology for IFR navigation; by Stein Bruch.

Completions

Builders share their successes.

Shop Talk

The Home Machinist, Part 7

This milling project offers home machinists a great way to get the feel of their equipment and gives them a plug protector for their in-cockpit iPaq as well; by Bob Fritz.

Shop Safety

This article covers what you should have learned in your high school shop class, but didn’t, and more. It discusses safety glasses, proper treatment of chisels, gloves, jewelry, shop coats, hand tools, urban myths, safe shoes, hardware, biomechanics, capturing wayward chips, machinery placement in the shop, air-powered tools, cleanup, pneumatic cutting tools, and other common sense advice; by Bob Fritz.

Aero 'Lectrics

Author Jim Weir explains his preparation for the installation of an energy-efficient power system for a hangar or building shed—all on a shoestring budget. He explains how to choose equipment, calculate power needs, the right light fixtures, power generation, equipment suppliers and prices, and the basic legality of such systems; by Jim Weir.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

The author explains how the characteristics of an airplane affect pilot ability to complete tasks, response factors, stability and damping of the airframe to changes in angle of attack, basic stability, trim, control forces, and control power. He also addresses the controversy behind the design of airplanes, their characteristics and the resultant suitability for various types of flying; by Barnaby Wainfan.

Exploring

Around the Patch

Getting a handle on it; by Marc Cook.

What's New

Illuminate your panel, a new EFIS, and a Subaru-based firewall-forwaard engine package; edited by Mary Bernard.

Sport Pilot Airplane

Bob Fritz reviews Sport Pilot Airplane, a new book from Carol and Brian Carpenter, which covers Light Sport Aircraft from selecting an airplane to pilot and aircraft requirements, meteorology, aerodynamics, flying characteristics, transition to new aircraft and FAA paperwork; by Bob Fritz.

Light Stuff

Shopping for a new airplane is never easy and there is much to consider. This article details one man’s purchase decision, as he systematically weighs the pros and cons of various designs and ultimately decides on the Flight Design CT; by Dave Martin.

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Kit Stuff

Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.