Kitplanes

Cover Story

A Higher Velocity

Marc Cook reviews the new twin-turbo Velocity TXL from Velocity Aircraft. Among the benefits of the new configuration, which includes two Garrett turbochargers on the Continental engine, is power that keeps performance consistent well into higher altitudes—to the tune of 250 knots at FL250.

Flight Reports

A Higher Velocity

Marc Cook reviews the new twin-turbo Velocity TXL from Velocity Aircraft. Among the benefits of the new configuration, which includes two Garrett turbochargers on the Continental engine, is power that keeps performance consistent well into higher altitudes—to the tune of 250 knots at FL250.

Light Sport, Done the Van's Way

Van’s founder Dick VanGrunsven has long been active in the development of consensus standards for Light Sport Aircraft. Until recently, however, no one knew he was developing an LSA of his own. Enter the proof-of-concept RV-12. If testing bears out the viability of the concept, it may become available as an amateur-built kit.

Builder Spotlight

Aircraft Handling: Making the Compromises Work

Doug Rozendaal brings his considerable experience to a discussion of flight handling characteristics and his favorite aircraft. Among the factors designers consider are stability, control response, feel, personal preferences, FAA requirements, stick force, center of gravity, center of pressure, and the flight envelope. Every design is a compromise.

Dare To Be Bare

After checking with a variety of aluminum polishing aficionados, author Bob Fritz came up with a winning combination for maintaining the shine on metal airplanes. He details not only which products to use, but also how to use them for maximum effectiveness with minimal elbow grease.

A Sign of the Zodiac (Part 6)

As the project is completed and is readied for its flight home, the author reflects on the challenges he overcame and the lessons he learned during the build; by Rick Lindstrom.

But Will It Fly the Plane?

Raconteur and avid WW-I-era airplane enthusiast Dick Starks regales us with tales of innovation and resourcefulness when he attempts to measure the “pull” of his and his compadres’ VW powerplants.

Build Your Skills: Composites (Part 7)

Author Bob Fritz explains how to set up a vacuum-bagging operation in your home shop, using readily available equipment and supplies, which will get you great results on small- to medium-size parts. The object is to mechanically “squeeze” out excess epoxy for a good-ratio part with maximum weight savings and strength.

Completions

Builders share their successes.

Shop Talk

The Home Machinist (Part 8)

In his continuing series, author Bob Fritz discusses the ins and outs of threads including how to avoid seizing, types of threads, sizing, drilling holes, using a tap-drill chart, and matching fastener dimensions.

Aero 'Lectrics

In an ongoing attempt to update his shop and make it more energy efficient, Jim Weir puts together a winning compressor-generator combo to run the lights and whatever else needs juice.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

It’s an age-old duality: stability versus maneuverability. Many factors go into developing and building any aircraft, and the designer’s choices will affect a pilot’s workload, for good or ill. Among the topics discussed are trim, pitch stability and yaw stability; by Barnaby Wainfan.

Exploring

Around the Patch

Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook weighs the relative merits of perfectionism in building and maintaining homebuilts versus using the aircraft for its intended purpose: flying.

What's New

This month’s listing covers a new entry to the LSA market, the Explorer, a how-to TIG welding DVD, a free avionics guide from AEA, news about updated software and a new display from Anywhere Map, introduction of a three-cylinder diesel engine, and a sun visor for the popular Van’s series of homebuilt aircraft; edited by Mary Bernard.

Unusual Attitude: GPS and Reality

While he admires and uses them, author Norm Ellis laments the lack of user-friendliness in today’s GPS units. Editor Marc Cook counters that argument and extols the virtues of GPSes, complications or no, and their value in the cockpit.

Engine Beat

UL Power Aero Engines’ four-cylinder, four-stroke, 82-horsepower 2.6-liter engine may look familiar, but its refinement makes it a different powerplant altogether; by Tim Kern.

Light Stuff

The Tecnam Bravo LSA from Tecnam Construzioni Aeronatuiche of Italy, offers loads of features, among them a choice of wing position, high or low; by Dave Martin.

Kit Bits

Contributors

Letters

List of Advertisers

Builders' Marketplace

The Classified Builder

Kit Stuff

Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.