Annual Directory, Part 3 2009 Rotorcraft Buyer's Guide In Part 3 of our Annual Buyer’s Guides, we present a variety of homebuilt rotorcraft, among which are some Light Sport gyroplanes; compiled by Julia Downie. Flight Reports Zenith STOL CH 750 Changing with the times, Zenith Aircraft has introduced an improved version of a design that debuted some 20 years ago. With a larger payload, more robust landing gear and greater visibility among other features, the CH 750 is tailored for today’s sport pilot; by LeRoy Cook. A New Name on the Alternative Engine Block When NSI went under in 2005, builders who had an engine or were waiting on parts for one might have found themselves in a world of hurt. But seeing an opportunity, John and Gwen Maxwell acquired the assets of the company and have endeavored since to make a sound product even better; by Marc Cook. Builder Spotlight Roll Your Own Builders Ken Scott and Ken Krueger’s unique project is off the drawing board and into production. They’re working with the engine builder, the wing is behind them, the nosebowl is taking shape—and the fuselage is taking over the living room; by Ken Scott. Build Your Skills: Fabric Taping curved areas is essential if you want to keep them smooth, and the same goes for inspection rings or gussets. This month, we walk you through the process and help you iron out any problems; by Ron Alexander. To Launch a Light Sport The Jabiru engine is a thing of beauty to behold, and it’s one reason this builder bought this particular aircraft kit. Though the installation was relatively easy, it still required some thinking ahead; by Bob Fritz. Shop Talk Aero 'Lectrics This month, we look at how an airspeed indicator works and rig up a simple calibration tool for it; by Jim Weir. Designer's Notebook Wind Tunnel Multiple engines complicate design, because not only must the airplane be able to maintain flight on one engine, but also the pilot must be able to control it. Lateral/directional stability issues are key; by Barnaby Wainfan. Exploring Around the Patch Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook discusses the mood at the annual AOPA gathering, where he found an upbeat vibe, cautious optimism about the FAA’s pending homebuilding rules changes, and a positive announcement from Glasair Aviation. Garmin GPSMap 696 Garmin has introduced at tablet-style portable that combines the best features of a panel-mounted multifunction display and a portable GPS. The screen real estate in itself is noteworthy, but the additional features are impressive; by Marc Cook. 25th Anniversary: The Glasair-Lancair Wars The origins of Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft precede Lancair Aircraft by a few years, but once Lancair entered the game, competition was not only fierce but also productive; by Marc Cook. The Back Yard Flyer When Dick and Sharon Starks found that Sharon’s Airdrome Aeroplanes Morane Saulnier “L” Parasol replica was TP’d at Oshkosh, the search was on to find the culprits. Along the way, they also discovered an innovative new ultralight from Valley Engineering; by Dick Starks. ELTs of Tomorrow Today The FAA mandates the use of emergency locator transmitters so that downed aircraft can be found and assistance provided. But times are changing, and it’s important to understand the nature of the new technology so that you can best equip yourself; by Bob Fritz. Ask the DAR DAR Mel Asberry answers questions from readers about approval of new 51% kits and what happens if the rules change, plus finding an experienced flight advisor for your project. Down to Earth The break-in and fly-off periods are nearly complete for the Van’s RV-10, and now it’s time for paint and soon an unplanned cross-country trip; by Amy Laboda. Light Stuff At AirVenture last year, Remos Aircraft introduced an all-composite, factory-built Light Sport Aircraft, the GX, which replaces the Remos G-3. Significant testing went into the two-year development of this new plane, including ground vibration testing, which is the subject of this month’s column; by Dave Martin. Kit Bits Contributors Letters List of Advertisers Builders' Marketplace The Classified Builder Kit Stuff Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.
Follow these links to visit the web sites of companies you read about in the February issue.
KITPLANES sits down with Advanced Flight Systems' founder Rob Hickman to examine his new synthetic-vision EFIS.
JPI's Lance Turk explains the features of the new JPI EDM-740.
Ever wonder what it takes to be the largest kit manufacturer in the world? KITPLANES editor Marc Cook takes a tour of Van's Aircraft in Aurora, Oregon.
KITPLANES editor Marc Cook visits Matco Manufacturing near Salt Lake City to see how the company's brakes, wheels and master cylinders are built.
Get an inside look at how Dynon builds and tests its electronic flight instruments.
Kitplanes Magazine contributor Ed Kolano takes a first look at the Sherpa utility aircraft.
Annual Directory, Part 3
