Kitplanes

Flight Reports

Riding the Radial Rocket RG

The Radial Rocket TD already had a following, but with some tweaking and the addition of retractable gear, the new Radial Rocket RG is poised to take off. By Ed Kolano.

Builder Spotlight

Garmin’s New GTN Series

Paul Bertorelli reviews Garmin’s long-awaited GTN 650/750 navigators, and finds out how they stack up against the successful GNS 430/530 series.

Field Notes on an Installation

What you need to consider before installing Garmin’s new GTN 650/750 series navigators in your homebuilt. By Larry Anglisano.

Vroom!

Months of repair work netted Bill Repucci a new, more powerful engine for his RV-9. The increase in horsepower brings with it a shift in CG and handling characteristics.

Learning To Weld

Ken Scott finds that practice makes perfect (or pretty good) as he puts his newfound wire-feed welding skills to the task of replacing rotting wood hangar doors with sturdy, steel-frame ones.

The Ultimate Upgrade

With Lancair’s factory-authorized builder assistance program, new Evo owners Wendell and Martha Solesbee get a leg up on their project. Custom jigs and extra hands take weeks off the build time and ensure they’re ready for the next steps. By Dave Prizio.

Ask the DAR

Major changes to your homebuilt aircraft require sign off by the FAA. Mel Asberry explains how to keep it legal.

Completions

Builders share their successes.

Shop Talk

Aero ’Lectrics

There are many ways to check the accuracy of your airplane’s tachometer. From the commonplace to the offbeat, Jim Weir explains their benefits and drawbacks.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

Barnaby Wainfan explains the role of properly designed wing-fuselage junctions in reducing interference drag.

Exploring

Editor’s Log

Mary Bernard explores the background of Jeff Ackland and his new Radial Rocket RG, this issue’s cover story.

What’s New

Beyerdynamic introduces the HS 800 Aviation Headset, Zenith Aircraft’s Zodiac CH 650 meets FAA’s 51% rule, and Jeppesen NavData is now available for MGL Avionics systems.

Viewfinder

Marc Cook spends a few days helping perform the annual on a friend’s RV-7A, and finds it much easier than doing his own.

Engine Update: EI Commander

EI Commander helps keep you aware of both what’s happening with your engine’s electronic ignition and, as importantly, why. By Marc Cook.

Alternative Energies

JoeBen Bevirt addresses future energy and transportation needs by tackling them head-on—Jetsons style—with the Joby Monarch. By Dean Sigler.

Free Flight

There are many definitions of “first flight,” and each is memorable in its own way. By Paul Dye.

The Dawn Patrol

Hummel UltraCruiser builder Dennis Brooks came to Liberty Landing looking for a place to store his airplane, and left with some new friends and a test flight courtesy of The Dawn Patrol. By Dick Starks.

Light Stuff

Roy Beisswenger discusses the impact of the FAA’s LODA order allowing Light Sport instructors to resume training with their Experimental aircraft.

Kit Bits

Letters

KITPLANES Marketplace

List of Advertisers, Builders' Marketplace and the Classified Builder.

Kit Stuff

Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.

Download KITPLANES® in PDF

Download the complete October 2011 issue of KITPLANES® in one PDF file.