Kitplanes

Flight Reports

Higher, Faster, Stronger

Glasair’s decision to turbocharge its Sportsman model opened up the door to additional design considerations and refinements. But getting to the desired performance has proved challenging. By Marc Cook.

Builder Spotlight

Learning to Weld

Ken Scott continues his series on welding with oxyacetylene gas welding, and discovers the art and aesthetic in this traditional technique.

The Ultimate Upgrade

Martha and Wendell Solesbee begin the painstaking process of installing systems on their Lancair Evo kit—from engine and fuel, to electrical and landing gear. By Dave Prizio.

All About Avionics

Wire stripping and crimping might seem like a basic skills, but when done improperly can have nasty consequences. Stein Bruch gives an overview of the proper tools and methods you’ll need to keep your avionics humming.

Experimotive

The Dyna-Cam engine has a long history and an uncertain future. Despite its positive attributes, you still can’t buy one. By Rick Lindstrom.

Sim World

With X-Plane, you don’t have to wait until the paint is dry to start test-flying your homebuilt project. A remarkable simulation will allow you to do that early on. By Chuck Bodeen.

Ask the DAR

Periodic inspections are a necessary part of homebuilt aircraft ownership. Mel Asberry explains which ones are needed and how they differ from the certificated aircraft variety.

Completions

Builders share their successes.

Shop Talk

Aero ’Lectrics

Break out your laptops, iPhones and iPads. There is a new batch of apps and other software that can help pilots chart their course when traveling cross-country. By Jim Weir.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

A pilot’s ability to recover from a spin depends just as much on the design characteristics of the airplane as on stick-and-rudder skills. By Barnaby Wainfan.

Exploring

Editor’s Log

Mary Bernard discusses the challenges companies face when they try to improve an existing design, let alone develop a new product. The Glasair Sportsman TC is a case in point.

What’s New

TCW Technologies announces two new products, ChartFlier introduces a low-cost entry to the ADS-B market, and a veteran airshow performer pilots the SubSonex jet on its maiden flight.

Viewfinder

Marc Cook presents an argument for rewriting LSA weight-limit rules to encourage new design and technology, while improving safety and performance.

Maintenance Matters

In this new column, Steve Ells shares his background as an A&P mechanic and offers tips on keeping your homebuilt aircraft running smoothly.

Alternative Energies

Companies around the world are making strides in the development of electric-powered light aircraft. Dean Sigler reports on three French organizations that have been setting records and making history.

Free Flight

Thousands of hours of flight time in a pilot’s logbook are no guarantee of superior skill—or superior judgment. By Paul Dye.

Down to Earth

Amy Laboda finds a way to keep her RV-10’s engine cool—until she runs into hot, South Florida summer weather, that is.

Light Stuff

Columnist Roy Beisswenger makes the case for the safety of light and ultralight aircraft. Don’t believe it? He’ll explain why.

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 November 2011 issue of KITPLANES® in one PDF file.