Table of Contents
August 2011 Issue
Flight Reports
Marc Cook takes a close look at Erik Larson’s Legacy and finds out why Lancair’s rework of its seminal 200-235-320-360 design is as swoon-worthy as its predecessors.
Builder Spotlight
Starting as a Texas Sport kit, a little Cub with the unlikely name of Scrappy grew, with a host of custom touches and multigenerational effort, into a cherished family heirloom. By Scott M. Spangler.
Every homebuilder knows how important it is to document your build to meet the FAA’s 51% rule, but how you do it can range from handwritten notebooks to custom web sites detailing every rivet and pin stripe. By Marc Cook.
An untimely prop strike results in more than just a call to the insurance company. Decisions regarding engine and propeller replacement open up numerous options. By Bill Repucci.
As autopilots become more and more commonplace, their utility only gets better. Stein Bruch offers an overview of the latest trends.
Vacuum systems may be an imperfect way to power instruments, but careful monitoring and maintenance can forestall common issues. By Steve Ells.
Builders share their successes.
DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of aircraft operating limitations by explaining what those Phase II flight test rules mean.
Shop Talk
Jim Weir takes a look at low-cost and free CAD software available to help you document modifications you've made to your aircraft.
Designer's Notebook
It’s easy to get carried away with new systems and technology that promise to make your airplane faster, smarter and even safer. But sometimes more is just more. By Barnaby Wainfan.
Exploring
Marc Cook discusses the loss of Geared Drives’ Bud Warren and his daughter, as well as his decision to step down from his position as Editor-in-Chief.
Flight Data Systems has introduced a new carbon monoxide detector that integrates with most EFIS units, American Legend introduces the Super Legend, Ace Aircraft is selling reproductions of Corben Super Ace plans from 1935, and RANS Aircraft has developed a control lock. Edited by Mary Bernard.
The innovative work of Bud Warren contributed much to the homebuilt community and saved many an engine from being relegated to the scrap heap. By Rick Lindstrom.
Product Review: Dynon’s Handheld DX15
Dynon’s DX15 handheld transceiver marks the company’s introduction to a crowded product category. By Paul Bertorelli
Sun ’n Fun 2011 opened with stormy skies and a tornado, but the “Green Space” area offered a ray of sunshine at the rain-soaked event. By Dean Sigler.
Swapping out an engine leads to an even greater question than just finding one that fits: How do you keep it cool? By Amy Laboda.
Venture out of your comfort zone every so often, because stretching can be fun. By Paul Dye.
Roy Beisswenger takes a look at how you too can join the league of record holders in the ultralight world.
Kit Bits
List of Advertisers, Builders' Marketplace and the Classified Builder.
Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.
Download the complete August 2011 issue of KITPLANES® in one PDF file.
What's New
Flight Data Systems
RANS Control Lock
American Legend Super Legend
Flight Review: Legacy Act
Lancair International
Page Turner
Rick Reese Safari Aircraft Kitlog Pro Builder Log
Expercraft
Kitlog Pro
Google Blogger
Facebook
All About Avionics
Advanced Flight Systems
Dynon Avionics
Garmin
Grand Rapids Technologies
MGL Avionics
Trio Avionics
TruTrak Flight Systems
Dynon's Handheld DX15
Dynon Avionics
Alternative Energies
Embry-Riddle GFC News
Lindbergh Foundation and LEAP
Mark Beierle's Thundergull (Earthstar Aircraft)
PhoEnix (Phoenix Air USA)
PhoEnix (Phoenix Air USA) Blog
You Tube Video of Jim Lee Flight
Randall Fishman's ElectraFlyer
Engine Beat
Aero Tech Components
Precise Flight
Rapco, Inc.
Tempest (New Dry Pump Owner's Manual, 25 pages)
Completions
Brett and Elizabeth Ferrell's Velocity XL
Aero 'Lectrics
Cadvance (Furakawa Information Technology)
CadStd (Apperson & Daughters)
CadStd Pro
Draftsight (Dassault Systems)
View Reader Links from previous issues
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Dynon Avionics' latest-generation SkyView integrated avionics called the SkyView HDX has a newly designed bezel and user controls for easier use while flying in turbulence, plus brighter displays and a reworked touch interface. Larry Anglisano takes a product tour of the HDX with Dynon's Michael Schoefield in this video.
At Sun 'n Fun 2016, Dynon continued to push into the world of non-certified avionics with its SkyView SE, a less expensive version of its popular SkyView EFIS system. Paul Bertorelli prepared this video report.
The G5 is a self-contained electronic flight instrument, which can be interfaced with Garmin's G3X/Touch avionics and autopilot for backup and flight instrument redundancy. The GMA245 and remote GMA245R Bluetooth audio panels have advanced entertainment input functions and onscreen programming.
At Sun 'n Fun 2016, Just Aircraft is showing off its new Titan-powered SuperSTOL XL. Harrison Smith took Paul Bertorelli for a half-day demo flight in the new airplane, and here's his video report.
Kit manufacturer Zenith Aircraft Company has released a new 360-degree VR short video to showcase its kit aircraft and to promote the rewarding hobby of kit aircraft building and flying light-sport aircraft.
Whether you are upgrading the audio system in an older LSA or experimental or building a new project, PS Engineering and Garmin have non-certified audio panels equipped with advanced features better suited for smaller cabins.
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