Table of Contents
March 2012 Issue
Special Report
Super Cubs are beloved by many a backcountry adventurer, and several kits offer options to meet the demand of builders interested in these sturdy workhorses. By Dave Prizio.
Builder Spotlight
Understanding Experimental Light Sport Aircraft
Dave Martin explains the different designations of factory-built and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft and how they continue to evolve.
Stein Bruch explains how bringing smart phones and tablets, with a bevy of aviation apps, into the cockpit have helped him become a better—and safer—pilot.
While on a routine technical counselor consultation, Paul Dye discovered hidden treasure: Richard VanGrunsven’s original RV-1. He details a bit about its history and preparations for its planned tour this summer.
Fabric, Demystified and Non-Toxic
Marc Cook takes part in a three-day, fabric-covering course offered by Stewart Systems, learns about the company’s water-based product line, and picks up a few pointers along the way.
As Martha and Wendell Solesbee near completion on their Lancair Evo, they encounter the minor setbacks that make the “90% done, 90% to go” expression ring true. By Dave Prizio.
Paul Dye discusses risk management, and how you can decrease the chances of having an aviation mishap.
Mel Asberry answers readers’ questions on one-off engineering data requirements, how to fill out an AC 20-27G form, and how to test-fly an aircraft in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Builders share their successes.
Shop Talk
From outlet convertors to button switches and parts to make your own temperature sensor, Jim Weir gives an overview of his favorite electronics sources and what’s available to make the heart of your inner geek beat a little faster.
Designer's Notebook
Taking off in an aircraft would seem to be a fairly simple, straightforward maneuver. But in fact it’s complicated, and a combination of factors must be just right for it to work. By Barnaby Wainfan.
Exploring
KITPLANES® publisher Cindy Pedersen bids readers a fond farewell as she embarks on a new journey—retirement.
RV-12 building assistance is available on DVD from HomebuiltHELP; Plane-Power has introduced a new alternator for Continental 520 and 550 engines; WhirlWind announces a new composite, ground-adjustable propeller for the Rotax 912/914 engine.
Editor at Large Marc Cook takes to the soapbox to expound on the ever-increasing fees imposed by the FAA.
Rapid strides are being made in the development of ultralight electric motorgliders. Dean Sigler talks to a few of the manufacturers at the forefront of this field.
Amy Laboda updated the avionics package on her RV-10 with an NavWorx ADS600-B box, and its ADS-B function has opened a whole new window on the world.
Damage to aircraft aluminum can be handled in one of two ways: repair or replace. Steve Ells explains what to consider when making this decision and asks three well-known kit manufacturers what they would recommend.
Not all airports welcome “out of the ordinary” aircraft such as gyros, ultralights or powered parachutes. If you’ve been shut out, here are some tips to get you back in. By Roy Beisswenger.
Paul Dye visits the hallowed halls of flight and reflects on the bond that exists between aviators past and present.
Kit Bits
Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.
Download the complete March 2012 issue of KITPLANES in one PDF file.
Web Links in this Issue
Follow these links to visit the websites of companies you read about in the March 2012 issue.
What's New
HomebuiltHELP
Plane-Power Ltd.
WhirlWind Propellers
Super Cub Kit Comparison
Backcountry Super Cubs
Bearhawk Aircraft
CubCrafters
Dakota Cub Aircraft
Javron, Inc.
North Star Bushplane
All About Avionics
Power Support USA, anti-glare screen protector
WingX Pro
Finding the Source
RV-1 restoration project
Fabric, Demystified and Non-Toxic
Stewart Systems
Wicks Aircraft
The Ultimate Upgrade
Lancair International
Alternative Energies
Alatus Motorglider (Electravia)
Alisport Silent 2
Front Electric Sustainer (FES)
Red Tail Hawk (RTH)
Down To Earth
NavWorx
Maintenance Matters
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty
Aircraft Tool Supply Co.
Airparts, Inc.
Aluminum Polishing Tips
Avery Tools
Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. (ASA)
Brown Aviation Tool Supply
Isham Inc./PlaneTools
Wicks Aircraft
Aerolectrics
Jameco Electronics
SparkFun Electronics
View Reader Links from previous issues
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IMPORTANT CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTICE TO KITPLANES SUBSCRIBERS:
The Kitplanes Magazine Customer Service Center has moved from Palm Coast, FL to Big Sandy, TX. Our toll-free number, 800-622-1065, and website, kitplanes.com, remain the same. All mailed correspondence, including subscription invoices, renewals, and gift notices, will bear our new address:
PO BOX 8535
Big Sandy, TX 75755
We look forward to serving you from our new location.
KITPLANES tours the Whirlwind Propeller factory where the firm's fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers are made, as well as the blades for Whirlwind constant-speed props.
At AOPA Summit in Hartford, Garmin will unveil its latest portable, the touchscreen aera 796. Take a video tour of the navigator's features, which include synthetic vision, enhanced chart functions, and a new touchscreen interface.
Advanced Flight Systems' Rob Hickman details the company's new 5000-series big screen EFIS at Oshkosh 2010.
Spidertracks introduced a new, smaller, less expensive GPS tracker here at Oshkosh 2010. Rachel Donald explains the main features of the unit and the website that supports it.
CubCrafter's Randy Lervold gives us the skinny on the new Carbon Cub Adventure package introduced here at Oshkosh.
Glasair Aviation’s Mikael Via introduces the new turbocharged, carbon-fiber-bodied Sportsman TC at Oshkosh 2010.
