Paul Dye
Paul Dye has been the Editor-in-Chief and Editor at Large. He retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 50 years of aerospace experience on everything from Cubs to the Space Shuttle. An avid homebuilder, he began flying and working on airplanes as a teen and has experience with a wide range of construction techniques and materials. He flies an RV-8 and SubSonex jet that he built, an RV-3 that he built with his pilot wife, as well as a Dream Tundra and an electric Xenos motorglider they completed. Currently, they are building an F1 Rocket. A commercially licensed pilot, he has logged over 6000 hours in many different types of aircraft and is an A&P, FAA DAR, EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor; he was formerly a member of the Homebuilder’s Council. He consults and collaborates in aerospace operations and flight-testing projects across the country.
AirVenture in the Mirror
Leaving Oshkosh is always a bittersweet experience—on the one hand, we’ve been here for seven days, showing up at the field just after sunrise,...
Lions of Wittman Plains
You’ve seen the image of lions lined up in the shadow of an airplane wing on the plains of the Serengeti? We present to...
Quick Rivet Squeezer Setup with a Handy New Gauge
Flyboy Accessories' 3D-printed depth gauge simplifies squeezer setup—no more guesswork before setting your first rivet.
A Clever New Squeezer for Tight Spots
ExperimentalAero’s new rivet squeezer reaches where others can’t—tighten with a wrench and get the job done.
The Sky Is Smiling…
...on EAA Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors! These volunteers are experienced builders and pilots that can help you get through your airplane build and...
First Stop—Stock Up!
Must-stop B&B Aircraft Supply tent at AirVenture: stock essential hardware, snag unique fittings, and restock workshop supplies affordably.
Leaving a (soon to be) Sinking Ship?
This morning's ForeFlight screenshots makes it look like a few folks have had enough and “gettin’ while the gettin’s good.”
Oshkosh Without an Airplane
What is EAA AirVenture like without the thrill of the FISK Arrival or the worry of watching the weather? This pilot finds out by leaving his airplane at home.
Oshkosh Sunday Begins
As the atmosphere wakes up with thunderstorms about 60 miles south of Oshkosh this Sunday morning in July, a small but growing line of...
In Case You Missed It
Building With a Partner
Building an aircraft with a partner can be a rewarding experience. Dave Prizio discusses his relationship with longtime building partner Ed Zaleski, and how to go about forging your own successful building partnership.
Build Your Own Leak-Down Tester
Converting a Harbor Freight compression tester for aircraft engine use.
The Home Machinist, Part 6
Paying attention to the working environment and maintaining machining tools in tip-top shape can yield a more polished finished product, while also making the fabrication process easier.
Build It Better: Learning from History
Everything we know about aviation comes from the experience of designers, builders and pilots who came before us. Understanding their successes and failures can help us fly and build more safely.