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.
The Canopy Takes Shape—Spring Boost for the F1 Rocket Project
Progress on the F1 Rocket project accelerates as warm weather enables critical canopy and gear leg work.
Old Fiberglass Parts—Good as New
Fitting the RV-1’s fiberglass tail tips highlights the art behind careful craftsmanship—flanges, filler, and all.
Close Quarters Fuel Pump
When building from older kits or plans, visiting other builders can reveal ingenious solutions, saving valuable time and trouble.
Wrenching with Friends
A few days in the shop with KITPLANES Senior Editor Tom Wilson refreshing an IO-540 engine makes the job enjoyable.
Multi-Use Water
When folks come to visit in our shop, we try to remember to offer them a bottle of water, especially in the summer. Most...
When Wear is Good
This screen is supposed to be checked at every oil change, so the paint wear should be proportional to age and hours.
Fiberglass Magic: A Better-Fitting Rear Seat Back
How to use fiberglass magic for a better-fitting RV-type rear seatback—stronger, snugger, and finished with a satisfying “clunk.”
Adventures in Pro-Seal
How do you use Pro-seal and document the procedure with a camera? The simple answer… you don’t! Once the Polysulfide Sealant comes out o...
In Case You Missed It
The Home Machinist
Charlie Taylor, the Wright brothers trusted right-hand man and machinist, made their early powered flight experiments possible. And he built the engine using only a drill press, a lathe, a simple scale and more than a little ingenuity; by Bob Fritz.
Designing Minds
You've invested thousands of hours building your airplane, and now its time to pick a paint design that will show off all that hard work to best effect. But how do you go about selecting one of innumerable designs? Susan Brunner offers some tips on not only how to narrow the field, but also how to make sure you get the paint job you envisioned.
What Is My Instrument Panel Going to Cost?
A look at several options and what goes into the final price.
Wind Tunnel
Barnaby Wainfan offers an explanation of how tail surfaces can be subject to flutter and how to avoid the potentially disastrous result.