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.
Finding the Perfect Project
The information in our Buyer's Guide is just the start. Here are some additional insights to help you make the right decision.
Two Pilots for Phase 1 Approved!
After nearly two years of work, the FAA has issued a new Advisory Circular (AC 90-116) that authorizes two people to be in the...
Kitplanes Looks the Sonex JSX Microjet
At AirVenture 2014, our team took a video tour of Sonex Aircraft's new JSX microjet. The company's John Monnett gave us an inside look at the jet's construction and performance.
Kitplanes Looks at the Groppo Trail
At AirVenture 2014, Kitplanes got a look at the Groppo Trail, a new kit and E-LSA.
Oshkosh—A New Hope!
As we walked around the grounds at Wittman Filed in Oshkosh this weekend, it became apparent that there is new emphasis on the old...
In Case You Missed It
Turbine Moose: The Ultimate Amphib
Its said that sailors make good floatplane pilots because they understand the nature of wind on the water. Sailboat racer and pilot Rick Orchard took that sentiment to heart in a big way when he decided to pump up an already large homebuilt (the Murphy Moose) by adding Aerocet amphibious floats and a 550-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 turbine engine.
Down to Earth
The break-in and fly-off periods are nearly complete for the Vans RV-10, and now its time for paint and soon an unplanned cross-country trip; by Amy Laboda.
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.