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
Know Your (Operating) Limitations
Experimental aircraft are issued "special" airworthiness certificates, and those come with specific operating limitations.
2017 Homebuilt Aircraft Directory
Pick a plane, any plane-an overview of kit and plansbuilt fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft. Introduction Directory compiled by Omar Filipovic.
Go With the Flow…
When you build your own airplane, you get to design the cockpit you've always wanted, from the ground up. But facing that blank slate can be challenging and calls for a thoughtful approach.