Bob Fritz
KITPLANES readers will remember Bob Fritz (1947-2011) for his acclaimed Home Machinist series, but his accomplishments go well beyond that long-running feature. Following a stint in the U.S. Navy, Bob put his degree in mechanical engineering to use and was a tireless advocate for effective and consistent quality control. He brought that discipline to his work for KITPLANES. An avid diver and motorcyclist, Bob's love of flying was a surprise to no one.
The Home Machinist – The Mystery Wrench Is a Mystery No...
In the May 2008 issue of KITPLANES I included a photo of a mystery wrench and asked folks to write in with identification. The...
Electric Airplane Symposium 2008
The electric airplane: What’s the future hold, and how do we make it happen? That was the theme of the 2008 Electric Aircraft Symposium...
Nationwide Sectionals—Free!
Dave Parsons, one of our readers, wrote to compliment the aviation weather web site review in the May 2008 issue of KITPLANES. We left...
Two Years to Solo
Ken Pollock did not come by his interest in flying in the usual way. His father was the first to want to learn, but then when he changed his mind, his son took up where Dad left off. All this despite the fact that Ken had broken his neck in a car accident, and had no use of his legs, and little use of his arms and hands.
The Home Machinist
Using a real computer-assisted design (CAD) program to design your panel has multiple benefits.
The Home Machinist: Routers Redux
Occasionally I receive a letter from a reader that offers an insight a bit beyond the expected. An especially well-informed source, Rawson M. (great...
Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun Too Far Away?
Spring is upon us, and you’re itching to go fly to an airshow, but fuel prices and travel time are holding you back. There’s...
Upcoming in Home Machinist
The Wright brothers were first with powered flight. But who supplied the power? Without Charlie Taylor, 1903 would have been just another year of...
The Home Machinist
How do you turn out non-cylindrical objects with your lathe? Why, by using a four-jaw chuck, of course. And there's a way to effectively employ that 'ole' adjustable wrench that might have escaped you for years; by Bob Fritz.
Getting Its Props
Few people have the opportunity to tour the kit manufacturers shop, let alone the manufacturing facilities of ancillary items such as engines, avionics and props. Author Bob Fritz remedies that last one by taking us on a tour of Sensenichs plant, and you'll marvel at the company's unique blend of old school and high tech.
In Case You Missed it
All About Avionics: Flight-Control Systems
As the industry matures, the sheer variety and capabilities of autopilots for Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft are flourishing. By Stein Bruch.
Headlong For Headers
Tom Wilson, an avowed hot rodder, details his foray into the world of custom exhausts and the performance gains found on his Lycoming IO-540.
Ask the DAR
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.
Tools for Homebuilders, Part 1
Terry Edwards covers some of the less-often discussed aspects of homebuilding, from the decision-making processes, to the best sources for assistance to choosing a project director (and deciding if you need one).