Dan Vance
Dan Vance is a mechanical engineer who has had his private pilot certificate for 45 years. He enjoys creating and fabricating things (website: gdimfg.com) almost
as much as he enjoys flying.
DIY Compact Blind-Rivet Puller
While building my Panther tail kit, I came upon this note in the assembly manual in the elevator joiner photo: “This rivet is impossible...
Releasable Piano Hinge Pin Retainer
There are lots of creative ways that builders have devised for retaining piano hinge pins. Many of them are “permanent,” so if removal is...
DIY Adjustable Rib Centerline Marking Tool
As a new builder I came quickly to the step of needing to mark rib centerlines to align the ribs with the predrilled holes in the skin.
In Case You Missed It
Wind Tunnel
Don your thinking caps, kids. Its time to learn about the value of nondimensionalized aerodynamic data.
Free Flight
Acknowledging risk and taking steps to minimize it are safer than denying that it exists.
Prefab Choices
If you're contemplating buying a used homebuilt, consider the mission, find a mentor, review the logbooks and, most importantly, take your time. By Marc Cook.
Hankering for an Anchoring
Most airports provide provisions to tie down transient aircraft. I’ve seen everything from loops...