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
Design Process: Landing Gear, Part 2
As we started to discuss last month, the landing gear is a major component...
Light Stuff
Columnist Roy Beisswenger makes the case for the safety of light and ultralight aircraft. Don't believe it? Hell explain why.
I Need Help—Where Do I Look?
Aside from the manufacturer’s supplied materials, what is the next line of action for obtaining help while building something as complicated as an aircraft?
Cylinder Hones and Honing
Honing and lapping are similar inasmuch as both employ abrasive action to remove metal...