Dave Martin
Dave Martin served as editor of this magazine for 17 years and began aviation journalism evaluating ultralights in the early ’80s. A former CFI (airplanes, gliders, instruments), he'd flown more than 160 aircraft types plus 60 ultralights (including a single-seat, no-basket hot air balloon). Dave passed away in June, 2021.
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Dave Martins Spacewalker II makes room for his recently completed RV-12, and heads east to its new owner in Ohio.
The Independence Project: A Power Finish
The engine and prop complete the building phase, and the RV-12 is ready for the flight test phase. By Dave Martin.
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LSAs are fun, and being able to make that water landing-and takeoff-in one is even more enjoyable. Join Dave Martin as he samples the Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey LSX.
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Dave Martin looks at the future of ultralight-like SLSA trainers, and what may be in store from the FAA.
The Independence Project: Avionics
It’s time to install the shiny, expensive boxes in the RV-12. Yes, the avionics package goes in… and it’s not as difficult as it used to be. By Dave Martin.
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Dave Martin revisits the Evektor SportStar, and even after a three-year hiatus, he found the Max IFR to be a forgiving and delightful airplane.
The Independence Project: We Start the Finish Kit
The Independence Project presses on, this time tackling the multiple tasks that make up the finish kit on the RV-12. By Dave Martin.
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The Australian developers of the Jabiru engine wanted to build a sport airplane. But when their original engine choice went off the market, they developed its replacement, too. By Dave Martin.
The Independence Project: Forward to the Fuselage
Dave Martin marches ahead with the Van’s RV-12, inventorying fuselage hardware, attaching the sideskins, working on other subassemblies and mating the tail cone to the fuselage. Progress!
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The Texas Sport Cub is the latest in a line of planes with the venerable Cub lineage. Dave Martin flies one and discusses the various licensing options available.
In Case You Missed It
The Dawn Patrol
When you're the newbie of the group, you're going to get the tough assignments. But some newbies know how to exact payback (all in good fun, of course).
Building and Flying an RV-8
For pilots brought up with standard certified aircraft, the RV-8 will plaster a grin on their face that can’t be washed off and rarely fades.
Aero ‘lectrics
Break out your laptops, iPhones and iPads. There is a new batch of apps and other software that can help pilots chart their course when traveling cross-country.