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.
Light Stuff
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.
Light Stuff
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.
Light Stuff
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.
Light Stuff
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.
Light Stuff
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!
Light Stuff
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
Polliwagen
A sharp-looking homebuilt with early promise, the Polliwagen suffered from pitch quirks that left it nearly extinct just decades after its debut.
Zen Four a Day
Flying four of Zeniths designs at the factory in Mexico, Missouri, prompted a deeper appreciation for the company's utilitarian approach to design. By Marc Cook.
Inside KITPLANES: How We Do Aerial Photography
Marc Cook explains the nuts-and-bolts of how we achieve the aerial photography that appears in the magazine, and offers a few pointers on how to capture your own plane in flight.