Dave Prizio
Dave Prizio has been plying the skies of the L.A. basin and beyond since 1973. Born into a family of builders, it was only natural that he would make his living as a contractor and spend his leisure time building airplanes. He has so far completed four—two GlaStars, a Glasair Sportsman, and a Texas Sport Cub—and is helping a friend build an RV-8. When he isn’t building something, he shares his love of aviation with others by flying Young Eagles or volunteering as an EAA Technical Counselor. He is also an A&P mechanic, Designated Airworthiness Representative (DAR), and was a member of the EAA Homebuilt Aircraft Council for six years.
Perking up the performance of a Glasair Sportsman
Power Flow exhaust shows a measureable efficiency gain over the standard system.
Firewall Forward: Electrical Systems, Part 2
Alternators, busses, breakers and fuses form the core of aircraft electrical systems. Here’s what you need to know to install them correctly.
Making Peace with the Jabiru Engine
Keep it cool: That’s the secret to success with the Jabiru engine, which will reward your efforts by being a simple, powerful and smooth-running powerplant. Dave Prizio offers some suggestions for Jabiru care.
Firewall Forward: Electrical Systems, Part 1
Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of wiring—plenty of homebuilders didn’t know how to do it when they started their projects. Get yourself the right tools, then jump in and start learning. Dave Prizio outlines the basics.
Firewall Forward: Ignition Systems
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...but how? Dave Prizio considers some of the choices.
Firewall Forward: Cowls, Baffles and Intake Air
How to keep your engine’s carburetor or fuel-injection system breathing right.
In Case You Missed It
![Aircraft in flight [Credit: Jim Barrett]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/httpswww.flyingmag.comsitesflyin-6.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Firecrown’s Aviation Group Charts Course for 2026; Ryan Ewing Named Group President")
Firecrown’s Aviation Group Charts Course for 2026; Ryan Ewing Named Group President
Brand refreshes, new digital platforms, and expanded editorial investments follow a transitional year for the company’s aviation portfolio.
Early or Late?
Long before I wrote for aviation publications, I was doing testing—of airframes, engines, avionics,...
Metal Magic: Deburring
Holes are drilled so let's get them cleaned up and ready for fasteners. Paul...
All About Avionics
Much of our focus in this series has been on the latest and greatest electronic gadgetry. But traditional instrument packages, the so-called six-pack, have their benefits. Avionics wizard Stein Bruch extols their virtues and explains their vices in this months installment.