Dean Sigler
Dean Sigler was a technical writer professionally for 34 years, with a liberal arts background and a Master's degree in education. He writes the Sustainable Aviation and CAFE Foundation blogs. He has presented at several symposia and at several Experimental Soaring Association workshops. Part of the Perlan Project, he is a private pilot with a great love for low and slow aircraft.
Alternative Energies
The Grand Unified Airplane: Is it possible to extract energy from the act of flight itself? By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
Diesel engines, anyone? How about biofuel? More builders are turning to such alternatives in the name of fuel economy, while the industry awaits fuel cells and better batteries. By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
While researchers seek electric flight’s Holy Grail—a 10X battery—aviation’s innovators are busy determining ways to use less fuel with the technology available now. By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
One plane, one pilot, 5 tons of garbage: How Jeremy Rowsell plans to crisscross the globe in a Cessna 172 powered by fuel made from recycled plastic. By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
They may be largely unknown today, but two French brothers were among those exploring battery-powered flight in the 1880s. By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
Experimental Soaring Workshop: This annual gathering of designers and builders of sailplanes, hang gliders and paragliders is an idea festival, and a must-attend event for enthusiasts. By Dean Sigler.
Eric Raymond Seeks Tour of the Americas on Solar Power
Eric Raymond flew across the U.S. in Sunseeker I on solar power in 21 hops in 1990. He crossed the Alps between Germany and...
Alternative Energies
A new electric ultralight motorglider expands the boundaries of its category—and its plans can be downloaded free. By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
Chip Yates is a man with a plan—to follow Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight in an all-electric plane. The flight’s planned for 2014; in the meantime, there are battery challenges to solve. By Dean Sigler.
Alternative Energies
Three new aircraft, Synergy, Pipistrel Panthera and Volta Volare, are pushing the innovation envelope with their propulsion systems, performance and fuel economy. By Dean Sigler.
In Case You Missed it
Ask the DAR
Mel Asberry clarifies the requirements for a builders log. The bottom line? The requirements are minimal: It should show that you actually built the aircraft, but its helpful to show as much detail as you can. And make sure you're in the photos, doing the work.
Forgetting How?
Overheard comments are often the most interesting, probably because your brain is in a...
Bearhawk Duo in the Land of the Long White Cloud
Jonathan Battson and Lars Fellman build the first two 4-Place Bearhawks in New Zealand.