Dick Starks
Dick Starks has written two books about the joy of flying; “You Want To Build And Fly A What?” and “Fokkers At Six O’clock!!” He was the recipient of Flying’s 2001 Bax Seat Award “for perpetuating the Gordon Baxter tradition of communicating the excitement and romance of flight.” Dick and his wife, Sharon, both fly WW-I replica aircraft.
The Dawn Patrol
Built in to any aircraft construction project is time for head scratching and trying to recall why you just walked from one end of the shop to the other. These are some of the most valuable moments.
The Dawn Patrol
When Sharon Starks Airdrome Aeroplanes DH-2 replica fighter was ready for its airworthiness inspection, The Dawn Patrol was hoping for a perfect score.
Dawn Patrol
When a casually tossed length of two-by-four and a pristine fabric-covered airplane meet, the result isn't pretty. Author Dick Starks describes his wifes initiation to the art of fabric repair.
Rendesvouz with Destiny
Dick Starks and The Dawn Patrol attend the biennial Rendezvous on hallowed ground: the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks and The Dawn Patrol saddle, er, trailer up and head to the Salute to Veterans Air Show in Columbia, Missouri. Who else could lend his crimping pliers to a couple of sailors to fix an F-18s wiring problem?
Gathering at Gardner
Dick and Sharon Starks bring the Morane to the Gathering of Eagles WW-I replica fly-in. Where The Dawn Patrol goes, adventure follows.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick and Sharon Starks and The Dawn Patrol make their annual, magical pilgrimage to AirVenture Oshkosh. Mix in a big, surly storm, the Wild Snorting Piglet, and an Air Force Brigadier General, and you've some something to write home about.
Channel Challenger
Dick Starks and the Dawn Patrol get a front-row seat to the Bleriot XI replica’s very successful first flight. Next comes flying off the 40 in preparation for its English Channel flight.
Unusual Attitude
As Dick Starks rouses the Dawn Patrol, he recalls his aeronautically inspired familiarity with grain crops, and a nimble performance of the Nieuport Stomp.
Unusual Attitude
The Dawn Patrol, led by Dick Starks, launches for Holden, Missouri, to witness the taxi test of an 80%-scale replica of a 1915 de Havilland DH-2. The unintended consequence of an innocent road trip leads Dick to consider becoming a repeat building offender.
In Case You Missed it
Makes You Go Hmmm
Rotary-engine enthusiast Paul Lamar details the benefits and efficiencies of using rotary power for homebuilt aircraft.
