Tom Kuffel
Tom Kuffel, builder of a Glasair Sportsman, is a 4000-hour CFI with sea and multi-engine ratings. He has also flown on several hundred aircraft searches while managing to be the subject of one or two himself.
Two-axis Electric Trim Controller for Under $50
This homebuilt two-axis electric trim controller has all the functions of the fanciest commercial units, yet it costs less than $50 for the parts.
Simplified One-Off Electronic Projects
As homebuilders, we are accustomed to doing a lot of preliminary and/or tooling work to build a couple of pieces for our aircraft. Tom Kuffel created an auxiliary fuel transfer pump controller for his GlaStar Sportsman for next to nothing, a real savings over the retail price of $300, and he describes how he did it.
In Case You Missed it
When Good Electrons Go Bad
When wiring up a homebuilt aircraft, it pays to ask: What do I want to protect myself from?
Grinvalds Orion
Jean Grinvalds’ plansbuilt four-seat pusher design was ahead of its time, predating the Bede BD-5, VariEze, Prescott Pusher and Cirrus VK-30. By Geoff Jones.
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.
Small-bottle O2: Aithre, Aerox Compacts
Personal-sized oxygen bottles save space and weight, while serving as belt-and-suspender backup. But go bigger if you use O2 regularly.