Lisa Turner
Lisa got into the air building airplanes in her garage in the 1990s. She wrote Dream Take Flight to get others inspired to do the same. An A&P and former DAR, Lisa now helps her husband restore vintage aircraft at BIPE INC. If you’re flying over KRHP, stop in and visit. Lisa loves hearing from readers at lisa@lisaturner.com.
Coloring Outside the Lines
Enhance your homebuilt aircraft with clever, lightweight mods like glove boxes, armrests, and cargo cleats—without sacrificing safety or balance.
Hearing Things
A stowaway cat reminds us: strange noises matter. Learn how to listen for sounds that can signal trouble in flight before they become real problems.
Taming the Wiring Rat’s Nest
Learn how to avoid wiring “rats nests” in your homebuilt aircraft with proper labeling, terminals, lacing and expert tips for reliable electrical systems.
Running With Scissors
Stay safe in your workshop with these practical, experience-driven shop safety tips from a tech counselor.
Artificial Stupidity
“If you could have any dream air vehicle, what would it be?” asked David. “Including something that’s not available?” replied Sara. “Yes.”
“OK, it would...
How Bad Could a Prop Strike Be?
A prop strike, even at very low speed and power, is a serious matter.
All Over the Map
When the FAA inspector or DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) arrives to award you your airworthiness certificate, it’s likely that everything will go smoothly, right?...
Eighty Percent to Go
That last 20% that feels like 80% is the time to slow down and pull out checklists, get other eyes on the project, call for a TC visit and sit in the airplane making noises.
In Case You Missed It
Thatcher CX4
If you’re a builder on a budget and don’t aim to do long cross-country trips, the Thatcher CX4 may be worth a look. By Ed Wischmeyer.
Vacuum-Bagging for Homebuilders
This month well go through the step-by-step vacuum-bagging process for an aileron trimtab part to see how to deal with extreme contours.