Patrick Panzera
Patrick Panzera is the editor of CONTACT! Magazine, a nonprofit publication dedicated to supporting Experimental aviation, with a focus on alternative engines.
2015 Engine Buyer’s Guide: Traditional and Conversion Engines
Choices have never been better or more plentiful. By Tom Wilson and Patrick Panzera.
2013 Engine Buyer’s Guide
The outlook for the alternative engine market for Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft is positive, and there are new additions since last year—even more reason to join the auto-conversion club. By Patrick Panzera.
Unusual Attitude
If you want to install an alternative engine in your aircraft, make sure you've thought through the issues of weight, thrust line, cooling and cowling.
2012 Alternative Engine Buyer’s Guide
If you’re in the market for an auto-conversion engine for your homebuilt aircraft, here’s a definitive guide to the options. By Patrick Panzera.
Are you considering an alternative engine?
Patrick Panzera explains some specific formulas he uses to see if an engine' claimed numbers pass muster.
The State of Auto Conversions
We take a look at the current auto-engine conversions for homebuilt aircraft. By Patrick Panzera.
Fuelventure 400
Last years Copperstate Fly-In was the occasion for a race where speed was only one of the factors in winning. By Patrick Panzera.
In Case You Missed It
Aero ‘lectrics
Columnist Jim Weir puts two, two, two LED lights in one hole, angled to ensure the maximum nav light visibility in any direction. He explains how to put the system together and explains why heat matters.
25th Anniversary: Rutan’s Take
Burt Rutan's elegant and efficient aircraft-and spacecraft-designs are in a league of their own. Amy Laboda looks at Rutan's legacy, what he's doing now, and why he may never retire.
Build Your Skills: Fabric
Fabric has been used to cover a wide variety of aircraft since the Wright brothers first started tinkering with flying machines. But fabric-covering processes have changed a lot in the last century, becoming more systematic in addition to being more reliable. Part 1 of this new series by Ron Alexander details the evolution of fabric covering and discusses some of the basics of getting started.
Buying Used Lightning Detection
Avionics guru Larry Anglisano examines the market for used lightning-detection gear.