Paul Dye
Paul Dye has been the Editor-in-Chief and Editor at Large. He retired as a Lead Flight Director for NASA’s Human Space Flight program, with 50 years of aerospace experience on everything from Cubs to the Space Shuttle. An avid homebuilder, he began flying and working on airplanes as a teen and has experience with a wide range of construction techniques and materials. He flies an RV-8 and SubSonex jet that he built, an RV-3 that he built with his pilot wife, as well as a Dream Tundra and an electric Xenos motorglider they completed. Currently, they are building an F1 Rocket. A commercially licensed pilot, he has logged over 6000 hours in many different types of aircraft and is an A&P, FAA DAR, EAA Tech Counselor and Flight Advisor; he was formerly a member of the Homebuilder’s Council. He consults and collaborates in aerospace operations and flight-testing projects across the country.
The Opener!
Every year when I get to AirVenture, one of my first stops is the Brown arch. Why? Well it started out that we needed...
How to Finish Snakeskin Wire Looms Neatly
Keep expandable tubing from fraying with this clean, secure lacing trick—learned from a truck mechanic and proven in countless homebuilt projects.
DIY Tail Stand for Taildraggers
A simple homemade tail stand helps level and secure your taildragger during engine installation.
Tame The Hose Clamp Tail for Safer Maintenance
A simple clamp-tail trick to save your skin—and maybe score points with judges—when securing EGT sensors.
Change Is a Constant
Marc Cook steps away again, passing KITPLANES’ reins as we invite fresh voices from the homebuilt aviation community.
Magnet Trick for Precise Hole Placement
Use magnets to mark precise hole locations through metal or composite firewalls—no guessing, no misaligned holes.
Why Alternative Engines Rarely Save Money
You can try it, but don’t expect to come out ahead—or airborne—without a fight.
In Case You Missed It
Flying Qualities of an Airplane Are Important
The author explains how the characteristics of an airplane affect pilot ability to complete tasks, response factors, stability and damping of the airframe to changes in angle of attack, basic stability, trim, control forces, and control power. He also addresses the controversy behind the design of airplanes, their characteristics and the resultant suitability for various types of flying;
Tidy Up with Adel Clamps
There is so much to learn by simply observing the handiwork of others. Some...
![[Credit: Viking Aircraft Engines]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/engine-324x160.jpg "Editor’s Log")
Editor’s Log
A wide-ranging look at the myriad engine choices facing today's homebuilt aircraft builders, designers, and pilots.
Free Flight
EFISes provide a tremendous amount of information and extend the capabilities of todays homebuilt aircraft, but only if you take the time to learn how to use them properly.