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.
Top Gun Slinger
One of the best things about going out to visit kit companies—aside from the airplanes of course—is meeting the people that make up our...
High Wing Sling on Safari
Our man Paul Dye is in South Africa this week flying the all-new Sling High Wing airplane. The company has pulled out all the...
First Impressions of the Sling High Wing
Our man Paul Dye is in South Africa this week flying the all-new Sling High Wing airplane. The company has pulled out all the...
Sling Aircraft Tour: Keeping the Pipeline Flowing
Our man Paul Dye is in South Africa this week flying the all-new Sling High Wing airplane. The company has pulled out all the...
A Boot “What’s-it?”
While trolling through the bins of assorted parts and treasures at the B&B Airparts booth today, we ran across this odd piece of rubber...
Teaching Tool
While wandering around Sun ‘n Fun this afternoon, we were stopped by this excellent demonstration of cylinder technology on the table at the Superior...
They’re Not Kidding!
When Sun ‘n Fun posts a warning sign about the local wildlife in Florida, those folks who “aren’t from around here….” would do well...
Preparing for the Wonder!
Sonex Aircraft doesn’t have an official booth at Sun ‘n Fun this year, but they do have a presence—at the EAA tent! Sonex company...
Into Every Show, a Little Rain Must Fall
It seems that no week in April can go without at least one thunderstorm in central Florida and this week was no exception. Although...
In Case You Missed It
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook takes note of the good, bad and the uncapitalized in public reactions to a recent aircraft accident. He encourages knowledgeable pilots, builders and enthusiasts to counter the public rantings of armchair crackpots with kindness and courage. Also, a tip of the buttonless cap to Omar Filipovic, KITPLANES.coms new webmaster, for his savvy work to create a more lively and flexible web site.
Some Old Favorites
For those building a new airplane, chances are you’re getting more than familiar with...
SeaReys to the Dry Tortugas
Two SeaReys travel along the Gulf Coast from Houston to the Dry Tortugas.
Ask the DAR
SLSA max empty weight, sailplane condition inspections, licensing a RANS S-7LS as an ELSA.