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.
Building Trust—Reliability vs. Redundancy
It is hard to fly without a little trust. Call it faith if you will, but we fundamentally can’t leave the ground without some...
Another Week, Another Prop
This week, we’re flying the new “Explorer” three-blade composite prop from Hartzell on our RV-8.
The Art of Assembly
The day will come when all of your engine’s parts come home from their exciting trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Remember that, in the last...
Spinner Bulkheads – Getting the Spacing Right
If you have ever needed to change props or spinners on your completed homebuilt, you have probably sweated out the clearance between the rear...
I Spent How Much? Oh… OK…
I just placed an order with our favorite major aircraft parts vendor for some tires. Small, little tires. A couple of tailwheel pneumatic tires...
The Little Things Can Get Ya’…
When I was a teenager, I was a member of an Aviation Explorer Post that was sponsored by an FBO. We got to spend...
Following the DIY Approach to Engine Overhaul, One Step at a...
Following the DIY approach to engine overhaul, one step at a time.
In Case You Missed It
Flight Review: Jabiru J230 Light Sport
Marc Cook flies the nimble, LSA-compliant Jabiru J230, and finds the two-seater offers a smooth ride with a decidedly Outback attitude.
Wind Tunnel
Pitch is not the only axis involved in making an airplane fly well. Yaw and roll are also important, and this month Barnaby Wainfan turns his attention to lateral/directional stability and its effect on flying qualities.
Brake Tech for Builders
Marc Cook talks theory, practice, technology and maintenance with Matco Manufacturings George Happ and Grove Aircrafts Robbie Grove. Consider it a primer for all things brake-related.