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.
DAM!
One of my earliest "jobs" in aviation was as an unpaid (but compensated with experience and flight time) line-boy/hangar rat. I'm sure that was...
Sling TSi – New Four Place Cruiser
Anyone who wandered through Kit Company Row at AirVenture in July probably saw the newest aircraft from The Airplane Factory - so new, in...
Now THAT'S a Squeezer Yoke!
It's no joke folks - if you want to do a big job, you need some big tools. Most metal airplane builders are familiar...
One Down – One to Go!
All has not been quiet in ye 'olde aeroplane factory since we got back from AirVenture. With another kit coming in late September, and...
Old Dog, New Trick
I've been working on airplanes for a long time, and some things I do a certain way because I have always done them a...
Only One Way to Skin This Wing
There may be more than one way to skin a feline (I've never tired), but if you stray from the instructions while skinning this...
Westbound After the Show
Oshkosh 2018 is in the books, and hopefully, pilots from all parts of the country have made it home safely. It was a good...
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of aircraft operating limitations by explaining what those Phase II flight test rules mean.
Cable Ties For Ballast
Cable ties will become brittle over time and can break. Having weights come loose during flight, especially near the control system, could really ruin your day.
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.
What’s New
PS Engineering has introduced a new audio panel/com, Avemco creates a safety team, Comp Air offers special pricing incentives on its 6 kit, and UL Power of North America names Zenith as first OEM. Edited by Mary Bernard.