Paul Dye
Paul Dye, KITPLANES® Editor at Large, 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.
Sebring – Trying it on for Size
The US Sport Aviation Expo at Sebring, Florida began on Wednesday, and we found that its a great opportunity to take a look at...
Rocks!
Yes, sometimes there are rocks in those clouds - a good reminder for anyone flying in the mountains this time of year. I shot...
Smooooth!
Even though I understand and am a big fan of dynamic power plant balancing, it never ceases to amaze how much difference it can...
First Flights
December 17 is, of course, a very important day in the annals of homebuilding. Well, all aviation, I suppose, but I really have to...
Whirlwind Visit
Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California is an interesting place for experimental aviators. With no signs to tell you what's in a row if...
Test Flying the TruTrak ECO Autopilot
I just got back from a test flight with TruTrak Flight Systems' Andrew Barker in their company's RV-10. The purpose - to get a...
Tail Wheel Time
In no way do I consider myself a tail wheel snob, but for some reason, all of the airplanes in my hangar (including the...
Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving weekend always seems to signal the start of real winter weather over the continental United States, and that means snow, ice, low ceilings...
In Case You Missed It
Avionics Dropout
In this case, the non-builder owner stated that the avionics, including his EFIS, would...
Ask the DAR
Recertifying a Homebuilt after major changes. Changing the gross weight when putting a Rans S6S on floats.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir explains how LED strip lighting works and explores the ways in which it can be used in your homebuilt or your shop.
Alodine Sluice
Alodine is an excellent corrosion inhibitor plus it adds zero weight. I should have...