Ron Wanttaja
Ron Wanttaja is a retired space systems engineer. Over a 40-year career, he helped design, build, test, launch, and operate 18 spacecraft, up to and including the International Space Station. He has owned a Bowers Fly Baby since 1996 and flew the original prototype for seven years before buying his own. He is married to romance novelist Lisa McAllister and lives just outside of Portland, Oregon.
Polliwagen
A sharp-looking homebuilt with early promise, the Polliwagen suffered from pitch quirks that left it nearly extinct just decades after its debut.
Chris Tena Mini-Coupe
The VW-powered Mini-Coupe—with twin tails and all-pushrod controls—remains a standout among 1970s homebuilts.
Wheeler Express—Yesteryear’s Homebuilts
The Wheeler Express dazzled with sleek performance and bold promises but ultimately struggled with stability issues and company misfortunes.
Dyke Delta
Unconventional and striking, the Dyke Delta blends unique design with solid performance and a dash of homebuilt aviation history.
Light Sport Accidents: A Broader Look
Experimental Light Sport Aircraft have a better safety record than traditional homebuilts.
Special Light Sport Airplane Accidents
Some surprising results when compared to traditional Cessnas.
Homebuilt Accidents: Passing the Engine Baton
How does the Rotax 912 compare to traditional engines used in small homebuilts?
In Case You Missed It
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_1172095184-324x160.jpg "Editor’s Log")
Home Shop Machinist: Power Polishing Promise
Back in the February 2019 issue of KITPLANES®, I promised a column about polishing...
Diodes, the Universal Component?
Diodes started off life fairly simply. Take an AC signal and convert it to a DC signal. Simple, huh?
Error Chain
Panic! What do you do when you find yourself tumbling toward certain demise and none of the tools available seem to be working?