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Ron Wanttaja

Ron Wanttaja
39 POSTS 15 COMMENTS
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

Polliwagen

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A sharp-looking homebuilt with early promise, the Polliwagen suffered from pitch quirks that left it nearly extinct just decades after its debut.
Mini-Coupe

Chris Tena Mini-Coupe

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The VW-powered Mini-Coupe—with twin tails and all-pushrod controls—remains a standout among 1970s homebuilts.
Wheeler Express illustration

Wheeler Express—Yesteryear’s Homebuilts

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The Wheeler Express dazzled with sleek performance and bold promises but ultimately struggled with stability issues and company misfortunes.

Dyke Delta

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Unconventional and striking, the Dyke Delta blends unique design with solid performance and a dash of homebuilt aviation history.

Aging Aviators and Safety

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When is it time to hang up the helmet and goggles for the last time?

Light Sport Accidents: A Broader Look

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Experimental Light Sport Aircraft have a better safety record than traditional homebuilts.

Special Light Sport Airplane Accidents

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Some surprising results when compared to traditional Cessnas.

Turnbuckles for the 21st Century

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The MS series turnbuckle can eliminate conventional safety wiring.

Homebuilt Accidents: Reassurance

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Don’t let the statistics get you down.

Homebuilt Accidents: Passing the Engine Baton

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How does the Rotax 912 compare to traditional engines used in small homebuilts?

In Case You Missed It

Stressing Structure

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Local crippling.

25+ Years with an RV-6

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The story of N168TX.

Testing, Testing, Can You Hear Me Yet?

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We’ve come a long way from the Narco Omnigator (vintage 1958 or so) to...