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.
Where Have All the Homebuilts Gone?
Thousands of E/A-B aircraft have been removed from the rolls, but most of them haven’t existed for decades.
Homebuilt Accidents: Fire!
Quite possibly, your eyes glazed over a bit when you saw the title of this article. Quite possibly, you’re poised to skim forward a...
Homebuilt Accidents: Evaluating Engines
Statistics show traditional certified engines have the best reliability.
In Case You Missed It
The Dawn Patrol
They may not be comfortable, and they don't go fast, but flying a WW-I plane is just plain fun. When you can share the experience with some American heroes, its even better.
Bringing a Baby Great Lakes Back
After developing an interest in aerobatics, one builder acquires an airplane that allows him to fully indulge that fascination (after a few hundred hours of rebuilding). By Ron Bearer Jr.
The Dawn Patrol
When you're the newbie of the group, you're going to get the tough assignments. But some newbies know how to exact payback (all in good fun, of course).