Home Authors Posts by Steve Ells

Steve Ells

Steve Ells
34 POSTS 0 COMMENTS
Steve Ells is what you call a gen-u-ine mechanic, a bonafide A&P with an Inspection Authorization. Former West Coast editor for AOPA Pilot and tech guy for the Cessna Pilots Association, Ells has flown and wrenched on a wide range of aircraft. He owns and wrenches (a lot!) on a classic Piper Comanche. But don’t hold that against him.

Engine Beat

0
Those who understand the aviation marketplace will be in a position to make the most of opportunities-and Tempest gets it. By Steve Ells.

Engine Beat

0
UL Power of Belgium adds two new engines to its product line that are distinguished by the inclusion of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). By Steve Ells.

Engine Beat

0
When it became clear that some ECI Titan cylinders were having cylinder head failure problems, the FAA issued an AD identifying the impacted cylinder assemblies. Now what? By Steve Ells.

Engine Beat

0
What are your options to get the annual condition inspection done when you're not the original builder of the aircraft? By Steve Ells.

Engine Beat

0
Removing your oil filter is not nearly as easy as putting it on. Steve Ells shows you how to take it off without turning your workshop into a Hazmat site.

Engine Beat

0
There's a lot to know about aircraft oil: what to use, when to use it, when to change it. Steve Ells sheds some light on this essential fluid.

Engine Beat

0
How are your cylinders doing? A differential compression test can uncover any problems-almost before they start. Steve Ells explores what the results mean, and what to do about them.

Engine Beat

0
Steve Ells explains the science of alternators, and offers some tips for understanding and troubleshooting problems with the system.

Engine Beat

0
Do kit aircraft owners have to comply with ADs? Steve Ells examines the dos and donts of this tricky question.

Engine Beat

0
What makes an excellent Experimental exhaust system? High quality 321 stainless tubes, neat welds and flex points. By Steve Ells.

In Case You Missed It

2014 Plans-Built Buyer’s Guide

0
Not everyone starts with a kit. By Paul Dye and Mark Schrimmer.

Firewall Forward: Baffling

6
In the final installment of KITPLANES Firewall Forward, editor at large Paul Dye takes...

Cutting Aluminum on the Table Saw

0
The first time I watched someone cut a one-inch thick slab of 7075...

Shop Safety

0
This article covers what you should have learned in your high school shop class, but didn't, and more. It discusses safety glasses, proper treatment of chisels, gloves, jewelry, shop coats, hand tools, urban myths, safe shoes, hardware, biomechanics, capturing wayward chips, machinery placement in the shop, air-powered tools, cleanup, pneumatic cutting tools, and other common sense advice; by Bob Fritz.