Tom Wilson
Pumping avgas and waxing flight school airplanes got Tom into general aviation in 1973, but the lure of racing cars and motorcycles sent him down a motor journalism career heavy on engines and racing. Today he still writes for peanuts and flies for fun.
Inside Spruce
What really happens when you place an order at Aircraft Spruce & Specialty? By Tom Wilson
2013 Engine Buyer’s Guide
For homebuilders, power is a top-of-mind issue, and engines are among their most important decisions. From the familiar Lycomings and Continentals to the options in radials, here’s what the traditional aircraft-engine market offers.
Bullish on Weight
For Red Bull racing professionals, reducing the engine weight in their aircraft is serious business. We can learn from their experience.
Electronic Ignitions
As electronic ignitions become more popular, some homebuilders will want to consider making the switch (especially given the potential savings in fuel costs). Tom Wilson provides an overview of the marketplace and offers a “cost-benefit” analysis.
Electronic Ignitions
Electronic ignitions can offer benefits over the standard magnetos, including lower maintenance and better fuel economy.
Switch Blade
Weighing just 11 pounds for a hub and three blades, the new carbon-fiber prop from Whirl Wind Propellers improves the performance in both climb and cruise on a RANS S-7.
Efficient Engines
There are many ways to increase an engine's efficiency when rebuilding. Tom Wilson reviews the options, along with the costs involved and the expected returns.
Headlong For Headers
Tom Wilson, an avowed hot rodder, details his foray into the world of custom exhausts and the performance gains found on his Lycoming IO-540.
In Case You Missed It
Viewfinder
Vertical Power’s VP-400 stands ready to locate the nearest airports and help you plot and execute an emergency landing—welcome assistance for the pilot experiencing an in-flight failure. By Marc Cook.
Dry Tappet Clearance
A flat (standard) tappet disassembled into its various parts. Note that the tappet...