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.
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.
Detail Man
Master craftsman Andy Paterson's innovative finish work on a Glasair Sportsman polished the airplane to near perfection.
Air Power
The art of porting cylinder heads, whether by hand or by CNC machine, is a valuable part of blueprinting detailed engine builds or overhauls, and surprisingly subtle changes can determine how efficiently the engine will breathe.
In Case You Missed It
Denso Alternator Homemade Adaptation
Swapping a Denso alternator into a Lycoming engine? Here’s how one builder tackled pulley design for optimal reliability.
Pilot Proficiency
If you've spent years building instead of flying, type-specific training before that all-important first flight in your homebuilt is a must.
Down To Earth
Swapping out an engine leads to an even greater question than just finding one that fits: How do you keep it cool? By Amy Laboda.
Sausage, Law and Breadboards
Otto von Bismarck said that if you enjoy sausage and law, you should never...