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.
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.
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
Aircraft Handling: What’s It Mean To You?
Two seasoned test pilots, Chuck Berthe and Ed Wischmeyer, discuss their favorite aircraft and the traits that make the aircraft endearing. They also offer a brief history of aircraft design, and discuss the payoffs and compromises inherent in any design effort. Some of their selections are surprising. a Staff Report.
Special Delivery
There are events in your life where you will always remember the time, place...
Down to Earth
When something doesn’t feel (or sound) right, trust your gut and stay on the ground. A stuck valve recently demonstrated this lesson to Amy Laboda.