Vic Syracuse
Vic is a fixed-wing and helicopter commercial pilot, CFII with ASMEL/ASES ratings, an A&P/IA, DAR, and EAA technical advisor and flight counselor. Passionately involved in aviation for over 40 years, he has built 11 aircraft and logged over 10,000 hours in 72 different kinds of aircraft. Vic volunteers as a Young Eagle pilot, has his own sport aviation business called Base Leg Aviation, and has written two books on aircraft prebuy and condition inspections.
Aircraft Modification Choices
Aftermarket mods for amateur-built aircraft are booming, but not all upgrades deliver on performance, safety or practicality.
Tools and Shop Organization: When It’s Time to Start
Organization, smart tool planning and connecting with local builders are essential first steps to a successful aircraft building project.
Check the Sump Screen
It is important to check the oil sump screen for contaminants at least once per year.
A Baker’s Dozen
Vic shares his decision process for both choosing another RV-10 as well as choosing some of the “upgrades.”
Common In-Flight Failures, Part 2
This column is a continuation of common in-flight failures that I began discussing in the September 2024 issue. With today’s glass cockpits and all...
Unlabeled Switch and Circuit Breakers
For safety’s sake, all switches and circuit breakers should be labeled as to function and direction.
Risk Tolerance
There’s only so much we can do to eliminate risk, so it becomes more about risk tolerance, which is usually different for everyone.
In Case You Missed It
Aero ‘lectrics
When you land your airplane at a fly-in, you want it to look its best while staying safely and securely parked. Making your own coordinated tiedowns, chocks and more is one way to do that.
What’s New
Sunbeam light from AeroLEDs, dealer agreement for Titan EXP engines, Snap-on LED Hybrid Light and Pioneer Aircraft’s new wood grip.
Wind Tunnel
This month Barnaby Wainfan turns his attention to the control system and how various aspects such as linkages, the elevator planform and tail aspect ratio, and trailing-edge treatments affect pitch control.