Ask the DAR
Readers want to know when you can use your homebuilt for paid instruction and how to convert a certified aircraft into an Experimental.
The Cost to Build
When a kit airplane or plans purveyor provides an estimated cost to complete a project, consider it with a wary eye that's tempered with real-world experience.
The Kitchen Window
BD-4 builder Steven Mahoney commandeers the family's four-burner kitchen appliance to complete a mod for his airplane, and lives to tell the tale.
Hands On: Spray Painting
Mike Loehle shows us the process of prepping both metal and composite surfaces prior to painting as well as applying color and clear coats.
Tapping Heads
The tapping head has a lot to commend it for the home machinist who is trying to add efficiency and consistency to tapping tasks.
Tips for Installing Your Props Properly
It pays to be thorough and follow the manufacturers instructions to the letter when installing a prop on your homebuilt.
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry clears up airspace restrictions for homebuilts during flight testing and discusses how the original builder of a homebuilt design remains the builder unless the airworthiness certificate is surrendered, which has implications for reselling an aircraft.
All About Avionics: Flight-Control Systems
As the industry matures, the sheer variety and capabilities of autopilots for Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft are flourishing. By Stein Bruch.
The Home Machinist
Bob Fritz visited the TechShop workshop in Menlo Park, California, and got to play with lots of big, shiny toys that any homebuilder would covet.
In Case You Missed It
Alternative Energies
Rapid strides are being made in the development of ultralight electric motorgliders. Dean Sigler talks to a few of the manufacturers at the forefront of this field.
All About Avionics: Autopilots
Want to be fresh at the end of a long flight? Experimental-only autopilots beat their certified counterparts. They're usually less expensive, more capable and far more user-serviceable (if you know what you're doing). By Stein Bruch.
Van’s RV-8: Sport Plane Standard Setter
Although the RV-8 debuted 12 years ago, author Ed Wischmeyer flies a splendid builder example and notes how the design has fared over the years; by Ed Wischmeyer.