Dan Parker and the Altitude Airplane

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Dan Parker was just another enthusiast looking to make his mark in aviation with some kind of crazy, notable project. Then he came across the Facet Opel, current altitude record holder, and the race was on. Since then, hes been working on his airplane full time, hoping to break the existing record, and along the way hes come up with some innovative and exceptionally efficient building and design practices.

A Sign of the Zodiac (Part 7)

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It’s about the journey, not the destination, as Rick Lindstrom’s homebuilt Zodiac 601 XL is ferried by friends from Florida to its new home in Cloverdale, California.

Build Your Skills: Composites (Part 8)

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Last months installment in the Composites series detailed how to do vacuum-bagging of parts at home. This month author Bob Fritz discusses how to inexpensively build one critical component in that process: the vacuum pump.

Completions

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Builders share their successes.

Aircraft Handling: Making the Compromises Work

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Doug Rozendaal brings his considerable experience to a discussion of flight handling characteristics and his favorite aircraft. Among the factors designers consider are stability, control response, feel, personal preferences, FAA requirements, stick force, center of gravity, center of pressure, and the flight envelope. Every design is a compromise.

Dare To Be Bare

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After checking with a variety of aluminum polishing aficionados, author Bob Fritz came up with a winning combination for maintaining the shine on metal airplanes. He details not only which products to use, but also how to use them for maximum effectiveness with minimal elbow grease.

A Sign of the Zodiac (Part 6)

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As the project is completed and is readied for its flight home, the author reflects on the challenges he overcame and the lessons he learned during the build; by Rick Lindstrom.

But Will It Fly the Plane?

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Raconteur and avid WW-I-era airplane enthusiast Dick Starks regales us with tales of innovation and resourcefulness when he attempts to measure the pull of his and his compadres VW powerplants.

Build Your Skills: Composites (Part 7)

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Author Bob Fritz explains how to set up a vacuum-bagging operation in your home shop, using readily available equipment and supplies, which will get you great results on small- to medium-size parts. The object is to mechanically squeeze out excess epoxy for a good-ratio part with maximum weight savings and strength.

Completions

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Builders share their successes.

In Case You Missed It

Buzz Words: Understanding Dihedral Effect

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While certified airplanes have to meet Part 23 requirements for positive dihedral, amateur-built airplanes are exempt. Ed Kolano looks into the details of dihedral, and how you can use it to your airborne advantage.

What Is My Instrument Panel Going to Cost?

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A look at several options and what goes into the final price.

Rear Cockpit

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Summer school.

Letters

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 Mojave MemoriesI greatly enjoyed Mark Cook’s article “Homebuilding on the Edge” , as it...