Wind Tunnel
Taxi testing may seem to be a mere formality, but it is a vital step toward bringing a new aircraft to flight, and is not without its dangers.
Wind Tunnel
Builders are often in a rush to prove the airworthiness of their homebuilt projects, but thorough flight-testing is essential.
Wind Tunnel
Seemingly inconsequential alterations—even mounting an inflight camera on the airframe—can result in big changes to an aircraft’s handling and performance.
Wind Tunnel
Certain situations and configurations just call out for a ducted-fan installation. Barnaby Wainfan explains the benefits and drawbacks.
Wind Tunnel
While two-control airplanes were designed to make a pilot’s life simpler, they come with significant compromises.
Vortex Generators and STOL Performance
One way to solve the problem of flow separation—and stall—is by installing vortex generators on your kit aircraft.
Wind Tunnel
Contrary to popular belief, the frontal area of an airplane is not the most important determinant of drag.
Wind Tunnel
It’s all about lift, and knowing your airplane’s lift margin at a given airspeed tells you what the airplane is capable of.
Wind Tunnel
Nine simple rules, distilled from years of experience (making—and fixing—assorted mistakes), can help any aircraft designer avoid disaster.
Wind Tunnel
Today, monoplanes dominate, but biplanes came first. They had their advantages—and for some of today’s missions, they still do.
In Case You Missed It
Editor’s Log: Crew Change
Marc Cook, former editor in chief, is once again going to hold that position here, as Paul Dye steps into the role of editor at large.
2012 Plansbuilt Buyer’s Guide
The 2012 Plansbuilt Buyer’s Guide features 138 designs for those who prefer the challenge of building an aircraft from scratch.
What’s New
MGL extends its warranty, Grand Rapids introduces the Sport SX EFIS, Vertical Power has a new system, and more. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Cable-Exit Fairings
Don't let unsightly cable-exit holes spoil the look or performance of your aircraft.