Wind Tunnel
When unexpected drag is an issue, the cause could be gaps in the skin of your airplane. A simple seal might solve the problem.
Wind Tunnel
One effect of a rotating propellor: It acts as a gyroscope. What does this mean for the pilot?
Wind Tunnel
Thrust-line adjustment is a powerful tool for tailoring flying qualities, but it’s complicated.
Wind Tunnel
Once designers had addressed every other drag-producing aspect of the biplane, they decided to get rid of the struts and wires bracing the wings—and the switch to the monoplane was made.
Wind Tunnel
Today, monoplanes dominate, but biplanes came first. They had their advantages—and for some of today’s missions, they still do.
Wind Tunnel
Nine simple rules, distilled from years of experience (making—and fixing—assorted mistakes), can help any aircraft designer avoid disaster.
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
Contrary to popular belief, the frontal area of an airplane is not the most important determinant of drag.
In Case You Missed It
Alternative Energies
Companies around the world are making strides in the development of electric-powered light aircraft. Dean Sigler reports on three French organizations that have been setting records and making history.
Ask the DAR
What do you need to do when you buy an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft? What should a builder/owner do when they're ramp checked?
What’s New
The Jabiru LSA was certified, a new Sport Hornet is introduced, Vertical Power offers climate control in the cockpit, Cirrus is taking orders, an old favorite book title is back in print, the PT-6 firewall-forward package is now on a Turbo Grizzly, and an LED pilot pen lights the great write way; edited by Mary Bernard.
Precious Metal
My wedding might not make it into Vogue, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t make it into KITPLANES!