Let’s Get Dirty
Some—perhaps even many—pilots of Experimental aircraft never operate their artfully homebuilt aircraft on any runway surface not considered “improved,” meaning asphalt or concrete. That’s...
Help! You Need Somebody
This topic came to me in a dream, probably triggered by a New Year’s Eve chili-and-pumpkin pie-eating binge. Still, it’s rooted in reality, and...
A Guide to Guides
While it never feels good to be stuck in the ribs, when you deserve it, it hurts even worse. That was our feeling when...
Fleeting Thoughts
When we talk about Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft with “regular” pilots, it’s common for the conversation to imply that our world is a mere tiny speck...
Kit Confidential—Hardware Kits
I may be guilty of sitting on this story too long. In 2003, on the eve of my employment in the kit-aircraft industry, an...
Dollars and Sense
In my decades in aviation, I have come across individuals representing a wide financial demography—from folks who could buy a Boeing with a personal...
On Mechanics
Given the benign nature of newer homebuilts and the wonders of a repairman certificate, there may be a good number of us not beholden...
Demand and Supply
We’re all tired of talking about the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m certain, but there’s no denying it’s reached into every corner of our society, impacting...
Minimax to the Rescue
It's not easy to find a tug/tow bar assembly substantial enough to handle the job adequately and still be portable enough to be carried aboard.
Shenanigans
”Experimental Two Sierra X-Ray, Oshkosh Tower, you are clear for touch-and-goes on any runway. Enjoy.”
That is one of a handful of ATC communications that...
In Case You Missed it
All About Avionics
More and more pilots are installing all-inclusive engine monitoring equipment in their aircraft, and, fortunately, todays monitors are dully reliable.
Free Flight
Modern avionics, knowledge of the weather, a sturdy airframe and a cell phone make cross-country trips less of a gamble.
Marking Rivet Locations
Laying out rivet patterns can take a lot of time, especially when the drawings...
Floating The Dream
Rick Lindstrom revisits Canadas Dream Tundra, this time when its on floats. Dream Aircraft Founder Yvan Desmarais spent 10 years developing the prototype for this design, with the intention of building and kitting a better bushplane. Lindstrom says hes achieved that goal and then some.
