Free Flight
What does a video game have in common with building an airplane? More than you might think.
Light Stuff
After studying Experimental aircraft, the National Transportation Safety Board developed 16 recommendations. Roy Beisswenger outlines the good, the bad and the still-needed.
Editor’s Log
The FAA’s concerns about the issuance of Special Airworthiness Certificates for some factory-built Light Sport Aircraft may result in changes to ELSA as well. By Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard.
What’s New
Brightline Bags introduces the FLEX flight-bag system, Full Lotus Floats has a new owner, and Victor Technologies debuts a multiprocess welding system.
Viewfinder
Vertical Power’s VP-400 stands ready to locate the nearest airports and help you plot and execute an emergency landing—welcome assistance for the pilot experiencing an in-flight failure. By Marc Cook.
Rotax Factory Tour
Paul Bertorelli takes a tour of the Rotax factory in Austria and discusses the company’s new 912 iS engine and what it has to offer to homebuilders.
Light Stuff
Should powered-parachute and trike pilots have the option of earning a commercial license? By Roy Beisswenger.
The Dawn Patrol
Each stalwart member of The Dawn Patrol has had his "day in the hay" (i.e., an off-airport landing). Now Sharon Starks is initiated into that venerable club.
Alternative Energies
Three new aircraft, Synergy, Pipistrel Panthera and Volta Volare, are pushing the innovation envelope with their propulsion systems, performance and fuel economy. By Dean Sigler.
Free Flight
In a short, late-afternoon flight, Paul Dye takes on a particular Houston cloud formation and exalts in the glory of flying an airplane perfectly suited to his whims.
In Case You Missed It
Dating Your Docs & Paint Touch-Up
I’ve been reading recently through a collection of builder log segments with various descriptions...
Maintenance Matters
Veteran A&P Steve Ells explains the basics of setting up and organizing your home workshop, and the tools you'll need to complete and maintain your project.
Flight Review: Four to Tango
Chuck Berthe puts Team Tango’s Foxtrot 4 through its paces, and finds it to be a capable aircraft with the potential to be even better as the design is refined.