Exploring

This months listing covers a new entry to the LSA market, the Explorer, a how-to TIG welding DVD, a free avionics guide from AEA, news about updated software and a new display from Anywhere Map, introduction of a three-cylinder diesel engine, and a sun visor for the popular Vans series of homebuilt aircraft; edited by Mary Bernard.

While he admires and uses them, author Norm Ellis laments the lack of user-friendliness in todays GPS units. Editor Marc Cook counters that argument and extols the virtues of GPSes, complications or no, and their value in the cockpit.

Getting a handle on it; by Marc Cook.

Illuminate your panel, a new EFIS, and a Subaru-based firewall-forwaard engine package; edited by Mary Bernard.

Bob Fritz reviews Sport Pilot Airplane, a new book from Carol and Brian Carpenter, which covers Light Sport Aircraft from selecting an airplane to pilot and aircraft requirements, meteorology, aerodynamics, flying characteristics, transition to new aircraft and FAA paperwork; by Bob Fritz.

Shopping for a new airplane is never easy and there is much to consider. This article details one mans purchase decision, as he systematically weighs the pros and cons of various designs and ultimately decides on the Flight Design CT; by Dave Martin.

Taking a measured, conservative approach to the development of new technologies and basing decisions on real-world experience rather than hearsay is the best way to move forward in homebuilding.

Drill holes without a template using a transfer, get around an airport with a foldable mobility scooter, auto-darkening smart welding helmets are introduced, and relays can save your avionics.

There are ways to protect yourself from lawsuits when you sell a homebuilt aircraft. These include accurate and complete documentation of the building process, adherence to manufacturers instructions during the build, a good record of safe flight over a period of time, third party liability insurance protection and a signed liability waiver.

The author reviews the Kappa KP-5 LSA, imported by Kappa Aircraft from the Czech Republic. This is a conventional, low-wing, trigear configuration airplane, with a staggered seating arrangement that allows more room for each occupant, while keeping the cockpit narrow. The KP-5 is powered by a 100-horsepower Rotax 912 ULS engine and a Woodcomp three-blade prop, and has a useful load of 583 pounds. Full-power airspeed is stated as 138 mph. Avionics equipment includes a Dynon EFIS and engine monitor, Garmin GPSMAP 496 and Garmin transponder.