Shining a Light on History
Back in 2008, George W. Bush was president and 100LL was $2.50 a gallon. Production of 80/87 had stopped the previous year, and this...
Taking Your Engine’s Temperature
Your aircraft’s engine requires monitoring of various temperatures for you to know that it will continue to purr along reliably for the entire flight....
Reverse Engineering a Glasair Tailwheel
One day last summer, seconds after rolling from the hold short line to depart Las Vegas’ Henderson Airport, a freak wind gust caught David...
Fourier Strikes Again
Ah, the email call for April 15, 2022, just arrived. Michael Zwijacz wrote to me: “Hello Jim, I’ve been following you in KITPLANES® for many...
Second-Thought Tie-Down Eye
Every aircraft has tie-down points. Most of us never give them a second thought until a catastrophe strikes—like the big storm that threatened early...
Unattached Vertical Fin
Here is a photo of a vertical stabilizer attach point on an RV-9A that is completely missing the four lower attach bolts shown in...
Prelude to NextGen LEDs
Just in this last few months (from June 2022), there has been a true revolution in the state of the art for power LEDs....
It’s a Knockout
When it comes time to remove and replace bearings or bushings that are press fit into tubes or deep recesses, don’t be that mechanic...
Learning To Identify Solid Rivets
Nearly every homebuilt aircraft kit has at least a few solid rivets helping to hold it together. Some kit designs use thousands of these—others,...
First Flight Experiences
I’ve done quite a few first flights for new builders. I lost count when the number went over 40. Most of them have been...
In Case You Missed it
FRED to Florida
After more than 50 years, Eric Cluttons original prototype is still flying. By Geoff Jones.
Finding the Source
While on a routine technical counselor consultation, Paul Dye discovered hidden treasure: Richard VanGrunsven’s original RV-1. He details a bit about its history and preparations for its planned tour this summer.
Old, New & Old Again!
We are seeing more talk of people rebuilding cores found in barns or the back of hangars.
Following the DIY Approach to Engine Overhaul, One Step at a Time
Following the DIY approach to engine overhaul, one step at a time.