The Gorge
How is it that an airplane oriented company like Van’s Aircraft can be based in a valley that always seems to be fogged or...
The Value of Heeding Directions
As builders, we are generally good at doing the research: reading directions, poring over plans and diagrams and generally trying to figure stuff out...
'Twas the Week Before Oshkosh
No, sorry - not going to do the poetry thing. I'm way too busy getting ready for the big show - and the big...
Keep it Covered
Although our airplanes mostly live indoors, it is not uncommon to tie them down outside when we're on the road. Although a good canopy...
Long Spar – Meet Big Squeezer!
One good reason to make lots of friends when you get in to homebuilding--sooner or later you're going to need a special tool, and...
Commentary: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Epic? UPDATED
The winding road traveled by Epic Aircraft rounded what could be the last bend today. On Wednesday, April 7, the bankruptcy judge received a proposal that would, in essence, put a consortium of Epic LT builders in the driver's seat.
(Almost) Engine Hanging Time
We riveted on the firewall of our Dream Tundra project the other day - a major milestone because we think that means we have...
Old Dog… New Trick?
So I opened a fresh box of Tempest oil filters today, and on top of the filters was the notice that you see in...
No Charge – No Kidding!
Crimps are important, and as much as we hate it, you need special tools to do them right.
Clocks & Timers
Recently, a friend who owns both a certified airplane and a homebuilt asked my advice on what to do about the timer mounted in...
In Case You Missed it
The Home Machinist
Phillips? Flat head? Double blade? Bob Fritz clears up questions you didn't even know you had about screwdrivers. When you're building a plane, the right tool for the right job (and right space) really does matter.
Carving Fiberglass the Easy Way
Shaping fiberglass parts might be messy, but it doesn't need to be hard. When...
Light Stuff
Another European SLSA reaches American shores in the form of Tecnams high-wing, high-style, partially carbon-fiber Tecnam P2008. By Dave Martin.