We left the end of the annual with a note about problems I’ve been having with the electric pitch trim system in my Glastar Sportsman. For background, the Sportsman has what has become a fairly common setup among homebuilts. A small electric motor—a Ray Allen Co. T2-7A, to be specific—is connected directly to a movable [...]
The AirCam has been for sale not quite since I got it, but almost. Let’s face it: In the competition for least practical airplane out there, the AirCam gets a bye in the first four rounds. But that’s not really why it’s been for sale. I got it at a government auction, and the plan [...]
Viper Aircraft has added a new design to its lineup, the Viper FanJet, which offers greater range, higher fuel efficiency and expanded cargo capacity, according to Viper. Increasing the size of the aircraft by 17%, the designers created a spacious, climate-controlled cockpit able to accommodate pilots over 6-foot-5. The larger fuselage translates to 25 cubic [...]
When we last left N30KP’s annual inspection, the pitot-static check had been completed and I was beginning work on the rest of the airframe. By that time, I’d been through the major systems, checking cable tensions, lubricating hinges and ball ends and generally tidying up from the firewall back. I can’t say I found much. [...]
In a utility airplane, the power-to-weight ratio reigns supreme, which is why Cub Crafters is making a big deal about its new Carbon Cub kit. Said to weigh 200 pounds less than traditional Super Cubs, the Carbon Cub is designed to accept powerplants from the 100-hp Continental O-200 to the 180-hp Lycoming IO-360. Cub Crafters [...]
The Bosch 18-volt cordless jigsaw has been added to Aircraft Spruce’s line of Bosch power tools. The 6-pound jigsaw has a One-Touch system that allows for easy blade change and ejection of hot or broken blades with one lever. The Bosch also features blade retention and a three-way grip that maintains the blade position and [...]
KITPLANES Bookstore, the leader in electronic distribution (e-books) in the aviation industry, now sells Jeppesen maintenance and pilot training manuals in e-book format as well as standard printed format. KITPLANES Bookstore’s e-books give customers a choice in how they receive content. Many will prefer a printed book, but the e-book format offers many advantages, the [...]
It’s race day on San Diego Bay in Southern California. I look around at the more than 70,000 people (120,000 over two days) assembled on the banks east and west, at the flotillas on the bay north and south of the race course, listen to the thumping bass on the rock star sound system coupled [...]
