It’s that time of year again, the time when we undertake the arduous task of updating and compiling the thousands of pieces of data that go into our annual Buyer’s Guides. The process has been described in these pages before, and involves contacting every kit, plans or rotorcraft manufacturer from the previous year (plus any [...]
When I finally got around to firing up my new air compressor, the drain valve wouldn’t open. You’re supposed to be able to open it with just your fingers, but I couldn’t get it open even with a pair of pliers and destroyed it in the process. And, of course, no receipt, no warranty. Someone [...]
Controversy over results of a recent General Aviation accident analysis generated considerable debate among pilots of technically advanced aircraft (TAA) of both the Experimental and certified types during this year’s Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In. The study, released in March 2010, suggests that pilots of TAA, those equipped with so-called glass cockpits (EFISes), including primary and [...]
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.
When a Lancair IV-P lost power, began leaking oil over the windscreen and eventually landed on a Florida beach, the subsequent crash set off a surprising chain of events. The pilot’s calm under fire has been overshadowed by the freakish outcome of the forced landing; a runner on the beach was struck and fatally injured [...]
Spring has sprung, and airshow season is upon us. Even if you can’t make Sun ‘n Fun this year, follow all the action on our updated news section on kitplanes.com. Called Newsline, our fresh approach to current events will bring you right into all the major events this year with breaking news, video feeds, and [...]
It occurs to me that there are two Oshkosh rain modes. The first kicks in when rain erupts with a certain amount of warning after a beautiful airshow day, one that began with no hint of precipitation. The midday rain crowd shifts into indoor exhibits, huddles under wings and sprouts ponchos, and even stays for [...]
I must confess to being torn between twin folding-wing temptations. Should I get on the Early Adopter list for the Terrafugia roadable airplane or the Icon A5 amphibious LSA? In the presence of the respective pitchmen, I can almost be persuaded. However, a third dilemma now presents itself in the form of a proposed flying [...]
