video Archives - KITPLANES

Why Angle of Attack Is a Lifesaver

Kitplanes — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:40 +0000

As part of our Oshkosh LIVE coverage, KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye took time out from seeing the sights to talk about the importance of angle of attack instrumentations, which is now almost common in LSA and homebuilt aircraft. Pretty much any airplane with a modern EFIS already has most of the hardware and there are standalone systems that can bring this old but still incredibly useful technology into the cockpit.

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MOSAIC Next Steps—an interview with Rian Johnson

Marc Cook — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:47:14 +0000

As part of the Oshkosh Live streaming television we did from AirVenture, KITPLANES editor in chief Marc Cook sat down with Rian Johnson, who is besides his role as head of design engineering at Van’s Aircraft, the chair of the ASTM F37 committee working on MOSAIC standards. In this interview, he looks ahead at the next steps for MOSAIC and offers his perspective for what might come out of the FAA next year when the new rules package is announced.

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What’s the Coolest Two-Holer?

Marc Cook — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:15:00 +0000

Nick Pfannenstiel of Timber Tiger fame—the company that brought you the spitting-image Ryan homebuilt—walks us through the details of Kay’s Speedster, a Verner-powered, side-by-side homebuilt with awesome styling and promising performance. At AirVenture, Nick answered hundreds of questions, including when the kits will be ready. But first, they need to finish Phase I flight testing back home in Colorado.

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Dynon Update from AirVenture 2024

Marc Cook — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 20:10:00 +0000

Michael Schofield from Dynon Avionics demonstrates the Emergency Glide on a Sky View HDX 12-inch display, a safety feature that’s coming on the next version of Sky View HDX software for experimental aircraft and on the next version of Advanced Flight Systems AF 5000 6000 series. Also new from Dynon is the updated Comm Radio Control Panel and the D30 which is now available to the Experimental market.

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OSH Live Interview with Rotax’s Marc Becker

Kitplanes — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 17:34:41 +0000

KITPLANES was among the several Firecrown brands to participate in a live feed from AirVenture 2024. In this segment, KITPLANES editor in chief Marc Cook interviews Marc Becker, head of Rotax’s aviation division about what’s new with the company, development of the new 916 iS and a host of other topics relating to the Experimental and Light Sport categories.

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Legal Eagle at Oshkosh 2024

Jon Croke — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 22:37:21 +0000

Legal Eagle designer Leonard Milholland talks about his ultralight aircraft. Leonard is close to his 100th birthday at AirVenture 2024 in Oshkosh Wisconsin and he’s been selling Legal Eagle plans for 30 years.

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Titan Tornado at AirVenture 2024

Jon Croke — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 21:33:03 +0000

We checked in with builder Dan Kroeplin on the 30th anniversary of the Titan Tornado.

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Garmin GTR 205X At AirVenture

Larry Anglisano — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 14:03:30 +0000

We check in with Garmin’s Brad Bensing for an overview of the new slimline GTR 205x comm radio aimed at experimental aircraft.

More information: www.garmin.com

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Future Vehicles Dingo Aircraft

Jon Croke — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:54:15 +0000

We caught up with Rick Bennett from Bluff City Aircraft for a quick overview of the Future Vehicles Dingo ultralight aircraft. The kit without engine and prop is currently $17,500.

More information: https://www.bluffcityaircraft.com/product-page/dingo-basic-kit-delivered

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Lady Vi Flies Again

Marc Cook — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 16:39:17 +0000

After a yearlong effort to restore a very rare Rutan design, the Rutan Aircraft Flying Experience (RAFE) suffered an enormous setback. On the way to AirVenture 2023, the VariViggen, the root of Burt Rutan’s groundbreaking designs that would redefine homebuilding in the 1970s, suffered an engine failure. Fortunately, the VariViggen landed safely, with the only damage, beyond the trashed engine, due to a gear collapse. “It was a minor miracle the whole airplane wasn’t lost,” says RAFE’s Ryszard Zadow.

Better news this year, says RAFE. “Once again though, RAFE volunteers have pulled off what some thought was not going to be possible and yesterday, Lady VI flew again!” While the team of volunteers still has issues to work through before the big show in Oshkosh, they’re optimistic.

“Like in 2022, we have a month to work out all the bugs that come with an airplane being repaired for nearly a year and installing a new, different engine. So far test flights are encouraging and we are very confident AirVenture 2024 and the Rutan Reunion Flight will once again have a VariViggen flying before the crowd,” Zadow says. Having the VariViggen there is just one piece of the puzzle, though. “RAFE’s goal is to fly at least one example of Burt Rutan’s homebuilt designs and a few more in the airshow at OSH this year, and every year. Getting Lady Vi back in the air has been 11 months worth of work that will continue right up to the day we arrive at OSH. It wouldn’t have happened if not for volunteer time, effort, donations and the support of great aviation companies.”

RAFE, a 501c3 non-profit organization, has benefitted from support of Rutan-design enthusiasts as well as the general public, and is accepting donations to help with ongoing operations and restorations.

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