KITPLANES tours the Whirlwind Propeller factory in San Diego, California, where the firm's fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers are made, as well as the blades for Whirlwind Aviation's constant-speed props. Join us as owner Jim Rust leads the tour.
New Ground-Adjustable Composite Propeller for RVs
Following on the heels of its composite ground-adjustable propellers that are paired with Rotax and Jabiru engines, Sensenich has announced a new two-blade ground-adjustable composite prop for high-speed aircraft such as the Vans RV series or Glasair that use the Lycoming O-320 engine.
The new prop is manufactured using an internal pressure, closed mold system to produce a hollow, one piece blade. The blades also incorporate a patent-pending I-beam construction process that yields repeatable blades with maximum strength, durability and low weight, according to Sensenich. Continue reading "New Ground-Adjustable Composite Propeller for RVs"
A Hybrid Engine for GA Aircraft?

George Bye, CEO of Bye Energy, located in Greenwood, Colorado, is confident that a hybrid aviation engine that can be a drop-in replacement for aging Lycoming O-360s is on the horizon. He should know, since he is currently up to his elbows in the development of just such an engine.
Bye, a Lindbergh Foundation Grant recipient, spoke about his plans in the Green Space at Sun 'n Fun on Lindbergh Foundation Day. Continue reading "A Hybrid Engine for GA Aircraft?"
New Product: "Swing-Wing" Ultralight to Be at AirVenture
Gene and Larry Smith, the owners of Culver Props and Valley Engineering will have the production model of their new Back Yard Flyer "swing-wing" legal ultralight at Oshkosh. With its award-winning four-stroke Big Twin engine out front and its ability to rotate the wing 90° on its vertical axis, this plane can open the door to many pilots who can't afford out-of-sight hangar rents.
The plane can be seen in Booth 560 in the lightplane area at the south end of the field.
For more information, visit Valley Engineering.