News and commentary about homebuilt/experimental aviation from the editors of Kitplanes Magazine.
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.
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"
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?"
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.
