The data on the Marske website about the graphlite (TM) rod they use indicates a glass transition temperature of 212F. So I tried heating some with a heat gun to see if I could put a permanent bend in it. No luck. I think maybe it uses a phenolic resin which is thermosetting, rather than...

IIUC an antiservo tab works by deflecting a control surface in one direction so that the control surface then exerts a torque in the opposite direction. For example, suppose you have an airplane that tends to yaw to the right with the rudder and ailerons in their neutral positions. An antiservo...

Is there a simple (or complex) guideline for the relationships between CG, pivot axis and aerodynamic center for a control surface to prevent flutter? Is it as simple as keeping the CG at or ahead of the aerodynamic center, similar to designing for stability of the aircraft itself? -- FF

Looking over the available illustrations on the net it appears that the typical radial aircraft engine had a stroke longer than the bore (undersquare). Is that right? It would make sense for high torque at lower RPMs. -- FF

Many of the small 2-stroke engines appear to have the recoil starter positioned so that as one faced the engine the starter is on the right and the prop on the left. With this configuration when right-handed person uses their right hand to start the engine the rest of their body is between the...

Any recommendations for textbooks addressing designing, especially stress analysis, with composite materials? -- FF

Has anybody here heard of VW aeroconversions by a company called metric A/P? Any experiences good or bad? I haven't been able to find them on the Web. -- FF

I have run across someone who insists that 6061 T6 is not "aircraft grade aluminum". He claims that there are no certified parts made from 6061. I find that hard to believe. Aren't there certified aircraft with welded aluminum frames? -- FF

A while ago, in a Corvair engine thread I asked about motorcycle engine conversions. Since then I have found a yahoo group on the subject. I think at least one BMW footwarmer conversion is pictured in the photos section. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/moto-air/?yguid=74612434 While new BMW...

It looks like he's moved to Spanish Fork, Utah and now calling his company Bradley Aircraft, instead of Bradley Aerospace. He also has a You Tube channel. In other news, it has been reported that Doug Hart of 'Hart Aero' has been charged with 'stealing by deceit' and other charges are...

If anyone is interested my boyfriend has a Lancair 4 "A" kit for sale. I would love to see it go away so I can have a workshop! He does not have any interest in finishing the plane since he bought a Glasair. e-me if you are interested.

Anyone knows where can I find Lycoming TIO-540A1A blueprints? Thanks in advance!

Here's hoping that through all our quirks and differences that each of us in the group has a safe holiday season with good cheer amongst friends. Santa

I need to build a dozen outdoor canopies for an office building. I want to use structural aluminum channel, bolted with steel bolts. Where might expect corrosion to arise over the years, and would it be mainly in the aluminum or in the steel bolts? Thanks for any help. Please post here or email...

I am unclear on two Sport Pilot issues: First, a new pilot may qualify for a Sport Pilot ticket even though he or she takes a medication that would preclude a 3rd class medical. However, an experienced pilot with a higher ticket may not operate as a Sport Pilot if he lost a medical last year for...

Panasonic challenged a group of students at Tokyo Institute of Tech. to build an airplane powered by 160 of its new batteries. Here is the result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vmBBvssvO4&eurl

I am planning to see Oshkosh air show this July ....... It is first time for me Thinking to Drive in my RV up there...... Any tips and tricks where to camp ? as close as possible. Any other guidence will be helpfull from those who been there before. Thanks in advance

Can anyone recommend any good articles or books about fowler flap design? Thanks Neal

I know Google says their groups site is easier to use since they revamped it, so I guess I'm missing something. The only way I can find RAH now is because I had a shortcut to it from before the time of the "improvement." When I look up alt.rec, there is no subcategory called "alt.rec.aviation.,...

I'm studying the Gee Bee series of planes and I have a question that may be obvious to you, but not me. I know that flying wires are supposed to be dual for safety purposes. The flying wires on the outboard part of the wing ( Gee Bee R2 and Z models ) are dual, OK. I am assuming that the load of...