Mods

Builders are awesome tinkerers and inventors, and they come up with improvements to the original design. Luckily they aren’t’ shy about sharing information!

Setzman N11YM

Setzman N11YM Maiden Flight

I conduct most of the Phase 1 initial flights on Sportsman aircraft that are born out of the TWTT program. Even though I am...

Sportsman Cleared for Flight Testing with UL Power 520i Firewall-Forward

The UL Power 520i engine is much lighter than the typical Lycoming installation. I moved the engine six inches forward and was still worried...
New Sportsman tailwheel spring.

Tailwheel Springs

I’ve never been entirely satisfied with the way the tailwheel leaf springs are secured to the tail cone, especially when banging them off of...
Removable control stick

Removable Control Stick

Here is some information on how to make your stick look like the above photo. Place your stick into its socket on the control boss and slide it into the position you want it to be in, when you are flying. Measure from the forward edge of the control boss (that the stick slides into), […]

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A GlaStar fuselage undergoing load testing at Glasair

GlaStar Cargo Door Update

Recently I have received several inquiries about the engineering of the aft baggage door for the GlaStar. I have responded that there will not...
New glass installed. Note the 12" spun aluminum wheels and bead locks.

The “SuperStar”

Recently, I worked with a friend from San Diego after he purchased a GlaStar that had briefly flown. He wanted the GlaStar to undergo a complete make-over plus some upgrades.

Ventral Fin for Yaw Stability

Most components added to a plane forward of the center of lift usually have a negative effect on directional stability (other than canards perhaps)....
GlaStar baggage floor supporting flange

James Siebel’s Flat Baggage Floor

James Siebel added a floor to his baggage compartment that allows him to sleep back there (allegedly). This is what it looks like.

Prototyping Your Heart Out: Early Days With the Dynon Autopilot

Yes, I’m a glutton for punishment. Over the short flying life of my Sportsman, it has been subjected to more than its fair share...

Who Needs A Carb? Life With FADEC

For those of you who are interested in the Aerosance FADEC system, I thought I would give some insight in my fairly extensive experience...