Kitplane Construction [Paperback]

Ronald J. Wanttaja (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070681619 | ISBN-13: 978-0070681613 | Publication Date: June 1, 1996 | Edition: 2

Featuring new and classic kitplane designs, this bestseller shows you how to chooise, build, and fly a homebuilt plane. Kitplanes magazine calls this book "required reading for anyone thinking about building an airplane."

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

THE Guide for Kitplane Builders

Featuring new and classic kitplane designs, this bestseller shows you how to choose, build, and fly a homebuilt plane. Kitplanes magazine calls this book "required reading for anyone thinking about building an airplane."

More than a how-to, Kit Airplane Construction is also a why-to. In this unbiased look at every aspect of the kitplane process, award-winning aviation writer Ron Wanttaja covers everything from cost comparisons with certified used aircraft to drilling all those holes for the rivets.

Expert, easy-to-understand instructions help you construct your chosen kitplane type: tubing and fabric, wood, traditional sheet metal, or leading-edge composites. Case studies confer the benefit of others' experiences in purchasing and building a variety of kitplanes. You'll find state-of-the-art kitplane designs; high-quality illustrations; current prices and costs associated with shipping kits; expanded information on financing options; highlights of the auto-engine debate; and quality control features to add confidence to workmanship.

THERE'S A LOT NEW IN KITPLANE CONSTRUCTION, Third Edition!

• Costs and Materials Guides
• Details on Avionics
• Occupant Comfort Section
• "Experimental Light Sports" Category
• Safety Regulations
• New photographs

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Ronald J. Wanttaja is an award-winning aviation writer and a systems engineer with Boeing, working in satellite orbit/constellation design and analysis, launch vehicle and onboard propulsion system trades, and operations concepts for space systems. He worked on the early design studies for the International Space Station. An Air Force veteran, he was an on-duty operator for the Defense Support Program missile early-warning satellite. As a freelance aviation journalist, he has written for Private Pilot, Flying, Sport Aviation, Flight Line, Kitplanes, and other publications. He is author of the book Airplane Ownership, also from McGraw-Hill. His aviation writing has won several prizes, including the EAA "Bax Seat Trophy" and a journalism award from the Aviation/Space Writer's Association. Mr. Wanttaja has also written and published historical fiction. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 2 edition (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070681619
• ISBN-13: 978-0070681613
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #745,425 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introductory book, May 24, 2001

By 

"b_debnath" (Ithaca, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kitplane Construction (Paperback)

The book helped me most in the following areas:

1) What is involved in kitplane construction - risks and benifits, even the benifits of purchasing a used certified aeroplane.
2) Showed me how to think in terms of aviation building with safety as a priority.
3) Covers info from the kit purchase stage to the test flight.
4) Emphasized that it is helpful to understand all forms of construction (metal, wood) no matter what kind of aeroplane you are building. The book covers composite, metal, metal monocoque, wood construction.

This is a must buy for people who are wondering what it takes to build a kitplane and are undecided about whether they should build one.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read book for anyone considering a Kit Homebuilt, July 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kitplane Construction (Paperback)

This book is not biased in stating everyone can build a homebuilt. Infact early on Ron makes it clear that homebuilding is not for everyone. He takes you through the different construction materials as well as things that you don't think about. The case studies are what realy makes this book standout. These are planes being built by people with the same amount of aircraft construction as any person contemplating building.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive and objective look at kitplanes, January 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kitplane Construction (Paperback)

I like this book. The author made me think of the pros and cons of building a kitplane versus buying a certified model. It almost seems like he tries to talk you out of it at first. This makes you think if you have the space, time, skills, and dedication to build your own safe airplane. I definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about homebuilding. After that, the author dives into all of the various construction methods and gives quite a bit of detail on each. I was surprised. He even includes case studies of each type of construction (ie composite, metal, wood, etc) on a particular builder and their project. READ IT!