By Don | June 18, 2008
On the Tiger Moth, I’ve had the students do the “gross” or production work, but I do the “fine” or detail type work. So now that we’ve got the basic wing structure done, it’s time to add the rounded leading edge of the wing. Read the rest of this article »
By Don | June 17, 2008
The next step in the Tiger Moth project (after building the ribs) was to build the main and rear spars. You just can’t have enough clamps…
By Don | June 17, 2008
The “big picture” for the Tiger Moth project was to build the wings first. The structure of a wing is formed by wing ribs, which gives the curve of the wing, so this was the first task. Read the rest of this article »
By Don | March 17, 2008
The beginning
Several years ago Leslie gave me her blessing for me to travel to a huge air show in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. I went 3 years in a row because I was intriqued with the possibility of building my own airplane, and this was the place to find out.
Ultimately, I decided to build an “impractical” airplane, meaning one just for fun. Many guys build “practical” aircraft that are great for going fast on cross country trips. Initially, I decided on building a 1930s era biplane and in preparation for welding the frame took one semester of gas welding at Ventura College, then a semester of TIG welding. I was ready to go! But…