Ok, it's been a long time coming, but I think maybe it's time for a thread like this. In case you haven't noticed, there's been a recent ground swell in personal aircraft design. It's nothing new, it waxes and wanes. Right now it's on the upswing, and this is a great opportunity for every last one of us to learn and share knowledge. I'd hope we can remove the mystery and voodoo, and share our own thoughts about the question that drives new designers: why. We have a wealth of experienced people here, and I believe we have the opportunity to do something good.

In addition, I would like to lay a few ground rules for this thread.

1- no flaming. This means me especially, I'm the world's worst. Although I do it usually in a sarcastic and teasing manner, it has caused some hard feelings and flat out made some people angry. For that, I sincerely apologize. Troy and Tony, and others I know I have rubbed the wrong way: truce. I don't have to agree with you about everything, and you don't have to agree with me. But we should be able to voice disagreement, tease a little. and still avoid open conflict. I will give you the benefit of the doubt, and I expect you to do the same. I would however ask that any opinions be clearly stated as such, and if you believe it's fact, please back it up with something substantial other than personal experience. Personal experience falls under opinion. Can we do this, or do we just want a war? Please, keep it civil. Feel free to post as much and long as you wish, but check ego at the door and bring honest opinion and fact. All of us.

2- ask questions. What is the advantage of a double tapered wing vs a straight trailing edge? What is the purpose of thin wing tips? Why ist he rudder post slanted? How do I minimize pitching in the design? Admittedly while most of this is trial and error and varies somewhat from one plane to teh next, there are similarities and theories. Ask, learn, share, implement.

3- no political hijacking. Keep your agenda to yourselves.

4- share your design if you feel like it. Got a pic or drawing? post it. Ask for critique, and pleae those that are experienced, be dead honest and temper it with solution. "That's a dog and will never work" is unacceptable.

I don't expect this to be an explosive thread, but it's just an open door. It's up to you to walk through it and utilize something potentially educational and enlightening. I'd love to ask some good FAI pilots why they do some of the things they do, and get an honest opinion. Without feeling like they'll just be insulted because I asked in the first place.

Well, have at it or ignore it, it's up to you.

-Mike