The 99.9% Aviation Bookstore


... Of Interest to Homebuilders ...






The experimental aircraft movement is fueled by the homebuilder... people building their own airplanes, either scratchbuilding from plans or others constructing kits, are to be found all over the world, and it's thanks to the homebuilder that many advances are made in airplane design and performance. (In case you didn't know, the unrefuelled around-the-world record setting flight of the Voyager was made possible thanks to the homebuilt movement, so if you think homebuilt aircraft aren't participating in the advancement of aviation technology, you're in for some pleasant surprises.)

If you are a homebuilder (or thinking about becoming one) the books included in this stack are just for you. There are books here that describe the various types of homebuilts which are available, books that explain how to get started, books about the many building techniques used along the way, and even books that will tell you about test flying your homebuilt once it's completed.

Some of the titles included on this page are must-haves for every builder, irrespective of what kind of airplane is being built, and I'll highlight those publications that you simply shouldn't be without. Once again, if I've missed a particular book you feel needs to be included in this section, please send me your recommendation and I'll endeavor to add it to the list as soon as possible.

...Anthology of homebuilts,

...the Tony Bingelis collection,

...Inspections, Testing, and Maintanance,

...Building methods and materials,

...Systems and other interesting titles.






... Homebuilt Anthology ...


Aerocrafter : 750+ Aircraft You Can Build and Fly ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Don Purdy (Editor) / Paperback / Published 1998
Great book!! More than just a listing of airplanes, it covers all types of homebuilt aircraft, including ultralights, rotorcraft, and just about anything else you can build an fly. Very well illustrated and complete with company contact information, aircraft specifications, and prices. It even lists how many of each design are flying already to help with the decision-making process.



... Tony Bingelis' books ...


Tony Bingelis has written some of what might be considered the "Bibles" of the homebuilder... each one of his books abounds with tips and pointers to help one's airplane project progress smoothly. His writing style is clear and concise, all of his works are liberally illustrated, and there isn't any subject that you might run into on a homebuilt aircraft project that he doesn't touch on somewhere. This collection is definitely on the must-have list for anyone seriously considering building a homebuilt airplane.

Firewall Forward : Engine Installation Methods (Tony Bingelis Series)
Tony Bingelis / Paperback / Published 1992

Sportplane Builder
Tony Bingelis / Paperback / Published 1980
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Sportplane Builder : Aircraft Construction Methods (Tony Bingelis Ser.))
Tony Bingelis / Paperback / Published 1992
(Special Order)

Sportplane Construction Techniques ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Tony Bingelis / Paperback / Published 1986

Sportplane Construction Techniques : A Builder's Handbook (Tony Bingelis Ser.))
Tony Bingelis / Paperback / Published 1992
(Special Order)

Tony Bingelis on Engines
Tony Bingelis / Paperback / Published 1992
(Special Order)


... Inspections, Testing and Maintenance ...


Acceptable Methods, Techniques and Practices : Aircraft Inspection and Repair
Intl Aviation Staff / Paperback / Published 1988

This is another or those must-have titles that homebuilders should add to their bookshelves. Included between its covers are all of the little known facts that it takes to put an airplane together using accepted practices that have been proven over time. Information on fasteners, flying wires, electrical wiring, woodworking, sheetmetal, welding, and just about anything else you can think of is included. Don't pass it up.

Airplane Maintenance and Repair : A Manual for Owners, Builders, Technicians, and Pilots ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Douglas S. Carmody / Paperback / Published 1997
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F.A.R. Handbook for Aviation Maintenance Technicians
FAA Reprint Staff / Paperback / Published 1993

How to Care for and Maintain Your Airplane ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Ron Delp / Paperback / Published 1992

How to Make Your Airplane Last Forever ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Mary Woodhouse, Scott Gifford / Paperback / Published 1996
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Flight Testing Homebuilt Aircraft ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Vaughan Askue / Paperback / Published 1992
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... Building methods and materials ...


Building Rutan Composites
VHS Tape / Published 1997
While this video covers the basics of working with the materials used for building one of the popular Burt Rutan designed 'moldless composite' airplanes, his presentation with Mike Melville regarding the proper handling of epoxies and the various thickening agents used with them, the correct use of fiberglass cloth, foam-core construction, the tools required and other aspects of working with fiberglass structures provides a well-rounded introduction for someone thinking about building a composite kitplane. (It doesn't matter whether the resin system is epoxy, polyester, or vinylester based, the rules are pretty much the same.) If you don't have someone around to help guide you up the learning curve of working with fiberglass, this tape will surely get you well on your way. Don't miss it!
(Special Order)

Building Your Own Airplane : An Introduction ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Donald H. Walter / Paperback / Published 1995

The Complete Book of Building & Flying Your Own Plane ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Geoff Jones / Hardcover / Published 1992

Kitplane Construction ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Ron Wanttaja, Ronald J. Wanttaja / Paperback / Published 1996
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Oxyacetylene Welding : Basic Fundamentals ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Ronald J. Baird / Paperback / Published 1992

The Welder's Bible ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Don Geary / Paperback / Published 1992
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Welder's Handbook : A Complete Guide to Mig, Tig, Arc & Oxyacetylene Welding ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Richard Finch / Paperback / Published 1997
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... Systems and other titles ...


Aircraft Electricity & Electronics (Glencoe Aviation Technology) ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Thomas K. Eismin / Paperback / Published 1994

Maximum Boost : Designing, Testing, and Installing Turbocharger Systems ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Corky Bell / Paperback / Published 1997
If you're thinking about installing a turbo system in your airplane I'd highly recommend this title... it covers all aspects of turbo installation, from sizing the unit to the engine, exhaust and intake system consideratons, and just about everything else in between. Between its covers you will find the formulae needed to calculate airflow requirements, air density tables, compressor maps, and a wealth of great illustrations and photos. Learn about wastegates, intercoolers, fuel injection, and how they all relate in the optimal turbo setup. (Even if you don't want to install a turbo but would like to understand what they are and how they work, don't pass up this title.) Read more about this title...



Modern Aviation Electronics ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Albert D. Helfrick / Hardcover / Published 1994
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Pilot's Avionics Survival Guide (Tab Practical Flying) ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Edward R. Maher, Matt Thurber (Editor) / Paperback / Published 1994

Turbochargers ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Hugh MacInnes / Paperback / Published 1984
Another worthwhile book about turbocharging, albeit a bit dated at this point. There is an interesting chapter on high-altitude considerations, unfortunately it is only several pages long.
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Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager Flying Non-Stop Around the World : Flying Non-Stop Around the World (Partners)
Laurie Rozakis / Library Binding / Published 1994
(Back Ordered)
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The Rutan Voyager (Great Adventure Series)
I. Goold / Library Binding / Published 1988
(Special Order)
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Voyager, the World Flight : The Official Log, Flight Analysis and Narrative Explanation of the Record Around the World Flight of the Voyager Aircraft
Jack Norris / Paperback / Published 1988
(Special Order)
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World Encyclopedia of Aero Engines : All Major Aircraft Power Plants, from the Wright Brothers to the Present Day ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Bill Gunston / Hardcover / Published 1995

Airplane Ownership ~ Usually ships in 24 hours
Ron Wanttaja, Ronald J. Wanttaja / Paperback / Published 1994
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Know Your Airplane! ~ Ships in 2-3 days
Keith Connes / Hardcover / Published 1986