Jeremy Jabaay, Builder of Saberwing Kit #5 won the prestigious Silver Indy Award. Named the Reserve Grand Champion for Kit built aircraft N453AZ hit the marks for workmanship and attention to detail.

More to come soon on this magnificent bird...I have many more pics and a great story to tell. Good job Jeremy on a beautiful plane ! It was an honor to provide the marble from which a true sculptor can show his skills.

Bill's report....this year we drove to Oshkosh and camped in the campgrounds since I was still healing from the accident last month. This gave us the opportunity to spend time with suppliers and friends. We got to spend a lot of time with Jeremy and his lovely wife and kids. Many friends showed up to support him at the Awards Ceremony where he won the Lindy. Our trip was full and exciting including transmission failure on the truck (broken wire)...but it was a good trip. Good to be home and time to get back to work soon.

Corvair engines, originally designed for Chevrolet vehicles, have become a popular powerplant for experimental aircraft builders due to their affordability, adaptability, and simplicity. Offering horsepower ranges between 100 and 125 hp, these air-cooled, six-cylinder engines are known for their reliability and ease of maintenance.

Key players in the Corvair aviation market include Azalea Aviation, Sport Performance Aviation (SPA), and Fly Corvair. Each provides tailored solutions:

• Azalea Aviation offers the Spyder 100 (100 hp) and Spyder 125 (120 hp), featuring reinforced components and efficient designs, with prices starting at $10,500.
• SPA delivers high-performance kits, such as the 3000cc and 3300cc engines, designed for sport planes, priced from $13,495.
• Fly Corvair, led by William Wynne, emphasizes builder education and affordable engines, with the popular 2850cc model starting at $12,600 for a kit.

Corvair engines continue to grow in popularity for their balance of cost, performance, and builder-friendliness, making them an ideal choice for experimental aviation enthusiasts.

For a deeper dive into Corvair engines and manufacturer options, click here.

Learn more about our Saberwing Kits and Spyder Engines.

Starting on Page 10, the article highlights the innovative work of Bill and Kyoung Clapp, the founders of Azalea Aviation, and their success with integrating Corvair engines into experimental aircraft. At EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2014, Bill showcased a unique Tailwind aircraft powered by a Corvair engine, an innovative adaptation of a popular automotive engine. The Corvair engine, originally produced for Chevrolet cars, has gained traction in aviation due to its robust design, affordability, and reliability.

Bill's aviation journey was heavily influenced by his father, a Mission Aviation Fellowship pilot, and his early exposure to aircraft construction, including a KR-2 build in the jungles of Ecuador. Bill later built his own KR-2S in 2003, marking his entry into the Corvair engine "movement." His expertise in rebuilding Corvair engines and his background in auto restoration allowed him to adapt these engines for aviation purposes, culminating in the formation of Azalea Aviation.

The Clapps' Tailwind features a Corvair Spyder engine and demonstrates the engine's potential for experimental aircraft. The article underscores Bill's approach to simplicity in aircraft design, with a focus on reducing weight and increasing reliability. This ethos extends to Azalea Aviation's offerings, such as firewall-forward kits for aircraft like Zeniths and Sonexes, and customer support for engine conversions.

The Clapps also emphasize pilot training and safety, with Bill using his CFI certification to help new pilots transition into experimental aircraft. This dedication reflects their holistic approach to innovation, quality, and supporting the aviation community.

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