Jim, AC6XG wrote:
"But there`s no question that it`s possible to build an airplane that
flies, without understanding why it flies."

True, but it`s often better to understand what you are doing, especially
when innovating. Sometimes mistakes can be avoided. The Wright Brothers
certainly understood aerodynamics and worked hard to develop their
design before it ever flew.

They built the world`s first wind tunnel to perfect their airfoils while
trying to avoid possible fatal cut and trys. Because they knew why it
flew, The Wrights were the first to sustain powered flights.

Heath`s kits were airplanes before they started producing electronic
kits.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI