Table of Contents

June 2007 Issue

Cover Story

Thorp T-18

Forty-five years ago, while that lanky VanGrunsven boy was edging toward commercial greatness by modifying a Stits Playboy, one John Thorp was setting the homebuilt category to chattering. His all-metal two-placer, called the T-18, was touted as easier to build and lighter than the dominant wood designs of the day.

Builder Spotlight

Crooked Wing, Straight Shooter

John Thorp's all-metal T-18 remains a viable plansbuilt design; by Marc Cook.

A Sign of the Zodiac (Part 1)

In Part 1 of this new series, another of our own takes tool in hand to create a dream machine; by Rick Lindstrom.

Sounding Down

A small investment in time and materials yielded big results; by Rick Lindstrom.

Come Fly With Me--The eCFI (Part 1)

Uh, yeah. You could use one; by Brien Seeley, M.D.

Build Your Skills: Composites (Part 2)

In Part 2, we'll discuss what you need in the way of toolspplies and a workbench; by Bob Fritz.

All About Avionics (Part 3)

Backup instruments will be your very best friend should that EFIS go dim; by Stein Bruch.

Completions

Readers share their successes.

Shop Talk

The Home Machinist (Part 3)

Comparing the options: the milling head; by Bob Fritz.

Engine Beat

Comducting an oil filter autopsy; by Tim Kern.

Aero 'Lectrics

It takes brass to make this antenna; by Jim Weir.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

Safely executing a go-around; by Barnaby Wainfan.

Exploring

Around the Patch

Surviving the N30KPs first annual; by Marc Cook.

What's New

Anywhere Map updates its software, and there's a new flight-bag battery charger; edited by Mary Bernard.

Light It Up

Effective exterior illumination can help you see and be seen when flying day or night; by Mary Bernard.

Light Stuff

Does the Sebring Expo point to LSA's future? By Dave Martin.

Photo by Richard VanderMeulen

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTICE TO KITPLANES SUBSCRIBERS:

The Kitplanes Magazine Customer Service Center has moved from Palm Coast, FL to Big Sandy, TX. Our toll-free number, 800-622-1065, and website, kitplanes.com, remain the same. All mailed correspondence, including subscription invoices, renewals, and gift notices, will bear our new address:
PO BOX 8535
Big Sandy, TX 75755

We look forward to serving you from our new location.

Garmin 796At AOPA Summit in Hartford, Garmin will unveil its latest portable, the touchscreen aera 796. Take a video tour of the navigator's features, which include synthetic vision, enhanced chart functions, and a new touchscreen interface.
par100exKITPLANES talked to PS Engineering’s Mark Scheuer about the new PAR100EX Experimental-class audio panel with a communication radio.
Sebastien Heintz at SNF 2011KITPLANES talks with Zenith Aircraft’s Sebastien Heintz at Sun ‘n Fun 2011.
garmin g3xKITPLANES gets the scoop on Garmin’s developments and rebates for the G3X EFIS at Sun ‘n Fun 2011.
Dynon DX15KITPLANES caught up with Dynon Avionics at Sun ‘n Fun to get a glimpse of the new DX15 handheld com radio.
whirlwind-snip2KITPLANES tours the Whirlwind Propeller factory where the firm's fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable propellers are made, as well as the blades for Whirlwind constant-speed props.
Video Archive