Kitplanes

Homebuilt Aircraft Directory

Alternative Engine Buyer’s Guide

Here’s a look at the alternative powerplants that are available for homebuilts as well as the PSRUs you may need. Compiled by Cory Emberson. Text by Marc Cook.

Flight Reports

Flight Review: Point of Ignition

Builder Kurt Goodfellow has risen to the challenge of installing a Wilksch Airmotive WAM-120 diesel powerplant in his Van’s RV-9, and the proof is in the performance test results. By Ken Krueger.

Builder Spotlight

Seeing the Dream Through

Having earned a number of homebuilding trophies for his work constructing airplanes, Paul Muhle decides to share his experience with those who aim to win awards—or just look like they could. By Scott M. Spangler.

Avionics Special: Garmin’s G3X

Garmin’s latest entry to the EFIS market lives up to the company’s reputation for providing value for the price. By Marc Cook.

Cover Story: Designing Men

In this first installment of the upholstery series, the author looks at the basics: sewing machines, scissors, needles and thread, and more. By Mike Manning.

Completions

Builders share their successes.

Shop Talk

Aero 'Lectrics

What do you do if you need to monitor a number of audio signals, but you don’t have room for an audio switching panel? Jim Weir finds the answer in a summing amplifier.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

Barnaby Wainfan offers an explanation of how tail surfaces can be subject to flutter and how to avoid the potentially disastrous result.

Exploring

Around the Patch

Starting with the known and moving methodically toward a goal is the best strategy for achieving success in the aircraft engine business. By Marc Cook.

What’s New

PS Engineering introduces a new audio panel, Zenair ships its first float kits, and Wicks offers a “happy hour” discount. Edited by Mary Bernard.

Three Years Before the Masts

There’s something about piloting a twin-engine, open-cockpit AirCam that gets under your skin, and it may become habit-forming. By Ed Wischmeyer.

Dawn Patrol

When a casually tossed length of two-by-four and a pristine fabric-covered airplane meet, the result isn’t pretty. Author Dick Starks describes his wife’s initiation to the art of fabric repair.

Engine Beat

What are your options to get the annual condition inspection done when you’re not the original builder of the aircraft? By Steve Ells.

Ask the DAR

What’s changed with the advent of the revised 51% rule? Fortunately, not as much as you might think. By Mel Asberry.

Light Stuff

Having completed his Van’s RV-12 ELSA, Dave Martin revisits a weekend Repairman Inspection course to prepare for his first annual condition inspection.

Kit Bits

Letters

List of Advertisers

Builders' Marketplace

The Classified Builder

Kit Stuff

Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.

Download KITPLANES® in PDF

Download the complete April 2010 issue of KITPLANES® in one PDF file.