Kitplanes

Flight Reports

Flight Review: Buena Venterra

What kind of performance can you get from a turbocharged Rotax 914 engine on the nose of a RANS S-19 airframe? Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook finds out.

Builder Spotlight

SkyView to the Rescue

When Stan Peternel’s Blue Mountain EFIS proved unreliable, he decided to bite the bullet and invest in a Dynon SkyView system. Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook discusses the numerous challenges of the retrofit.

The State of Auto Conversions

We take a look at the current auto-engine conversions for homebuilt aircraft. By Patrick Panzera.

Pilot Proficiency

If you’ve spent years building instead of flying, type-specific training before that all-important first flight in your homebuilt is a must. By Doug Rozendaal.

Hamming It Up

Amateur radio enthusiast Chuck Deiterich explains how pilots can use the Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) to track their flights and stay in touch with loved ones for a modest investment.

Engine Beat

The first step to stopping an oil leak is determining where it’s coming from, and that’s not as easy as you might think. By Steve Ells.

Free Flight

Shocked by the price of servos, Paul Dye decided to fabricate an aileron trim for his RV using compact linear actuators intended for use in radio-controlled models and robotics.

Ask the DAR

We begin a short series that looks at the particulars of a homebuilt aircraft’s operating limitations. Have you read yours? By Mel Asberry.

Completions

Builders share their successes.

Shop Talk

Aero ’Lectrics

Jim Weir lays the groundwork for a DIY LED rotating beacon project.

Designer's Notebook

Wind Tunnel

How do the power-to-weight ratio, wing loading, drag effects and propeller choices affect an aircraft’s climb rate and climb angle? By Barnaby Wainfan.

Exploring

Around the Patch

Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook remembers Senior Editor and Home Machinist Bob Fritz.

What’s New

Sporty’s offers cockpit accessories, Patterson Aerosales introduces a new engine from Italy, and the single-place Onex prototype from Sonex flies. Edited by Mary Bernard.

Sebring at Seven

Now in its seventh year, the Light Sport Aircraft Expo, which gathers enthusiasts together each spring in Sebring, Florida, is still going strong. By Dave Martin.

Safety Is No Accident

Ron Wanttaja looks at the accident data to determine whether it’s safer to buy than build an Experimental, and he identifies the key factors to ensuring a successful outcome.

The Dawn Patrol

Dick Starks reminisces about the aviation luminaries The Dawn Patrol has been privileged to meet at the annual Salute to Veterans Air Show.

Light Stuff

When you purchase a new light or ultralight aircraft, you should talk to the manufacturer or distributor about the flight training services they provide. By Roy Beisswenger.

Kit Bits

Letters

KITPLANES Marketplace

List of Advertisers, Builders' Marketplace and the Classified Builder.

Kit Stuff

Drawing on experience; by cartoonist Robrucha.

Download KITPLANES® in PDF

Download the complete May 2011 issue of KITPLANES® in one PDF file.