LeRoy Cook
Contributing Editor LeRoy Cook is an experienced journalist with writing credits in just about every aviation publication that counts. He brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to his flight reviews.
![The alternative to bending down as the propeller is pulled through the compression stroke is to keep the back straight and bend the knees slightly, stepping away in a crouch. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_1519-scaled.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Manual Starting Methods")
Manual Starting Methods
Practical techniques for hand-propping and other manual engine starts when an electric starter isn't available.
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AdobeStock_176619176.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Instructional Inflexibility")
Forgotten Flops
Many proposed, prototype, and production airplanes died at birth in aviation's golden age.
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/DSC00008-scaled.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Logging Time")
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_4581.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "The Wild Traveler")
2025 Propeller Buyer’s Guide
Explore certified and Experimental propeller options to maximize performance, customization, and satisfaction for your aircraft build.
Sun ’n Fun to the Rescue: Aviation’s Spring Break
When you’ve had enough of winter, the aerospace expo arrives just in time.
In Case You Missed It
Dare To Be Bare
After checking with a variety of aluminum polishing aficionados, author Bob Fritz came up with a winning combination for maintaining the shine on metal airplanes. He details not only which products to use, but also how to use them for maximum effectiveness with minimal elbow grease.
