Mary Bernard
Mary Bernard - The product of two parents with Lockheed Aerospace careers, Mary grew up with aviation, prompting her to pursue pilot training as an adult. Her father, a talented tool-and-die maker and planner, instilled in her an abiding interest in how things are built. For more than a decade, she has been a contributing writer and Managing Editor for KITPLANES®.
Editor’s Log
As Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard steps down from her post at KITPLANES, she thanks the team that helps create the magazine each month and welcomes her successor, Paul Dye.
Garmin Offers New VHF, Nav/com Radios
Garmin has announced a new series of VHF com and nav/com radios in its GTR and GNC series. As replacements for the SL 30...
News from Kitfox Aircraft
Kitfox recently released a flurry of press releases announcing two new engine options for its Experimental/Amateur-Built kit and factory-built Special Light Sport Aircraft (SLSA),...
Editor’s Log
Change is inevitable, and, in the media world, it’s coming at us hard and fast. Editor in Chief Mary Bernard considers the trends.
The Flightline TV Series to Make National Debut in January
The Flightline, an aviation-themed magazine television show, is making its national debut on January 5, 2013, on the Discovery Communication Velocity network. The Flightline...
AeroLEDs Offers Upgraded Landing/Taxi/Recognition Light
AeroLEDs has introduced an upgraded version of its AeroSun for use in Experimental Aircraft and Light Sport Aircraft. It is designed for wing mounting...
Progressive Aerodyne to Offer Factory-Built SeaRey
Progressive Aerodyne, which has been manufacturing kits for the SeaRey two-place amphibian homebuilt for more than 20 years, has announced that it passed the...
2013 Plansbuilt Aircraft Buyer’s Guide
There are developments in the world of plansbuilt designs. Here’s what’s new, what’s old (but still going strong, such as the Pietenpol Air Camper) and what’s on the horizon. By Mary Bernard.
Editor’s Log
The free flight of birds inspired the first forays into manned flight—a perfect example of the concept of biomimicry. Editor in Chief Mary Bernard sees a similar resourcefulness in plansbuilders who look at a set of drawings and create an airplane from scratch.
Robert Hamilton Promoted to President of Dynon Avionics
Dynon Avionics announced today that it has appointed Robert Hamilton as president of the company. He assumes these duties after the departure of Vice...
In Case You Missed It
Vertical Power
This brand new power management system harnesses CPU power to eliminate the need for much of an aircrafts wiring by consolidating major electrical functions into a single box. It comprises three units: a display, controller module/panel housing and mag controller. Bundled into the setup are radios, instruments (including GPS, EFIS and engine monitoring) and lights. Each flight phase is broken down into the tasks normally performed manually by the pilot, and the VP-200 addresses them more or less automatically, while also providing override capability in the event of a system failure.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster MAXI Single E1
MGLs maxi singles are designed to drop into a standard 3.125-inch hole, while the Smart Singles fit into a 2.25-inch hole. Author Rick Lindstrom found that the Maxi Single E1 engine monitor was just the ticket to get him flying while his other unit was in the shop for repairs.