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®.
Wicks Announces “Happy Hour”
Wicks Aircraft Supply has created a “happy hour,” but not for selling drinks. Instead, the company is offering an opportunity for customers to take...
PS Engineering Introduces Experimental-only PMA5000EX
A new low-cost/high-content audio panel has been introduced by PS Engineering today. The PMA5000EX, priced at just $995, is positioned between the no-frills PMA4000...
New Owner for Autolite Sparkplug Line
Aero Accessories, Inc., the manufacturer of Tempest aviation products, announced that it has acquired Unison Industries’ aviation sparkplug product line. Unison previously marketed this...
Hobart Introduces EZ-TIG 165i Welder
Hobart’s EZ-TIG 165i is heralded as the quickest and easiest AC/DC TIG welder to set up and use, the company says. Designed for first-time...
Canopy Covers that Stay Put
Fly-Away Covers offers form-fitting, lightweight travel canopy covers that are intended for short-term use and are great for day trips, cross-country excursions and fly-ins...
Builder Survey: Wilderness Calling
Lucky 13: RANS S-7 Coyote builders tell KITPLANES about their building, company support and flying experiences. By Mary Bernard.
Fly on One…Youll Understand.
Matt Hlavacs open-air Breezy is a simple, fun way to fly … and, oh, the view!
25th Anniversary: Builder Assistance
Builder-assistance programs continue to grow and change to accommodate both builders needs and FAA regulations. By Mary Bernard.
What’s New
Paradise Aircraft introduces a new LSA, there's a new fiberglass panel for the Glasair Glastar or Sportsman, and Fisher Flying Products is under new ownership; edited by Mary Bernard.
What’s New
An Aussie Outback SLSA debuts in the U.S., a floating battery eliminator works with the Lightspeed Zulu headset, and Trio Avionics introduces the Pro Pilot autopilot.
In Case You Missed It
Repairing a Damaged Lead Counterweight
When trimming the elevator counterweights of a Van’s RV-14 kit, I modified one of...
Gear of the Year 2008
Most of the attendees at Oshkosh AirVenture each year seek out the latest, greatest, craziest, most innovative gear they can find, and our KITPLANES crew is no exception. This year we've come up with some brand new gadgets and some items that have escaped our attention till now but shouldn't have; a staff report.
Engine Beat
Exhaust systems do more than just get air into and out of aircraft engines. Exhaust system design, in terms of exhaust pipe length, diameter and tuning, affect the efficiency and performance of the engine, for better or worse.