![The Zenith CH701 outside the hangar at SMX, fresh from paint. The stars-and-stripes theme marks America’s 250th and the CH701’s 40th anniversary. [Credit: Carson Stilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_1726.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Zenith CH 701: A Proof of Concept Homebuilt on a Budget")
![Builder and pilot Mark Farver stands alongside his Continental IOX-340 powered RANS S-21. [Credit: Mark Farver]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Copy-of-build-38-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Cross-Country in a Homebuilt RANS S-21 Outbound to Oshkosh"){kind=tracking}
![[Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Over-Stave-Lake-3.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Glasair Sportsman 2+2 Build Part 3")
![Coming in for a landing at Humberd’s Farm [All Images Credited to Jon Humberd]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/9-1.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Overcoming Setbacks on the Zenith 750SD Xtreme")
![Humberd and his daughter using the 701 for some farm duty transportation. [All Images Credited to Jon Humberd]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-3.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Builder’s Spotlight")
More Than You Bargained For
It doesn't take a fortune to get a homebuilt aircraft completed and flying, and we look at a few designs that prove the point. By Marc Cook and Mary Bernard.
Fly By Night
Equipping your homebuilt aircraft for night flight has become both more complicated and more flexible thanks to a wide variety of LED lighting solutions. By Mary Bernard.
Vacuum-Bagging for Homebuilders
The first installment of a new series introduces you to the materials and equipment you'll need to tackle vacuum-bagging projects at home.
The Garage Mahal
If the RV-7 turns out half as well as the workshop in which it is being built, itll be a winner. By Matt Johnson.
To Launch a Light Sport
After a disappointing postponement of the first flight, the Jabiru J250 takes to the skies for real. By Bob Fritz.
All About Avionics: Pitot-Static
While there have been many attempts by homebuilders to make their pitot-static systems better than the rest, the tried and true methods remain sound. By Stein Bruch.
Brake Tech for Builders
Marc Cook talks theory, practice, technology and maintenance with Matco Manufacturings George Happ and Grove Aircrafts Robbie Grove. Consider it a primer for all things brake-related.
To Launch a Light Sport
After being hauled on a trailer down a winding mountain road, the Jabiru J250 unintentionally has its first short flight (at the airport). By Bob Fritz.
In Case You Missed It
DIY Firewall Boots
Need to seal your firewall, reduce carbon monoxide and allow components to move freely? Chuck Dieterich shows you how to make firewall boots.
Turnbuckle Safety Wire
Turnbuckles are usually used in control systems to apply the proper amount of tension...
Watch Where You’re Going!
You can track on a smartphone or laptop the flight paths of Experimental aircraft as they fly in real time.
Speed Is in the Air
Air racing at Reno is part iron-age anachronism but also leading-edge development of the...