![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")
Flight Testing: Finding TAS from GPS Data
Math works! Kevin Horton shows you how to use GPS data to calculate true airspeed.
Return of the Turbo-Compound
Everything old is new again. Paul Lamar looks at the turbo-compound engine, developed in the post-WW-II era. Thrown over for jet engines, it may yet hold promise today as we search for more energy efficient ways to get the most out of increasingly expensive fuel.
All About Avionics: Wiring Bundles
Anyone can make wiring look good. The bonus is that your installations maintenance and future upgrades will be much easier. Stein Bruch shows you how.
Designer Spotlight: Lawrence B. Sperry
Amy Laboda takes a look at the life of inventor Lawrence Sperry, whose childhood fascination with a spinning top led to his development of critical flight control systems...and even the aircraft seat belt.
The Price of Power
More power! Bob Fritz takes a close look at what makes batteries go, what kind is best for your plane, and how to get the most out of your battery.
Freedom to See It Differently
Jeff Van West flight-tests two popular EFISes in a Remos GX LSA, and examines their accuracy, user interface and reliability. After all the stones have been unturned, your choice can be simplified: Are you a Mac or a PC?
To Launch a Light Sport
Its 90% done with 90% to go! Bob Fritz has a flyable airplane and a semi-long list of things still left to do to improve it.
In Case You Missed It
Sitting Up Front Again
From hot rods to homebuilts, a new editor takes the stick at KITPLANES—with steady hands, clear skies, and a love for hands-on aviation.
Down to Earth
When pilot/builder Amy Laboda planted the seed in her husband's mind that the most suitable next airplane for them would be a glass-panel RV-10, the suggestion was met with something akin to a sneer-despite her sincere offer to help with the build. Still, the project has turned out to be a joint effort, complete with all the give and take one would anticipate in such an endeavor.
Alternative Energies
Electric Light Sport Aircraft are few and far between, owing primarily to the heavy batteries eating into LSA weight restrictions. The Alternair Amp is poised to change all that. By Dean Sigler.
![A SubSonex personal jet in aerobatic flight. Thea design will expand with a two-place model kit in the months ahead. [Credit: Sonex Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SubSonex_Acro.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Sonex Reopens")