![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")
Pondering Powerplants
Since the beginning, homebuilders have gazed upon the engine lurking under the cowl of a certified light aircraft and thought, There has got to be a better way. Rick Lindstrom looks at several aeromotive engine conversions, from the practical to the semi-exotic.
Alternative Realities
Larry Simpsons first building experience was deepened by his engine choice: an Eggenfellner H6 Subaru conversion. His attention to detail and tailored modifications led to more of a hands-on experience than he expected-sometimes frustrating, expensive and fascinating. By Larry Simpson.
All About Avionics: EFIS Dreams
Much has changed since our last review of Experimental EFISes more than a year ago. It’s getting harder to differentiate among companies and their products as these systems mature and functionality becomes more similar. By Stein Bruch.
Meet the Grizzly
AeroTek Aviations Beaver-size amphibious kit airplane, the Grizzly, showcases the company's 550-shaft-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine conversion, which has also flown in the Murphy Moose. By Ed Wischmeyer.
Shockwave
There's a new anti-icing option for high-end Experimental/Amateur-Builts. Its called Therm-X. By Jack Cowell.
Air Power
The art of porting cylinder heads, whether by hand or by CNC machine, is a valuable part of blueprinting detailed engine builds or overhauls, and surprisingly subtle changes can determine how efficiently the engine will breathe.
The Home Machinist
If you need to send a part out to be built by a professional shop, a good drawing, well identified, is essential. The KISS principle applies, and be sure you don't request closer tolerances or more exotic materials than you really need, or it will cost you.
To Launch a Light Sport
This month builder Bob Fritz searches for a better alternative to last-century circuit technology for his panel and finds it in a Polyfuse.
Build Your Skills: Fabric
Everyone could use a little sunscreen, and the fabric on a fabric-covered aircraft is no exception. This months installment, the last in the series, discusses pre-paint protection to minimize sun damage. By Ron Alexander.
In Case You Missed It
AN960 Washers, the Penny and My Thoughts
Not a week (sometimes a day) went by during my Sonex career that I...