Building for IFR: Do You Really Need It?
Thinking about building an IFR-capable homebuilt? Consider whether you’ll really use it—or just spend extra money.
AI Amuses, But It Can’t Replace Aviation Experts
AI can't replace real aviation expertise—building safe aircraft requires hands-on knowledge, experience, and a well-calibrated BS meter.
Tools and Shop Organization: When It’s Time to Start
Organization, smart tool planning and connecting with local builders are essential first steps to a successful aircraft building project.
Putting Off the Tailwheel Spring Repair
After decades of delay, a cracked tailwheel spring finally forces long-overdue upgrades on a well-worn Starduster Too.
Running With Scissors
Stay safe in your workshop with these practical, experience-driven shop safety tips from a tech counselor.
The Value of a Mentor, and Mentoring
Building and flying a kit aircraft is a rare achievement—share your journey, mentor others, and strengthen the builder community.
One Thing Leads to Another
It started simply enough. With a mistake. OK, maybe just a misapplication of learned behavior.
Van’s RV-9: New Rotax Power
Lockwood Aero’s Rotax 916iS firewall-forward package pushes the RV-9 to 190 knots.
In Case You Missed It
What’s New
Simplex Aeroplanes offers discounted plans for its Cloudster Ultralight, and Superior Air Parts has resumed shipping its Experimental XP Series engines to dealers.
MGL Infinity Singles
MGL Avionics/Stratomaster has cut a nice swath through the EFIS and discrete-electronic-instrument world. The company’s ALT-1, from its Infinity Singles line, makes a good, low-cost backup altimeter with a surprising list of features. By Marc Cook.
Archive: October 1996
Our cover subject for the October 1996 issue was Bobby Cox’s highly modified Pitts...