![A compact H3R Halon 1211 extinguisher, sized for a two-seat cockpit and safe on energized electrical fires. [Credit: H3R Aviation]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/mfr_H3R_A344T_Halon_1p25lb.jpg_preview-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Choosing the Right Cockpit Fire Extinguisher for Your Aircraft"){kind=tracking}
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying")
![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=265&h=198&crop=1 "Sonex Reopens")
![A CubCrafter’s Carbon Cub headed to Sun ‘n Fun in the time-honored tradition. [Credit: CubCrafters]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Carbon-Cub-UL.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Sun ‘n Fun 2026 Highlights: Electric RV-10, Modular Avionics, and MOSAIC")
![Ten hours of dual instruction in a tailwheel-equipped aircraft is usually required for proficiency. [Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_354747155.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Learning How to Drag Your Tail")
![The alternative to bending down as the propeller is pulled through the compression stroke is to keep the back straight and bend the knees slightly, stepping away in a crouch. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_1519-scaled.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Manual Starting Methods")
Manual Starting Methods
Practical techniques for hand-propping and other manual engine starts when an electric starter isn't available.
![The newly-restored F-24 enjoying the morning sun. [All Images Credited to Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/DSC_0001.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Golden Age Revival")
Golden Age Revival
Werner Griesbeck's meticulous total rebuild brings a classic 1938 Fairchild F-24 back into the air after decades.
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AdobeStock_176619176.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Instructional Inflexibility")
Forgotten Flops
Many proposed, prototype, and production airplanes died at birth in aviation's golden age.
![sideview shows the Better Half with the full VW case. [Credit: Legal Eagle Airplane]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Milholland-V-Twin_Side-View.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Better Half VW")
![An Aerotrek A220 perched resolutely on the grass and ready for flight. [Credit: Aerotrek]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_2719.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Aerotrek")
![[Credit: Zenith Aircraft Co.]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wksp-3-21-group1.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Zenith Building Momentum With Workshops, New Options and Mosaic Opportunity")
Zenith Building Momentum With Workshops, New Options and Mosaic Opportunity
Zenith greets new builders at home and takes its show on the road.
In Case You Missed It
Cover Story: Designing Men
In this first installment of the upholstery series, the author looks at the basics: sewing machines, scissors, needles and thread, and more.
Archive: December 2002
Eighteen years ago this issue, we put Jack Harper’s single-seat Breezy derivative on the...
Where Do Airplane Parts Come From?
Building your own replacement kit parts, which is no different than scratch-building from plans, may save you money and time.
Build Your Skills: Fabric
Most of the hard work is done, and its time for dope. First, pick the right spray outfit, next find a clean, well-ventilated work area and finish your surface preparation, and then you're ready to spray. By Ron Alexander.