![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=534&h=462&crop=1 "Manual Starting Methods")
![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=265&h=198&crop=1 "Golden Age Revival")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AdobeStock_176619176.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Instructional Inflexibility")
![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=265&h=198&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.
Vintage Homebuilts
Where are they now? While that question has been asked many times, this time it relates to amateur-built aircraft. A look through my bookcase...
Horizons Past And Present—Peter Egan
A summer of open-cockpit adventures, from biplane fly-ins to Peter Egan’s cross-country Cub journey, capturing America low and slow.
Build Smart: Make Mods That Matter
Some mods are better than others. Know how to pick the right ones.
Flying Hot
Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Smart planning, proper cooling, and a little altitude can keep you flying safely.
In Case You Missed It
Staying in the Game
It’s never been easy to afford flying, and it’s getting harder. As costs continue to rise, here are innovative ways to stay in the air.
Editor’s Log
In some of the impressive projects described in this issue, and the dedication and passion of their designers and builders, Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard finds reasons to be hopeful about the future of aviation.
All About Avionics: Electrical Connections
Building a plane? Youll need connectors. Stein Bruch shows you what to use, where to put them and how to make a quality connection.