artificial intelligence ai generated airplane design

AI Amuses, But It Can’t Replace Aviation Experts

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AI can't replace real aviation expertise—building safe aircraft requires hands-on knowledge, experience, and a well-calibrated BS meter.
IFR or VFR panel -which do you need.

Building for IFR: Do You Really Need It?

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Thinking about building an IFR-capable homebuilt? Consider whether you’ll really use it—or just spend extra money.
pulse oximeter

Medical Or No—You Could Still Fly

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Three ways to meet FAA medical requirements—BasicMed, Sport Pilot and more—could help you get back in the air. Here's what pilots need to know.
Wheeler Express illustration

Wheeler Express—Yesteryear’s Homebuilts

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The Wheeler Express dazzled with sleek performance and bold promises but ultimately struggled with stability issues and company misfortunes.

Catching Up

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Hangar tightens as a Murphy Moose build begins, sparking shop upgrades, parts hunts, and reflections on wind and freedom.
spar marked for drilling

Errant Holes: Un-drilling, Up-drilling and Adopting

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Homebuilding has no undo key. Learn causes of drill errors, a hole‑marking prevention method, and three easy fixes when mistakes happen.
Engine plenum is a common aircraft modification

Aircraft Modification Choices

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Aftermarket mods for amateur-built aircraft are booming, but not all upgrades deliver on performance, safety or practicality.
marc cook kitplanes van's

Change Is a Constant

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Marc Cook steps away again, passing KITPLANES’ reins as we invite fresh voices from the homebuilt aviation community.

Snapshots From the Whirlwind

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Pilots demand ADS-B privacy, sport air racing shifts to weight-based rules and affordable Oshkosh and Roswell travel tips.
Mini-Coupe

Chris Tena Mini-Coupe

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The VW-powered Mini-Coupe—with twin tails and all-pushrod controls—remains a standout among 1970s homebuilts.

In Case You Missed It

2018 Engine Buyer’s Guide

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162 ways to turn fuel into thrust.

Aero ‘lectrics

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Jim Weir describes some close encounters with power regulators of the plastic and metal-can kind.

Plane and Simple

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Riveting soft materials.

Insurance for Homebuilts: Planning 101

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Choosing the right model for your skill level and one that’s well-supported is the first step in dealing with a hardened insurance climate.