![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")
Light Sport’s Next Steps
At AirVenture this year—just before it, actually—the FAA released the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking encompassing MOSAIC, short for Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates. The...
Ranting About All Those &%#@$! Screws
It’s condition inspection time again for the ol’ box kite, hence my grumbling mood. It’s like this every year. I curse the zillion little...
Forever Learning
Way back when I was working for NASA, I used to get mail addressed to “Dr.” Paul Dye, which always amused this college graduate...
AN960 Washers, the Penny and My Thoughts
Not a week (sometimes a day) went by during my Sonex career that I wasn’t asked about washer usage on threaded fasteners. Often, a...
Get the Lead Out
We’ve all been there. The airplane is pulled out and baking on the hot ramp. Preflight complete. Passengers and bags are loaded and ready...
Experience for Experience Sake
I’ll admit it, I like merit badges. I like certificates of achievement. I like the recognition that comes with doing something new and different....
Challenge Yourself
It’s human nature to learn a new skill, work hard to “perfect” it and then settle into a peaceable existence just inside your comfort...
Helping Out
You may have noticed, but things have gotten sort of expensive lately. The daily stuff has a new bite to it and the once...
Buy, Buy, Buy
Time to talk about the “parts” portion of my column tagline. I’ve been a professional buyer for over seven years and while I still...
“Glare” Shield
The body of this month’s column is part informational, part confessional and part Zen and the Art of Experimental Maintenance. One of the most...
In Case You Missed It
Wind Tunnel
Last month we took a look at using hinge-line offset to aerodynamically balance control...
What’s New
A WxWorx partner will help upgrade Nexrad, MGL Avionics Odyssey EFIS ships in the U.S., Sky-Tec offers the RX12 starter for Rotax 912/914 series engines, and TrickAir offers skis for the American Legend Aircraft Legend Cub.
Editor’s Log
Editor Mary Bernard introduces the new “Build It Better” series by Paul Dye and praises Kitfox Aircraft for its ongoing development efforts.
Engine Beat
How are your cylinders doing? A differential compression test can uncover any problems-almost before they start. Steve Ells explores what the results mean, and what to do about them.