![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AdobeStock_176619176-534x462.jpg "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-265x198.jpg "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_2719-265x198.jpg "Aerotrek")
![[Credit: Zenith Aircraft Co.]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/wksp-3-21-group1-265x198.jpg "Zenith Building Momentum With Workshops, New Options and Mosaic Opportunity")
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.
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.
In Case You Missed It
Two Years to Solo
Ken Pollock did not come by his interest in flying in the usual way. His father was the first to want to learn, but then when he changed his mind, his son took up where Dad left off. All this despite the fact that Ken had broken his neck in a car accident, and had no use of his legs, and little use of his arms and hands.
Wind Tunnel
Yaw rarely occurs without rolling, and roll rarely occurs without yawing. This month Barnaby Wainfan discusses coupled motion, including adverse yaw, the spiral mode and Dutch roll.
