![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")
Early or Late?
Long before I wrote for aviation publications, I was doing testing—of airframes, engines, avionics, and accessories. Flight test was my field, and I have...
Phase I Done Right
The problem for many pilots is that they really don't know what flight testing entails.
Making Dreams Come True
First liftoff of the Dream Tundra flown (Photo: Georgia Kinninger)
When the Homebuilding movement began in earnest (I'm not talking about all the flying...
Repetition
Repetition is a big part of building an airplane. Fortunately, for many builders, it is also good for the soul.
In Case You Missed It
Shaving Time With Occam’s Razor
Troubleshooting is an art—an art based on experience, knowledge—and sometimes a little luck. I...
No Backshell and No Screw
I hate seeing D-sub connectors not supported or fastened correctly, as the wires will...
Vacuuming Connectors
Vacuum electrical connectors before installation to avoid difficult troubleshooting later.