![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")
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Boots on the Ground
Paul Dye talks about meeting old friends and making new friends at air shows and fly-ins, and introduces several new columnists who will be regular contributors to KITPLANES.
Editor’s Log
With so many different types of Experimental/kit aircraft available, Paul Dye explains how KITPLANES tries to include something of interest for everyone.
What’s New: Garmin’s Bold Experimental Push
New equipment from Garmin’s Team X is tailored to the experimental builder’s budget.
Buzzwords: Human Factors—The Basics
Small design considerations can have a big impact on comfort, convenience and safety.
Alternative Energies
The Grand Unified Airplane: Is it possible to extract energy from the act of flight itself? By Dean Sigler.
Down to Earth
Even when built from the same kit, no two aircraft are exactly the same—that’s why you need a builder’s book. By Amy Laboda.
Light Stuff
Freedom from airports: takeoffs off and landings where there aren’t normal runways. By Roy Beisswenger.
In Case You Missed It
Flight Review: Falken Avionics iPad-based EFIS
By now, the Apple iPad has established itself as a strong utility player in many aircraft, most often running as a so-called electronic flight bag (EFB) to display moving maps, charts, weather and traffic. But Falken Avionics’ Flight View system has a different take on putting Apple’s tablet to use—as a primary instrument.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick and Sharon Starks mix it up with the “big boys” and draw their own crowd at Oshkosh AirVenture 2011.