![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=534&h=462&crop=1 "Learning How to Drag Your Tail")
![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=265&h=198&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")
The Dawn Patrol
Bent landing gear on a Kolb Twinstar MK-II? This is a job for the Flabtrolic press—or maybe not.
Light Stuff
Sport Pilot rules make it possible to fly a powered parachute or flexwing trike at night, but make sure you have the right equipment.
Editor’s Log
As Paul Dye takes the helm at KITPLANES, he looks forward to covering this exciting time in the Experimental aircraft community.
What’s New
Just Aircraft introduces the Highlander SuperStol, Cockpit Apps launches new fuel tankering app, and there’s a new LED position/anti-collision light.
Nobody’s Perfect
Nobody's perfect. Neither is any airplane or airplane part—there’s always a tolerance from perfection, and that’s OK, as long as you understand the art of repair.
Down to Earth
When something doesn’t feel (or sound) right, trust your gut and stay on the ground. A stuck valve recently demonstrated this lesson to Amy Laboda.
Alternative Energies
Diesel engines, anyone? How about biofuel? More builders are turning to such alternatives in the name of fuel economy, while the industry awaits fuel cells and better batteries. By Dean Sigler.
Editor’s Log
As Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard steps down from her post at KITPLANES, she thanks the team that helps create the magazine each month and welcomes her successor, Paul Dye.
What’s New
Rockwell BenchJaws introduced, Kitfox Aircraft offers engine options, and Garmin debuts new VHF, nav/com radios.
Light Stuff
The rules around Letters of Deviation Authority are labyrinthine, which helps explain why they are relatively rare. But the problems could be—and should be—corrected through a few regulatory changes. By Roy Beisswenger.
In Case You Missed It
Custom Tools for Rod End Installation and Alignment
Tightening rod end bearings is easy when you make the right tools.
Building as a Group
The Independence Five is an Oregon-based group building a bevy of DH.2s. Dean Sigler explores their approach to building and reports on how the project is progressing.
Don’t Get Bent Out of Shape With These Pliers
As a builder of a metal aircraft kit, you no doubt have heard the...
What’s New
RV-12 building assistance is available on DVD from HomebuiltHELP; Plane-Power has introduced a new alternator for Continental 520 and 550 engines; WhirlWind announces a new composite, ground-adjustable propeller for the Rotax 912/914 engine.