![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=534&h=462&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")
![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")
Light Stuff
The 2012 World Paramotor Championship provided an excuse for a trip to the mountains of Spain, and an opportunity to see the world’s best in action. Roy Beisswenger helped judge the proceedings (and seemed to be the only American there).
Down to Earth
When a big storm is coming, timing is everything. If you’re going to get out of the way, do so early. By Amy Laboda.
Free Flight
EFISes provide a tremendous amount of information and extend the capabilities of todays homebuilt aircraft, but only if you take the time to learn how to use them properly.
Guest Editorial
We've made improvements: This year's printed Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide has a new format that highlights the latest designs. Plus, the Online Aircraft Buyer's Guide's new features yield a better and more useful search result.
What’s New
MGL Avionics offers new touchscreen iEFIS, SkyVision Xtreme introduces a fully portable ADS-B In/Out system, and Worx SD SemiAutomatic Driver debuts.
Homebuilding in South Africa
On an “aviation safari,” Amy Laboda checks out South Africa’s homebuilding activity (and some spectacular scenery) and discovers the industry there is thriving—along with some of the factors that help keep it that way.
Dynon’s D1
Dynon’s “Pocket Panel” self-contained mini-EFIS has plenty going for it—excellent performance, portability and a reasonable price. By Paul Bertorelli.
The Dawn Patrol
When one email gets forwarded far and wide, an airport picnic (featuring a surfeit of fried green tomatoes) ends up attracting a mob. But The Dawn Patrol rises to the challenge.
Light Stuff
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to aircraft—all that really matters is creating the flying experience you want to have. By Roy Beisswenger.
Alternative Energies
A new electric ultralight motorglider expands the boundaries of its category—and its plans can be downloaded free. By Dean Sigler.
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
Night VFR in an ELSA, flying from the right seat, ELSA certification for an original design.
