![[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")
Alternative Energies
Dean Sigler was on location at this year’s Green Flight Challenge in Santa Rosa, California, and he offers a report.
Light Stuff
Ready to jump into gyroplanes? Roy Beisswenger explains the options available and the regulations for this exciting segment of aviation.
Free Flight
Expecting your avionics software to be free of bugs is unrealistic, but there is a way to avoid being bitten.
Editor’s Log
Editor Mary Bernard discusses the reward of simplicity that a homebuilder can find when building from plans.
What’s New
ZuluLog offers a pilot logbook for Android devices, Zenith and UL Power announce a firewall-forward kit for the CH 650, and Garmin introduces the aera 796, its new flagship portable navigator.
Idle Hands
Marc Cook reminisces about the hours of enjoyment he found working on his Glasair Sportsman.
Unusual Attitude
Vans Aircraft founder Richard VanGrunsven considers flight safety, and how improving our building and piloting skills would do more to reduce the number of mishaps than additional regulations would.
Alternative Energies
Electric Light Sport Aircraft are few and far between, owing primarily to the heavy batteries eating into LSA weight restrictions. The Alternair Amp is poised to change all that. By Dean Sigler.
Down To Earth
Homebuilt aircraft played a key role in bringing aid to the Bahamas after Hurricane Irene. Amy Laboda explains how you can join in future relief efforts.
Light Stuff
Interested in ultralights? Roy Beisswenger explains what is available and how to make the right choice for your needs.
In Case You Missed It
Engine Beat
Steve Ells explains the science of alternators, and offers some tips for understanding and troubleshooting problems with the system.
Geared Drives Remembered
The innovative work of Bud Warren contributed much to the homebuilt community and saved many an engine from being relegated to the scrap heap. By Rick Lindstrom.
Flight Review: The Wittman W10 Tailwind
The apparently simple lines and construction of the Wittman Tailwind belie a thoughtful sophistication that even todays aircraft designers can appreciate.
