![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")
The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks and the members of The Kansas City Dawn Patrol head out to take part in the Annual Salute to Veterans Airshow in Columbia, Missouri.
Expansion Team
For RV-12 owners looking for an alternative engine option, Jabiru offers a worthy contender. By Marc Cook.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger reports on The Farm, and all that was new and exciting in the ultralight area at Oshkosh AirVenture 2011.
Editor’s Log
Mary Bernard discusses the challenges companies face when they try to improve an existing design, let alone develop a new product. The Glasair Sportsman TC is a case in point.
What’s New
TCW Technologies announces two new products, ChartFlier introduces a low-cost entry to the ADS-B market, and a veteran airshow performer pilots the SubSonex jet on its maiden flight.
Viewfinder
Marc Cook presents an argument for rewriting LSA weight-limit rules to encourage new design and technology, while improving safety and performance.
Maintenance Matters
In this new column, Steve Ells shares his background as an A&P mechanic and offers tips on keeping your homebuilt aircraft running smoothly.
Alternative Energies
Companies around the world are making strides in the development of electric-powered light aircraft. Dean Sigler reports on three French organizations that have been setting records and making history.
Free Flight
Thousands of hours of flight time in a pilots logbook are no guarantee of superior skill-or superior judgment.
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda finds a way to keep her RV-10s engine cool-until she runs into hot, South Florida summer weather, that is.
In Case You Missed It
Tweaking an Engine/Airframe For Efficiency
When an aircraft engine is tightly cowled without cowl flaps, running hot can be a problem. But there are solutions, as author Amy Laboda found out after much research and experimentation.
Editor’s Log
The FAA’s concerns about the issuance of Special Airworthiness Certificates for some factory-built Light Sport Aircraft may result in changes to ELSA as well. By Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard.