![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")
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.
Light Stuff
Columnist Roy Beisswenger makes the case for the safety of light and ultralight aircraft. Don't believe it? Hell explain why.
The Dawn Patrol
Hummel UltraCruiser builder Dennis Brooks came to Liberty Landing looking for a place to store his airplane, and left with some new friends and a test flight courtesy of The Dawn Patrol.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger discusses the impact of the FAAs LODA order allowing Light Sport instructors to resume training with their Experimental aircraft.
Viewfinder
Marc Cook spends a few days helping perform the annual on a friends RV-7A, and finds it much easier than doing his own.
Engine Update: EI Commander
EI Commander helps keep you aware of both whats happening with your engines electronic ignition and, as importantly, why. By Marc Cook.
Alternative Energies
JoeBen Bevirt addresses future energy and transportation needs by tackling them head-on-Jetsons style-with the Joby Monarch. By Dean Sigler.
Editor’s Log
Mary Bernard explores the background of Jeff Ackland and his new Radial Rocket RG, this issues cover story.
What’s New
Beyerdynamic introduces the HS 800 Aviation Headset, Zenith Aircrafts Zodiac CH 650 meets FAAs 51% rule, and Jeppesen NavData is now available for MGL Avionics systems.
In Case You Missed It
Homebuilding on the Edge
Out in the California desert, innovation in homebuilding is the rule, rather than the exception. By Marc Cook.
Stearns Stuff
Clean, fast, and composite, the KIS TR-1 makes a fine cruiser. There just aren't many of them.