![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")
Safety Is No Accident: Buying a Previously Owned, Flying Homebuilt
Ron Wanttaja looks at the accident data to determine whether its safer to buy than build an Experimental, and he identifies the key factors to ensuring a successful outcome.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks reminisces about the aviation luminaries The Dawn Patrol has been privileged to meet at the annual Salute to Veterans Air Show.
Light Stuff
When you purchase a new light or ultralight aircraft, you should talk to the manufacturer or distributor about the flight training services they provide. By Roy Beisswenger.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook reflects on the joy offered by low-and-slow flying machines and discusses the state of the kit aircraft market.
What’s New
Beyerdnamic offers a new headset, two new Cub kits are approved by FAA, and the portable AvMap is updated.
Experimotive
You know those engine vendors you usually see at the big annual air shows? Where do they go when they disappear? Detective Rick Lindstrom is on the case.
The Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol gets to know more about General John J. Pershing when they display their WW-I replica aircraft at the annual Pershing Days Festival in Missouri.
Soul of the Machine
Paul Dye argues that there is more between man and machine than just the hardware.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger takes over the Light Stuff column this month, and quickly shows why hes the right man for the job.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook discusses his recent visit to a Zenith Aircraft factory workshop where he had the pleasure of flying some airplanes and pulling some rivets.
In Case You Missed It
Design Process: Braced Wings
As we saw last month, the designer has two fundamental choices of wing structural...
Metal Magic: A Quick Look at Edge Rolling
This short episode of Metal Magic provides some quick tips on the most effective...
Tools for Homebuilders, Part 2
Terry Edwards continues his discussion of some of the less-often covered aspects of airplane building, this month looking at how to manage your project and stay motivated.