Exploring

Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook saw some reasons to be cheerful at AirVenture, especially the upcoming refinement of the 51% rule for homebuilders.

Zenith offers a reduced price for its STOL CH 701 kit, featuring the 85-hp Jabiru 2200A engine. Dynon offers a rebate for Blue Mountain EFIS owners who trade in for the new SkyView units, as well as special upgrade pricing. Edited by Mary Bernard.

While certified airplanes have to meet Part 23 requirements for positive dihedral, amateur-built airplanes are exempt. Ed Kolano looks into the details of dihedral, and how you can use it to your airborne advantage.

Music to a mothers ears. Amy Laboda preps the family Kitfox for her older daughters primary training.

Whats in Jean, Nevada? Most of the year, not much. But when the alternative engine crowd comes to town, the place starts to buzz. By Rick Lindstrom.

Steve Ells explains the science of alternators, and offers some tips for understanding and troubleshooting problems with the system.

DAR Mel Asberry clarifies what notification the FAA expects when a prop has been changed. His advice? Treat it like a major mod.

The Texas Sport Cub is the latest in a line of planes with the venerable Cub lineage. Dave Martin flies one and discusses the various licensing options available.

Marc Cook explodes the not-invented-here myth, and explores what makes our panel equipment ergonomically sound—or not.

Whats happening behind that firewall? Marc Cook traces the lineage of engine monitors over the past 25 years.