![[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")
Safety Is No Accident: Van’s RV series
It’s been a couple of years since we looked at how homebuilts generally fared in the accident statistics vis-à-vis certified aircraft. This time around we’ll look at the safety records of specific homebuilt designs, starting with the Van’s RV.
Learning Complex Systems Means Knowing How They Work
The importance of understanding your aircrafts avionics systems in terms of form, function and troubleshooting.
Around the Patch
Editor in Chief Marc Cook finds himself in the unique position of being able to compare performance of his GlaStar Sportsman with two different Hartzell props.
What’s New
DRE has a new ANR headset, Approach Fast Stack Pro-G Hub is issued a PMA, and the Hummingbird heli quickbuild kit gets FAA approval.
Alternate Pitch Control
When elevator control is lost, there are ways to get the plane on the ground safely using power and trim.
Fuelventure 400
Last years Copperstate Fly-In was the occasion for a race where speed was only one of the factors in winning. By Patrick Panzera.
Product Review: BrightLine Pilot Bag
The BrightLine Bag is the ideal accessory for pilots who like a place for everything and everything in its place. By Marc Cook.
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.
Engine Beat
UL Power of Belgium adds two new engines to its product line that are distinguished by the inclusion of Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). By Steve Ells.
Ask the DAR
Are computer software programs sufficient documentation of a build, and what do you do when a DARs request seems unreasonable?
In Case You Missed It
Understanding the Scope of Your Operating Limitations
DAR Mel Asberry clarifies the confusion: Is a homebuilt owner bound by someone elses operating limitations?
Taxes and Shipping Additional
Most homebuilders—and just I’m spit-balling here—have waited a long time to justify the cost of building an airplane.