Exploring

In the days of the Wright brothers, the Flyer would have been impossible had the boys not endeavored to develop their own powerplant. While the Experimental/Amateur-Built movement has been carried aloft by versions of certified aircraft engines, the alternative engine movement has provided viable options for builders. By Marc Cook.

250 enthusiasts gathered at Erie Airpark, in Illinois, to celebrate a major milestone: The 25th anniversary of the Quad City Challenger line of aircraft. By Bryan Quickmire.

Modern propellers do a good job of converting engine horsepower into thrust, and are generally tough and sturdy. But every prop needs care. Steve Ells looks at the top prop-care tips.

A reader asks if he can use his Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft for instruction. DAR Mel Asberry’s answer: It’s not a problem, but charging for transition training of a non-owner pilot requires a specific operational exemption.

Although Van’s has been a top-selling kit manufacturer for years, the company’s foray into the SLSA (factory-built Light Sport Aircraft) market with the RV-12 has proven to be challenging—and the airplane may not ever be sold ready-to-fly. By Dave Martin.

Marc Cook digs into the challenging world of automotive conversions, reporting on the converts who learned how to build these engines at the West Coast Corvair College.

How do you build and fly a homebuilt aircraft while still maintaining a good relationship with spouse and family? That is the question, and Amy Laboda offers some answers.

Its two aircraft in one: The Jabiru J230 is being sold both as a kit and as a Special (factory-built) Light Sport Aircraft thats ready to fly. By Dave Martin.

Recent casualties in the kit-aircraft universe including AirlinkTECH, Pillar Point Avionics and Superior Air Parts reduce services available to builders and potentially eliminate some healthy competiton. By Marc Cook.

The 6000th RV flies, there's a new quick reference checklist for Garmin portable units, and a new engine mount for Rotax engines is available. Edited by Mary Bernard.