![[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")
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda discovers that a newly installed EFIS, six-weeks away from her RV-10 and an acute caffeine deficiency challenge her inner student.
Experimotive
Ben Haass STOL Zenith 801, featuring a Ford V-8 auto conversion, made quite a first impression at AirVenture 09. This month, he tells Rick Lindstrom what makes it all work.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin revisits the Evektor SportStar, and even after a three-year hiatus, he found the Max IFR to be a forgiving and delightful airplane.
25th Anniversary: Change Is Good
At AirVenture 2009, Amy Laboda took the opportunity to talk with 12 key innovators in the world of Experimental aviation, with one question in mind: What do you think has been the most significant change in homebuilding aircraft in the past 25 years?
Gathering at Gardner
Dick and Sharon Starks bring the Morane to the Gathering of Eagles WW-I replica fly-in. Where The Dawn Patrol goes, adventure follows.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick and Sharon Starks and The Dawn Patrol make their annual, magical pilgrimage to AirVenture Oshkosh. Mix in a big, surly storm, the Wild Snorting Piglet, and an Air Force Brigadier General, and you've some something to write home about.
Engine Beat
How are your cylinders doing? A differential compression test can uncover any problems-almost before they start. Steve Ells explores what the results mean, and what to do about them.
Ask the DAR
When can a project be registered as Experimental? Can a non-complying airplane be registered as an LSA? How is the 51% criterion determined? Answers to these questions come from DAR Mel Asberry.
Light Stuff
The Australian developers of the Jabiru engine wanted to build a sport airplane. But when their original engine choice went off the market, they developed its replacement, too. By Dave Martin.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook saw some reasons to be cheerful at AirVenture, especially the upcoming refinement of the 51% rule for homebuilders.
In Case You Missed It
A Fine Specimen
There’s something you probably can guess about so-called factory airplanes—examples of Experimental aircraft built...
Rotaxs 915 iS is Ready to Roll
It's got a great power-to-weight ratio, but also a complex installation procedure. Don't be surprised if it inspires a new design or two.
Why You Should Do Engine Oil Analysis
Engine oil analysis for aircraft is an essential element of long-term powerplant health, for...