![After nearly 75 years, the basic Tailwind design remains sound. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_4636.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "The Wittman Tailwind")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_125628775.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Roll Recovery, Part 2")
![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")
![Coming in for a landing at Humberd’s Farm [All Images Credited to Jon Humberd]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/9-1.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Overcoming Setbacks on the Zenith 750SD Xtreme")
Snapshots From the Whirlwind
Pilots demand ADS-B privacy, sport air racing shifts to weight-based rules and affordable Oshkosh and Roswell travel tips.
Assembling a Gyro Technic VX-2
A pilot chases his dream of building and flying a gyroplane with help from Gyro Technic in Minnesota.
Change Is a Constant
Marc Cook steps away again, passing KITPLANES’ reins as we invite fresh voices from the homebuilt aviation community.
Why Alternative Engines Rarely Save Money
You can try it, but don’t expect to come out ahead—or airborne—without a fight.
Aircraft Modification Choices
Aftermarket mods for amateur-built aircraft are booming, but not all upgrades deliver on performance, safety or practicality.
Building the 750 SDXTREME: Part 16
Tubeless tires, prototype gear, and cabin mods—follow the ongoing adventure of getting the highly modified 750 SDX on its feet.
Starkey’s Custom Spark Plug Adapter Lock Wrench
Make spark plug changes easier with a custom spark plug wrench for auto plug adapters on aircraft engines.
Errant Holes: Un-drilling, Up-drilling and Adopting
Homebuilding has no undo key. Learn causes of drill errors, a hole‑marking prevention method, and three easy fixes when mistakes happen.
Taming the Wiring Rat’s Nest
Learn how to avoid wiring “rats nests” in your homebuilt aircraft with proper labeling, terminals, lacing and expert tips for reliable electrical systems.
A History of Aircraft Wiring Insulation
Discover the evolution of aircraft wiring insulation—from rubber and cotton to nylon, PVC, and Tefzel—and learn practical tricks for wiring your homebuilt.
In Case You Missed It
Those Rivet Holes
In a prior Plane and Simple article (“Debunking Deburring,” March 2023), we discussed the...
Prepare for a Charge
The battery you install in your homebuilt kit will have nearly the same kind...