![Careful planning and determination will get you to your goal of building and flying your own airplane. [Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pulsar-Sunset.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Last Bits")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_262642207_AGCuesta.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Winging It")
![Lowell Farrand spent years serving as an FAA DAR and is in the EAA Hall of Fame. He offers sound advise to builders. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-4.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like a Builder")
![The 160 hp turbocharged Rotax 916iS is a four-stroke piston engine with redundant electronic fuel injection and ignition. [Credit: BPR Rotax]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PIC_916-iS_iSc-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "2026 Engine Buyer’s Guide")
![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")
Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 3: High-Speed Taxi Testing
High-speed taxi testing requires precise control, detailed planning and cautious execution as speeds approach stall and rotation thresholds.
(Almost) Wordless Workshop
Project steps rarely go in order. These illustrated tips might save you time—and frustration—when things don’t go as planned.
Check the Sump Screen
It is important to check the oil sump screen for contaminants at least once per year.
The Value of a Mentor, and Mentoring
Building and flying a kit aircraft is a rare achievement—share your journey, mentor others, and strengthen the builder community.
Dyke Delta
Unconventional and striking, the Dyke Delta blends unique design with solid performance and a dash of homebuilt aviation history.
In Case You Missed It
Repetition
Repetition is a big part of building an airplane. Fortunately, for many builders, it is also good for the soul.
Engine Beat
As Lycoming and Continental vie for market share, the two power players are updating and improving long-existing engine designs and introducing new products to meet demand. By Steve Ells.
Poka-Yoke Cable Clamp
From a machinist’s point of view, the clamp couldn’t be simpler: A couple of grooves, some bolt holes and you’re done.