![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")
One Thing Leads to Another
It started simply enough. With a mistake. OK, maybe just a misapplication of learned behavior.
Fixing Axle Fooly
Flat tires seem to come in clusters. You can go years without getting one, then for some reason, “boom” (actually, more like “psssss”), more flats in a month than a year or years.
Van’s RV-9: New Rotax Power
Lockwood Aero’s Rotax 916iS firewall-forward package pushes the RV-9 to 190 knots.
Artificial Stupidity
“If you could have any dream air vehicle, what would it be?” asked David. “Including something that’s not available?” replied Sara. “Yes.”
“OK, it would...
Where Do Airplane Parts Come From?
Building your own replacement kit parts, which is no different than scratch-building from plans, may save you money and time.
2025 Propeller Buyer’s Guide
Explore certified and Experimental propeller options to maximize performance, customization, and satisfaction for your aircraft build.
In Case You Missed It
The Dawn Patrol
When the rains came to Oshkosh, it wasn't enough to get the intrepid Dawn Patrol coterie down. Dick Starks says thanks for the memories.
Ask the DAR
Mel Asberry answers readers’ questions on one-off engineering data requirements, how to fill out an AC 20-27G form, and how to test-fly an aircraft in the U.S. Virgin Islands.