![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")
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.
Build, Test, Refine and Fix—Part 2: Taxi Testing
All aircraft testing, including taxi tests, requires planning and discipline.
Building an Addiction
The greatest of a successful builder’s attributes is an unshakable belief in tomorrow.
ScaleBirds P-36 Hawk
ScaleBirds, a newcomer to the kit manufacturing scene, chose to start their line of replica fighters with one of the first all-metal U.S. military pursuit ships of WW-II—the P-36.
In Case You Missed It
![[Credit: JetStream Rider]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_345999332.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "2026 Avionics and Lights Buyer’s Guide")
2026 Avionics and Lights Buyer’s Guide
The Homebuilt market in 2026 has more choices In avionics and lighting than ever.
The “Flying by Feel” Fallacy
Smart pilots embrace tools like AoA systems to reduce risk—not ego-driven notions of flying solely 'by feel.'