![Aircraft designs now can be built in a fraction of the time necessary in the early days of homebuilding. [Credit: Adobe Stock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AdobeStock_1336488-534x462.jpg "Kit Building Then and Now")
![[Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSC_0053-265x198.jpg "Pre-War Porterfield")
![Members of the North Idaho High School Aerospace Program gathered at KSZT [Credit: North Idaho High School Aerospace Program]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_3499-265x198.jpg "North Idaho High School Student ACES Fly the Aircraft They Built")
Hidden Surprises
Rick and Dave sat down at the airport veranda bench with lunch. “I have exciting news. I just located and bought a Christen Eagle,”...
Vintage Homebuilts
Where are they now? While that question has been asked many times, this time it relates to amateur-built aircraft. A look through my bookcase...
Aircraft Welding Methods for Homebuilders
The choice of welding method for your homebuilt aircraft's steel tube fuselage represents one of the most critical decisions in your building journey. Each...
The “Rope A Dope” Trick To Avoid Replacing Cylinders
It’s never a good sign when during your aircraft annual inspection the mechanic calls to report an issue. It’s sort of like getting a...
Measuring: Go To Lengths To Get It Right
Measure twice, cut once. That's sound advice, though no guarantee you won’t measure wrong twice. Some measuring errors occur before the ruler is in...
In Case You Missed It
Down to Earth
When something doesn’t feel (or sound) right, trust your gut and stay on the ground. A stuck valve recently demonstrated this lesson to Amy Laboda.