![The Hatz Biplane, NX71VH, re-engineered to be powered by a 124 hp radial engine. [Credit: Hatz Biplane Association]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Hatz-Bantam-Radial-124hp_1000004521-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Airplane Almost No One Knows, Part One"){kind=tracking}
![[Credit: CubCrafters]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DSC04228.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "CubCrafters’ New Turboprop MOSAIC LSA")
![A compact H3R Halon 1211 extinguisher, sized for a two-seat cockpit and safe on energized electrical fires. [Credit: H3R Aviation]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/mfr_H3R_A344T_Halon_1p25lb.jpg_preview-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Choosing the Right Cockpit Fire Extinguisher for Your Aircraft"){kind=tracking}
![The Zenith CH701 outside the hangar at SMX, fresh from paint. The stars-and-stripes theme marks America’s 250th and the CH701’s 40th anniversary. [Credit: Carson Stilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_1726.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Zenith CH 701: A Proof of Concept Homebuilt on a Budget")
![Low-level aerial view of AirVenture, looking down the main thoroughfare toward Boeing Plaza, with the flightline and runway 18/36 beyond. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_4521.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "AirVenture 2026 in Review")
![A SubSonex personal jet in aerobatic flight. Thea design will expand with a two-place model kit in the months ahead. [Credit: Sonex Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/SubSonex_Acro.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Sonex Reopens")
Sonex Reopens
On the last Friday in March, Mark Schaible sat down in front of a camera at the Sonex factory in Oshkosh and told the...
![A CubCrafter’s Carbon Cub headed to Sun ‘n Fun in the time-honored tradition. [Credit: CubCrafters]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Carbon-Cub-UL.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Sun ‘n Fun 2026 Highlights: Electric RV-10, Modular Avionics, and MOSAIC")
Sun ‘n Fun 2026 Highlights: Electric RV-10, Modular Avionics, and MOSAIC
By the time the first twilight aerobatic act lit up the new “Composite Airshow” on Wednesday night, it was obvious that Sun ’n Fun...
![A CFI talks a pilot through the checklist — a step toward scraping off years of rust and getting back into the air. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_3254.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Returning to Flying")
Returning to Flying
"I haven’t flown for quite a while," starts the conversation. “I was wondering if you could brush me up a bit and get me...
![[Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Over-Stave-Lake-3.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Glasair Sportsman 2+2 Build Part 3")
Glasair Sportsman 2+2 Build Part 3
In parts one and two of this builder’s story, I described Sean Walker’s progress to get from opening the first crate through to the...
![A sleek Glasair II. [Credit: Glasair]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Glasair-II_2863.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Class of ’86: How 1986 Transformed the Modern Kit Building Industry")
Class of ’86: How 1986 Transformed the Modern Kit Building Industry
Forty years ago this year, Chris Heintz’s CH701 first flew. That alone would be reason enough for a celebration. The 701 is one of...
![[Credit: ChatGPT]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/What-did-you-miss-Topaz-Gigapixel-4x-scale.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Last Bits"){kind=tracking}
Last Bits
Becky stood back from the RV-7 and admired every inch of the newly constructed airplane. She’d made her first flight a month ago and...
![The best builders learn to combine both mindsets. They build like engineers but think like future mechanics. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0037.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Building vs. Fixing")
Building vs. Fixing
Somewhere during every aircraft project, a builder faces a quiet moment of truth. It might happen while drilling a hole in a structural member,...
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F-117_Nighthawk_Front.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Odd and Unusual Aircraft")
Odd and Unusual Aircraft
If you look at the books in my library, and by that, I mean the ones on the shelves, not the ones next to......
![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=324&h=235&crop=1 "The Wittman Tailwind")
The Wittman Tailwind
Still viable in an age of uber-expensive composite homebuilts, the Wittman Tailwind continues to attract builders seeking maximum performance on minimum cost. Plans for...
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
A Few of My Favorite Tools
Occasionally I see articles by colleagues on their favorite tools (a somewhat less controversial topic than favorite airplanes). I’ve had a growing list in...
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
This month DAR Mel Asberry addresses what it takes to build to LSA requirements, why importing an ultralight from Canada can be problematic, and when ELTs are required.
Firewall Forward: Choosing Your Engine
Many factors go into choosing the right engine for your homebuilt. In Part 1 of this new series, Dave Prizio provides an overview of the options available in Lycoming and Lycoming-type engines, and what you need to consider when making a decision.
Adding a Taillight to a Completed Rudder
A creative, low-impact solution for mounting a light without cutting up your rudder.
