![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F-117_Nighthawk_Front.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Odd and Unusual Aircraft")
![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=265&h=198&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")
How Many Times Can You Drill Through the Same Finger?
(Or how to build a Zenith CH 750 in just 11 years)
The Stanley Screamer is One Sleek Sherpa!
“I may never be able to buy an airplane…but maybe I can build one!”
—Dale Stanley
Eighty Percent to Go
That last 20% that feels like 80% is the time to slow down and pull out checklists, get other eyes on the project, call for a TC visit and sit in the airplane making noises.
Hawking That New Engine
After 20 years the long-gestating DeltaHawk diesel is suddenly hotter than Jeff LaVelle’s turbos on a 400-mph lap.
Repeat Offender
This time I want an airplane strictly built for the joy of flying. I want something simple and relatively cheap for that magical first and last half-hour of daylight, to be low and slow with no place in particular to go and sporting a massive grin.
Are You Shorthanding?
If you're not careful, your non-building friends will find a way to change the subject.
Crew Coordination, Working the Weather
Having a reliable and well-trained partner can help to evaluate not only a course of action—but the decision-making process that goes into that plan.
In Case You Missed It
No Two Rivets Alike
It's a first-world problem—I admit it. With too many airplanes in our little fleet,...
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger takes a look at the maintenance requirements for the lighter side of aviation including ultralights and Light Sport Aircraft.
Contributors
Bob FritzIn recognition of Bobs major contributions to this magazine, he has been moved...