![[Credit: Lisa Credit]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Experimental.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Have You Seen Your Oplims?")
![[Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/737_VGs2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Vortex Generators")
![[Credit: Van's Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Vans_RV14A.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Something New On The Horizon")
![[Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Chute-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Should You Consider A Whole Aircraft Parachute?"){kind=tracking}
Breaking Bead
This month’s home shop project is a bead breaker for separating stubborn tires from rims.
All Over the Map
When the FAA inspector or DAR (Designated Airworthiness Representative) arrives to award you your airworthiness certificate, it’s likely that everything will go smoothly, right?...
Homespun Router Table
I’m drawn to the simple, low-cost end of the airplane market. The first airplane I bought plans for was the Evans VP-1. The first...
Where’s the Best Place To Build?
You and your airplane kit deserve a comfortable workshop area for the many days of building that lie ahead. If you are a first-time...
Common In-Flight Failures, Part 2
This column is a continuation of common in-flight failures that I began discussing in the September 2024 issue. With today’s glass cockpits and all...
Venturing the Cup
Started in 1997 by Eric Whyte and Erik Anderson, the AirVenture Cup offers its own twist on the traditional point-to-point air race. Namely, it...
Unlabeled Switch and Circuit Breakers
For safety’s sake, all switches and circuit breakers should be labeled as to function and direction.
Flapjacks and Fly-Ins
One of the most enjoyable and useful “tools” is membership in a local chapter of the EAA.
In Case You Missed It
Build Your Skills: Composites (Part 6)
In this series installment, author Bob Fritz takes you through the basics of a three-day project you can really use: lightweight fiberglass wheel chocks. The article covers materials, cutting, patterns, foam cutting, eliminating bubbles, and pitfalls to look out for during the build; by Bob Fritz.
Firewall Forward: Oil Filter Cutting and Analysis
KITPLANES editor at large and experienced engine builder Paul Dye walks you through the...
