![[Credit: ChatGPT]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/What-did-you-miss-Topaz-Gigapixel-4x-scale.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Last Bits"){kind=tracking}
![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=265&h=198&crop=1 "Building vs. Fixing")
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F-117_Nighthawk_Front.jpg?w=265&h=198&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")
Staying in the Game
It’s never been easy to afford flying, and it’s getting harder. As costs continue to rise, here are innovative ways to stay in the air.
Ask the DAR
Is an aircraft’s empty weight required on the data plate? Does the gross weight change when an LSA is converted from conventional landing gear to floats? Should engine maintenance be entered in the builder’s logbook? Does the Minimax still qualify as an ultralight?
Editor’s Log
As Paul Dye takes the helm at KITPLANES, he looks forward to covering this exciting time in the Experimental aircraft community.
What’s New
Just Aircraft introduces the Highlander SuperStol, Cockpit Apps launches new fuel tankering app, and there’s a new LED position/anti-collision light.
Nobody’s Perfect
Nobody's perfect. Neither is any airplane or airplane part—there’s always a tolerance from perfection, and that’s OK, as long as you understand the art of repair.
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.
Alternative Energies
Diesel engines, anyone? How about biofuel? More builders are turning to such alternatives in the name of fuel economy, while the industry awaits fuel cells and better batteries. By Dean Sigler.
Letters
ADS-B and TrafficI thought I might share my experiences to date with ADS-B. I know this has been a very confusing subject, and though...
In Case You Missed It
Fixed-pitch Props
A major advantage of a fixed-pitch prop is that it is lighter, simpler and cheaper than one with variable pitch.
Free Flight
Paul Dye visits the hallowed halls of flight and reflects on the bond that exists between aviators past and present.
