![[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")
Firewall Forward: Ignition Systems
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines...but how? Dave Prizio considers some of the choices.
Build It Better: Hope Is Not a Plan
There are always unknowns in any human endeavor, but in aviation, we must think about the ways we can minimize them.
Aero ‘lectrics
Next winter, keep your aviation supplies from freezing with this DIY temperature sensor.
Wind Tunnel
One effect of a rotating propellor: It acts as a gyroscope. What does this mean for the pilot?
Velocity V-Twin
Looking sleek as a spaceship, the new V-Twin inspires some strong feelings in flight reviewer Doug Rozendaal when he first sees it. Flying the plane only increases his enthusiasm.
2013 Engine Buyer’s Guide
For homebuilders, power is a top-of-mind issue, and engines are among their most important decisions. From the familiar Lycomings and Continentals to the options in radials, here’s what the traditional aircraft-engine market offers.
Another Look at Fuel-System Testing
In light of additional research and input from manufacturers, Dave Prizio revises some of his previous recommendations on testing your fuel system.
What’s New – Oxygen Concentrator, Factory-Built Searey, Dynon ADSB-in
Progressive Aerodyne to offer factory-built SeaRey, Windblade introduces Inogen Aviator G2-1050, and Dynon ships new ADS-B “In” weather and traffic receiver for SkyView EFISes.
Go With the Flow…
When you build your own airplane, you get to design the cockpit you've always wanted, from the ground up. But facing that blank slate can be challenging and calls for a thoughtful approach.
Light Stuff
In an aviation segment where rentals are generally not an option, acquiring your own aircraft may be the way to go. There are deals to be had, if you know where to look. By Roy Beisswenger.
In Case You Missed It
Wind Tunnel
When conducting aerodynamic testing related to airflow over an object, how do you ensure that you've matched the conditions from one test to another, and why does it matter?
Drilling a Straight Hole in Aluminum.
One of the fundamental skills a builder needs to develop on just about any...
Time to Vent
When it comes to fuel-tank vents, there is a wide variety of choices. We look at the basic types and consider their relative merits.