![[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")
Ask the DAR
Is replacing one panel with another considered a major modification? And what is a “significant” change to weight and balance?
Aero ‘lectrics
Make the scene at your next airshow with a homemade aircraft band antenna, state and national flags, and an aircraft data sheet that gives spectators the vital statistics on your aircraft.
Wind Tunnel
Once designers had addressed every other drag-producing aspect of the biplane, they decided to get rid of the struts and wires bracing the wings—and the switch to the monoplane was made.
Titan 51 Revisited
Capturing the look (and at least some of the feel) of a legendary aircraft-one that tops many pilots dream list-was no small feat. By Doug Rozendaal.
2013 Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide
If flying a rotorcraft is your goal, this is a great time to start exploring your options—there’s been growth in this segment, and even more expansion is on the horizon. By Roy Beisswenger.
Editor’s Log
The free flight of birds inspired the first forays into manned flight—a perfect example of the concept of biomimicry. Editor in Chief Mary Bernard sees a similar resourcefulness in plansbuilders who look at a set of drawings and create an airplane from scratch.
What’s New
Bogert Aviation introduces quick-drain oil valve probe, CubCrafters improves 2013 Carbon Cub SS, and MGL integrates Sandia Mode-C Transponder with its EFISes.
Alternative Energies
Experimental Soaring Workshop: This annual gathering of designers and builders of sailplanes, hang gliders and paragliders is an idea festival, and a must-attend event for enthusiasts. By Dean Sigler.
Light Stuff
The 2012 World Paramotor Championship provided an excuse for a trip to the mountains of Spain, and an opportunity to see the world’s best in action. Roy Beisswenger helped judge the proceedings (and seemed to be the only American there).
Down to Earth
When a big storm is coming, timing is everything. If you’re going to get out of the way, do so early. By Amy Laboda.
In Case You Missed It
Family Legend
Starting as a Texas Sport kit, a little Cub with the unlikely name of Scrappy grew, with a host of custom touches and multigenerational effort, into a cherished family heirloom.
