![[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")
Wind Tunnel
Today, monoplanes dominate, but biplanes came first. They had their advantages—and for some of today’s missions, they still do.
Sling Shot
From initial climb performance to Chuck-Yeager-like landings, the Sling 2 reveals its designer's emphasis on handling.
2013 Plansbuilt Aircraft Buyer’s Guide
There are developments in the world of plansbuilt designs. Here’s what’s new, what’s old (but still going strong, such as the Pietenpol Air Camper) and what’s on the horizon. By Mary Bernard.
Guest Editorial
We've made improvements: This year's printed Kit Aircraft Buyer's Guide has a new format that highlights the latest designs. Plus, the Online Aircraft Buyer's Guide's new features yield a better and more useful search result.
What’s New
MGL Avionics offers new touchscreen iEFIS, SkyVision Xtreme introduces a fully portable ADS-B In/Out system, and Worx SD SemiAutomatic Driver debuts.
Homebuilding in South Africa
On an “aviation safari,” Amy Laboda checks out South Africa’s homebuilding activity (and some spectacular scenery) and discovers the industry there is thriving—along with some of the factors that help keep it that way.
Dynon’s D1
Dynon’s “Pocket Panel” self-contained mini-EFIS has plenty going for it—excellent performance, portability and a reasonable price. By Paul Bertorelli.
The Dawn Patrol
When one email gets forwarded far and wide, an airport picnic (featuring a surfeit of fried green tomatoes) ends up attracting a mob. But The Dawn Patrol rises to the challenge.
Light Stuff
Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to aircraft—all that really matters is creating the flying experience you want to have. By Roy Beisswenger.
Alternative Energies
A new electric ultralight motorglider expands the boundaries of its category—and its plans can be downloaded free. By Dean Sigler.
In Case You Missed It
To Launch A Light Sport
Author Bob Fritz got the bad news that he would likely not pass his FAA medical and was faced with a choice: Finish the RV he was working on and resign himself to flying with a partner, or try to find a suitable Light Sport Aircraft that he could build and fly solo. In this first installment in the series, he details his search for the right design and reveals the decision he ultimately made.
