![Oshkosh is more popular than ever with three-quarters of a million people in attendance at AirVenture 2026. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_7321-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Wide World of Airplanes"){kind=tracking}
![Maintenance technician William Vergonet conducts an inspection on a Cub. [Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_3535.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Post-Flight Maintenance Debrief")
![Pat McKiernan has found that he and his dad who built this beautiful RV-7 simply learned to enjoy the build. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Builder.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Life Lessons From Building an Airplane")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_51865118.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "FAA MOSAIC Rule Fully Implemented")
![My 36 year old clipboard from when I started at Boeing. Engineering ruler and fastener/fastener hole cheat sheets. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Liaison_clipboard.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "What Is a Liaison Engineer?")
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.
Free Flight
EFISes provide a tremendous amount of information and extend the capabilities of todays homebuilt aircraft, but only if you take the time to learn how to use them properly.
Letters
Keen on KeensertsI just read Steve Ells’ article on threaded inserts . Good info. I did wonder why there was no mention of Keenserts,...
Legal Eagle XL
Sometimes slow and steady wins the race, especially when you want a leisurely wind-in-your-hair, no-fuss flight. The plansbuilt Legal Eagle XL answers that call.
Bearhawk LSA
Simple and light—very light: The Bearhawk LSA is the latest addition to the Bearhawk family, the culmination of decades of design experience.
Firewall Forward: Exhaust Systems
Besides venting engine exhaust, an exhaust system must heat the cabin and warm the carb. Some crucial rules must be heeded, no matter what kind of system you choose.
In Case You Missed It
Diodes, the Universal Component?
Diodes started off life fairly simply. Take an AC signal and convert it to a DC signal. Simple, huh?
Design Process: Vertical Tail Planform
The size and shape of the planform of the vertical tail determine its ability...
![A STOL CH 750 [Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STOL-CH-750.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Why Are So Many Airplanes Yellow?")
Why Are So Many Airplanes Yellow?
Looking around my home airport one morning, it dawned on me that there were...
