![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?")
Flight Testing
You've planned; you've prepared. Now we look at how to conduct your first flight in a homebuilt aircraft.
Build It Better: Play by the Rules
Some rules are made for you, and some rules are made by you. Those personal rules create a higher level of safety for you and your passengers, and they are the mark of professionalism in a pilot.
Maintenance Matters
No one wants to experience a faulty mag drop (especially with a nervous passenger on board). Steve Ells offers some tips on how to reduce misfires and maximize ignition-system performance.
Aero ‘lectrics
When you land your airplane at a fly-in, you want it to look its best while staying safely and securely parked. Making your own coordinated tiedowns, chocks and more is one way to do that.
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.
In Case You Missed It
Thatcher CX4
If you’re a builder on a budget and don’t aim to do long cross-country trips, the Thatcher CX4 may be worth a look. By Ed Wischmeyer.
Vertical, Vertical and so Very Practical
So, here we are with fly-in season upon us. And fire season. And lots...
