![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=534&h=462&crop=1 "What Is a Liaison Engineer?")
![At Sun ‘n Fun 2026, Viking Aircraft Engines surprised the crowd with its first complete kit — the V-42, a high-wing twin powered by two Honda-based engines. Here’s an early look. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/P1020293.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Viking V-42 Twin")
![A STOL CH 750 [Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STOL-CH-750.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Why Are So Many Airplanes Yellow?")
![A Zenith STOL CH701 on Zenair amphibious floats rests on a sandbar on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. [Credit: Zenith Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zenair-floats-STOL_CH_701a-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Zenith STOL CH 701 at 40: The Iconic ‘Sky Jeep’ Design Audit"){kind=tracking}
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying")
![Humberd and his daughter using the 701 for some farm duty transportation. [All Images Credited to Jon Humberd]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1-3.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Builder’s Spotlight")
Builder’s Spotlight
Part 22 of an ongoing Zenith 750SD Xtreme build, pushing the design further into extreme STOL performance territory.
![[Credit: Viking Aircraft Engines]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/engine.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Editor’s Log")
Editor’s Log
A wide-ranging look at the myriad engine choices facing today's homebuilt aircraft builders, designers, and pilots.
![[Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Inspections-1-scaled.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Last Bits")
![Author Bill Wilson takes a break from measuring and cutting the Lexan windshield during his Onex build. [All Images Credit to Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-2.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Think Like A Builder")
![Andrew bought a Thorp T-18 project, which started him down the road to experimental aircraft project ownership and construction. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/IMG_7725-scaled.jpeg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Winging It")
![[Credit: JetStream Rider]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_345999332.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "2026 Avionics and Lights Buyer’s Guide")
2026 Avionics and Lights Buyer’s Guide
The Homebuilt market in 2026 has more choices In avionics and lighting than ever.
![1936 Model 75 Boeing Stearman, s/n 003 now CF-TCQ. [Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/DSC_5743.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "1936 Boeing Stearman Rebuild")
![[Credit: Chat GPT]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Generated-image.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Homebuilder’s Insurance")
![Checking out East Tennessee scenery from the 701. [Credit: Jon Humberd]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/3.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Builder’s Spotlight")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_1172095184.jpg?w=324&h=235&crop=1 "Editor’s Log")
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of operating limitations and Phase I flight-test requirements.
Aero ‘lectrics
So far in Jim Weirs investigation of digital logic, hes explored small scale integration. This time, its time to ramp it up a bit and use some medium scale integration devices that will remember your settings.
Ask the DAR
SLSA max empty weight, sailplane condition inspections, licensing a RANS S-7LS as an ELSA.