![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")
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![[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")
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Are you considering an alternative engine?
Patrick Panzera explains some specific formulas he uses to see if an engine' claimed numbers pass muster.
What’s New
Dr. RoTech introduces an engine analyzer for Rotax 912/914 engines, Planemakers offers builder assistance for composite aircraft, and Ameritech distributes Electroair ignition systems.
Viewfinder
Editor-at-Large Marc Cook flies the RANS S-7LS at the U.S. Sport Aviation Expo in Sebring, Florida, and hears encouraging news from vendors.
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda discusses her approach to getting instrument re-current and describes the many tools available to help you en route.
Free Flight
Acknowledging risk and taking steps to minimize it are safer than denying that it exists.
Alternative Energies
Dean Sigler checks in on the Green Flight Challengers of 2011 who didn’t make it to the competition to see what they’re up to now.
Light Stuff
If your homebuilt aircraft requires more assembly than actual fabrication, what does that mean vis-a-vis the FAA’s 51% rule? Roy Beisswenger looks into it.
Letters
Doug Reeves' "Unusual Attitude" article in the February 2012 issue provoked a lot of responses. Here's a sample.—Ed.
Safety…in Numbers
Doug Reeves directed us all to...
Something to Do
Upon his retirement, Jim Shy embarked on a lifelong dream of building his own airplane. But before he even decided on a design, he bought a place to keep it: his own airport.
In Case You Missed It
Sausage, Law and Breadboards
Otto von Bismarck said that if you enjoy sausage and law, you should never...
Pondering Powerplants
Since the beginning, homebuilders have gazed upon the engine lurking under the cowl of a certified light aircraft and thought, There has got to be a better way. Rick Lindstrom looks at several aeromotive engine conversions, from the practical to the semi-exotic.
