![[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")
Viewfinder
Marc Cook presents an argument for rewriting LSA weight-limit rules to encourage new design and technology, while improving safety and performance.
Maintenance Matters
In this new column, Steve Ells shares his background as an A&P mechanic and offers tips on keeping your homebuilt aircraft running smoothly.
Alternative Energies
Companies around the world are making strides in the development of electric-powered light aircraft. Dean Sigler reports on three French organizations that have been setting records and making history.
Free Flight
Thousands of hours of flight time in a pilots logbook are no guarantee of superior skill-or superior judgment.
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda finds a way to keep her RV-10s engine cool-until she runs into hot, South Florida summer weather, that is.
Light Stuff
Columnist Roy Beisswenger makes the case for the safety of light and ultralight aircraft. Don't believe it? Hell explain why.
Letters
Old-Timer, New Ideas I would like to offer a comment on Stein Bruch's article "All About Avionics," which appeared in the August 2011...
Learning to Weld
Ken Scott continues his series on welding with oxyacetylene gas welding, and discovers the art and aesthetic in this traditional technique.
The Ultimate Upgrade
Martha and Wendell Solesbee begin the painstaking process of installing systems on their Lancair Evo kit-from engine and fuel, to electrical and landing gear.
All About Avionics: Wire Stripping and Crimping
Wire stripping and crimping might seem like a basic skills, but when done improperly can have nasty consequences. Stein Bruch gives an overview of the proper tools and methods you'll need to keep your avionics humming.
In Case You Missed It
RAFE Celebrates Ten Rutan Designs
This year is the 50th anniversary of the VariEze but because the VariEze changed the landscape of homebuilt aircraft, this year is what Burt Rutan likes to call the “composite canard revolution”!
