![Careful planning and determination will get you to your goal of building and flying your own airplane. [Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pulsar-Sunset.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Last Bits")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_262642207_AGCuesta.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Winging It")
![Lowell Farrand spent years serving as an FAA DAR and is in the EAA Hall of Fame. He offers sound advise to builders. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-4.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like a Builder")
![The 160 hp turbocharged Rotax 916iS is a four-stroke piston engine with redundant electronic fuel injection and ignition. [Credit: BPR Rotax]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PIC_916-iS_iSc-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "2026 Engine Buyer’s Guide")
![The alternative to bending down as the propeller is pulled through the compression stroke is to keep the back straight and bend the knees slightly, stepping away in a crouch. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_1519-scaled.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Manual Starting Methods")
Letters
Searching for Bear Metal After an absence of many years, I'm starting to fly again and am looking to buy a homebuilt, already...
Viewfinder
Marc Cook spends a few days helping perform the annual on a friends RV-7A, and finds it much easier than doing his own.
Engine Update: EI Commander
EI Commander helps keep you aware of both whats happening with your engines electronic ignition and, as importantly, why. By Marc Cook.
Alternative Energies
JoeBen Bevirt addresses future energy and transportation needs by tackling them head-on-Jetsons style-with the Joby Monarch. By Dean Sigler.
Editor’s Log
Mary Bernard explores the background of Jeff Ackland and his new Radial Rocket RG, this issues cover story.
What’s New
Beyerdynamic introduces the HS 800 Aviation Headset, Zenith Aircrafts Zodiac CH 650 meets FAAs 51% rule, and Jeppesen NavData is now available for MGL Avionics systems.
Garmins New GTN Series
Paul Bertorelli reviews Garmins long-awaited GTN 650/750 navigators, and finds out how they stack up against the successful GNS 430/530 series.
Field Notes on an Installation
What you need to consider before installing Garmins new GTN 650/750 series navigators in your homebuilt.
Vroom!
Months of repair work netted Bill Repucci a new, more powerful engine for his RV-9. The increase in horsepower brings with it a shift in CG and handling characteristics.
In Case You Missed It
Letters
Paisely on GroundsAfter a 30-year career encompassing motorcycles, oilfield perforating trucks, and now oilfield...
Cut the Can, Man
Inspecting your filter after an oil change is a good idea, but what tool is best for opening the can? Bob Fritz tests the gamut of oil filter cutters so that you don't have to.