![[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 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.
Learning To Weld
Ken Scott finds that practice makes perfect (or pretty good) as he puts his newfound wire-feed welding skills to the task of replacing rotting wood hangar doors with sturdy, steel-frame ones.
In Case You Missed It
![[Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Inspections-1-scaled.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Last Bits")
Flight Review: The Enduring Eagle
For pure flying excitement and adventure, the Christen Eagle remains hard to beat. By Bob Grimstead.
