![[Credit: Lisa Credit]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Experimental.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Have You Seen Your Oplims?")
![[Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/737_VGs2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Vortex Generators")
![[Credit: Van's Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Vans_RV14A.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Something New On The Horizon")
![[Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Chute-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Should You Consider A Whole Aircraft Parachute?"){kind=tracking}
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.
Experimotive
The Dyna-Cam engine has a long history and an uncertain future. Despite its positive attributes, you still cant buy one.
In Case You Missed It
Editor’s Log
The explosion of ADS-B technology, the new Van’s RV-14 and an editor in a ballistic-parachute simulator—AirVenture was full of exciting developments, as always. Plus: a send-off for Editor-at-Large Marc Cook. By Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard.
Building as a Group
The Independence Five is an Oregon-based group building a bevy of DH.2s. Dean Sigler explores their approach to building and reports on how the project is progressing.
Effect of Fairings on Speed
Compared to the high cost of horsepower, reducing drag is a much less expensive way to go faster.