![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=534&h=462&crop=1 "Post-Flight Maintenance Debrief")
![Pat McKiernan has found that he and his dad who built this beautiful RV-7 simply learned to enjoy the build. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Builder.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Life Lessons From Building an Airplane")
![[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")
![My 36 year old clipboard from when I started at Boeing. Engineering ruler and fastener/fastener hole cheat sheets. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Liaison_clipboard.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "What Is a Liaison Engineer?")
![At Sun ‘n Fun 2026, Viking Aircraft Engines surprised the crowd with its first complete kit — the V-42, a high-wing twin powered by two Honda-based engines. Here’s an early look. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/P1020293.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Viking V-42 Twin")
Down To Earth
Swapping out an engine leads to an even greater question than just finding one that fits: How do you keep it cool? By Amy Laboda.
Exploring New Territory
Venture out of your comfort zone every so often, because stretching can be fun.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger takes a look at how you too can join the league of record holders in the ultralight world.
Letters
Belted's Take After reading "The State of Auto Conversions" article in the May issue of KITPLANES, I feel I must respond. Upon reading...
Around the Patch
Marc Cook discusses the loss of Geared Drives Bud Warren and his daughter, as well as his decision to step down from his position as Editor-in-Chief.
What’s New
Flight Data Systems has introduced a new carbon monoxide detector that integrates with most EFIS units, American Legend introduces the Super Legend, Ace Aircraft is selling reproductions of Corben Super Ace plans from 1935, and RANS Aircraft has developed a control lock. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Family Legend
Starting as a Texas Sport kit, a little Cub with the unlikely name of Scrappy grew, with a host of custom touches and multigenerational effort, into a cherished family heirloom.
Page Turner
Every homebuilder knows how important it is to document your build to meet the FAAs 51% rule, but how you do it can range from handwritten notebooks to custom web sites detailing every rivet and pin stripe. By Marc Cook.
Kerpow!
An untimely prop strike results in more than just a call to the insurance company. Decisions regarding engine and propeller replacement open up numerous options. By Bill Repucci.
All About Avionics
As autopilots become more and more commonplace, their utility only gets better. Stein Bruch offers an overview of the latest trends.
In Case You Missed It
Down to Earth
You like to think that once you're finished building, those deliriously long cross-country flights you've been craving are near at hand. Enter the DAR, who may or may not agree with that premise. Columnist Amy Laboda and her husband were just such eager beavers, but they soon learned (somewhat reluctantly) that there's value in listening to the voice of experience.
Getting Its Props
Few people have the opportunity to tour the kit manufacturers shop, let alone the manufacturing facilities of ancillary items such as engines, avionics and props. Author Bob Fritz remedies that last one by taking us on a tour of Sensenichs plant, and you'll marvel at the company's unique blend of old school and high tech.
What’s New
Sportys offers cockpit accessories, Patterson Aerosales introduces a new engine from Italy, and the single-place Onex prototype from Sonex flies. Edited by Mary Bernard.