![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")
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.
Sebring at Seven
Now in its seventh year, the Light Sport Aircraft Expo, which gathers enthusiasts together each spring in Sebring, Florida, is still going strong. By Dave Martin.
Safety Is No Accident: Buying a Previously Owned, Flying Homebuilt
Ron Wanttaja looks at the accident data to determine whether its safer to buy than build an Experimental, and he identifies the key factors to ensuring a successful outcome.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks reminisces about the aviation luminaries The Dawn Patrol has been privileged to meet at the annual Salute to Veterans Air Show.
Light Stuff
When you purchase a new light or ultralight aircraft, you should talk to the manufacturer or distributor about the flight training services they provide. By Roy Beisswenger.
Letters
Cub for the Linemen
In your Cub Comparison story (March 2011), the author mentioned that he had trouble shoehorning his 6-foot-3 frame into planes, and...
Wind Tunnel
How do the power-to-weight ratio, wing loading, drag effects and propeller choices affect an aircrafts climb rate and climb angle?
The State of Auto Conversions
We take a look at the current auto-engine conversions for homebuilt aircraft. By Patrick Panzera.
Pilot Proficiency
If you've spent years building instead of flying, type-specific training before that all-important first flight in your homebuilt is a must.
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
This month, a new column introduces Designated Airworthiness Representative Mel Asberry, who describes his background in homebuilding and details some of what hes looking for as a DAR. Questions welcome.
Builder Survey: Wilderness Calling
Lucky 13: RANS S-7 Coyote builders tell KITPLANES about their building, company support and flying experiences. By Mary Bernard.
