![[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}
Wind Tunnel
Its easy to get carried away with new systems and technology that promise to make your airplane faster, smarter and even safer. But sometimes more is just more.
Legacy Act
Marc Cook takes a close look at Erik Larson’s Legacy and finds out why Lancair’s rework of its seminal 200-235-320-360 design is as swoon-worthy as its predecessors.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook discusses the magazines new approach to the Alternative Engines Buyer's Guide and the blowback from his commentary about these engines in the May issue.
What’s New
PS Engineering has introduced a new audio panel/com, Avemco creates a safety team, Comp Air offers special pricing incentives on its 6 kit, and UL Power of North America names Zenith as first OEM. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Alternative Energies
Great predictions about the advent of reliable, readily available and affordable electric aircraft have come and gone. How far away are we? By Dean Sigler.
The Dawn Patrol
When you're the newbie of the group, you're going to get the tough assignments. But some newbies know how to exact payback (all in good fun, of course).
Light Stuff
Columnist Roy Beisswenger takes a look at what’s currently available in the foot-launched and wheeled variety of canopy or soft-wing aircraft.
Letters
Lam Best Many of us know portable radios work poorly in many aircraft. But never before have I seen the reasons behind it...
Here Comes the Judge
How do aircraft judges at the big annual events evaluate a potential prizewinner? You might be surprised. By Bill Repucci.
In Case You Missed It
Roll Your Own
Weight and balance, taxi tests, first flights and debriefings. This is what it all comes down to when you design and build a one-of-a-kind Experimental aircraft. Happily, the airplane lives up to its builders expectations… and then some.
Design Process: Slots and Slats
Opening a properly shaped slot between the lower and upper surface of the wing...
