![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")
Straight Floats to Amphibs
Fed up with the restrictions of being able to land on water only, builder Mervin Zinck came up with a design to add retractable gear to his floats. By Don Ledger.
Flight Review: Pitts Model 12
For the Pitts Model 12 from Jim Kimball Enterprises, the name of the game is power. By Ed Wischmeyer.
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?
In Case You Missed It
Flight Testing: Static System Error, Theory and Practice
Flight testing requires precise airspeed calibration and measurement. A less-than-optimal pitot-static system can compromise those numbers. Heres how to troubleshoot the problem.
