![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")
What’s New
Beyerdnamic offers a new headset, two new Cub kits are approved by FAA, and the portable AvMap is updated.
Experimotive
You know those engine vendors you usually see at the big annual air shows? Where do they go when they disappear? Detective Rick Lindstrom is on the case.
The Dawn Patrol
The Dawn Patrol gets to know more about General John J. Pershing when they display their WW-I replica aircraft at the annual Pershing Days Festival in Missouri.
Soul of the Machine
Paul Dye argues that there is more between man and machine than just the hardware.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger takes over the Light Stuff column this month, and quickly shows why hes the right man for the job.
Completion Secrets
Selecting the right build location, having a solid plan and making a realistic budget are just a few of the things you can do to keep your project on track.
Dressing Up an RV-12
Van’s RV-12 builder Dave Martin was inspired to add wheelpants to his airplane after seeing the company prototype with them.
Avionics Special: Garmins G3X Engine Monitoring System
Ponying up for the engine-monitoring portion of Garmins G3X EFIS suite requires careful consideration, but the result is a truly integrated solution. By Marc Cook.
Engine Beat
Do-it-yourself tips for how to keep those all-important plugs sparking clean. By Steve Ells.
In Case You Missed It
Flight Testing
Even current pilots need to hone specific skills before attempting a first flight in their homebuilts. There's only one way to do that: practice. And then practice some more.
To Launch a Light Sport
Once he decided on a kit, builder Bob Fritz went full-speed ahead on the project and has made remarkable progress in a short time. He’s nearly ready to start making airplane noises.
Down to Earth
Flight instruction has its challenges, but it has many rewards as well. Amy Laboda reflects on her recent successful launch of a brand new pilot.
