![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")
Free Flight: Embracing New Ideas
Embracing new ideas in avionics and other areas of aviation will allow us to enjoy the benefits and move the industry forward.
Letters
Gear HeadIn the excellent Wittman W10 Tailwind article in the January 2011 issue, Marc Cook states that the Wittman gear landing-gear (which he defines...
15 Ways to Make Your Airplane Safer
Ed Wischmeyer reminds us of some simple maintenance tasks that will help keep an aircraft shipshape.
STOL Brothers
A number of kit manufacturers have capitalized on the Cubs enduring appeal with Cub-alike designs, each of which has something unique to offer.
Ask the DAR
This month DAR Mel Asberry addresses what it takes to build to LSA requirements, why importing an ultralight from Canada can be problematic, and when ELTs are required.
Aero ‘lectrics
Proper sizing and selection of the wire that goes into an aircraft can have a profound effect on the efficacy of the installation.
Tail Surfaces and Aerodynamic Effects
Major aspects of tail design and how they affect the performance of an aircraft in flight.
Ski Patrol
RANS S-7S builder Tom Simko details how his desire to fly year-round in snow country was satisfied (and then some) by installing Datum wheel skis.
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
Can you use Function Code 33 to amend Experimental aircraft limitations and flight-test locations?
Aircraft Handling: What’s It Mean To You?
Two seasoned test pilots, Chuck Berthe and Ed Wischmeyer, discuss their favorite aircraft and the traits that make the aircraft endearing. They also offer a brief history of aircraft design, and discuss the payoffs and compromises inherent in any design effort. Some of their selections are surprising. a Staff Report.
Building Before Kits
Ray Allen reminisces about building a Midget Mustang from scratch. By Ray Allen.