![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")
Makes You Go Hmmm
Rotary-engine enthusiast Paul Lamar details the benefits and efficiencies of using rotary power for homebuilt aircraft.
Into the Coal Sack
Paul Dye discusses the ins and outs of landing at night on a narrow, obscured by trees private runway.
Letters
Dont Look!Dick Starks Dawn Patrol article, Were going to have to count that as two landings, in the December issue is an illustration of...
All About Avionics
A clear definition of the mission along with a realistic assessment of the type of flying you'll do are key to successfully completing an avionics retrofit. By Stein Bruch.
Engine Beat
Steve Ells surveys those in the know for tips about what to consider when contemplating the purchase of a used aircraft engine.
Ask the DAR
Can you use Function Code 33 to amend Experimental aircraft limitations and flight-test locations?
Aero ‘lectrics
Transistors don't like excessive heat, but there's a way to beat it: an engineered heat sink.
Wind Tunnel
When conducting aerodynamic testing related to airflow over an object, how do you ensure that you've matched the conditions from one test to another, and why does it matter?
On Safari
Builder Rick Reese applies state-of-the-art quality assurance techniques to the building of his exceptional Safari helicopter. By Mary Bernard.
In Case You Missed It
Build Your Skills: Fabric
If you want sound and long-lasting fabric covering, proper shrinkage is essential. And an accurately calibrated iron is a means to that end. Ron Alexander details the process and offers tips on how to avoid damage to the underlying structure during tautening.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger reports from Beach Blast 2011, the third annual PPG beach fly-in held each May at Panama City Beach, Florida.