![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")
SeaRey LSX Amphibian
Progressive Aerodyne has a new version of its kitbuilt amphibian, the SeaRey LSX, and the updates to the design live up to high expectations. By Ed Wischmeyer.
Helping Hands in the Plansbuilt Hangar
An appreciation for Steve Wittman's ingenious design and the community of those who build from plans.
What’s New
A new idle gear for the IO-540, Glasair sets Reno speed record, activate your engine pre-heater with a cell phone and more. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Portable Coms Compared
Which portable VHF transceiver comes out on top after a side-by-side test in the field?
Safety Is No Accident: Glasair and GlaStar
Ron Wanttaja examines the accident data for the Glasair and GlaStar designs and finds structural support may play a key role.
Buzzwords
Ground effect, or changes in airflow when flying a wingspan distance above the ground, affects longitudinal stability, elevator effectiveness and possibly even your airspeed indicator. By Ed Kolano.
Letters
Watch the Shelf Life In your Ask the DAR feature in the November 2010 issue, Mel Asberry replies to a questioner that the...
Down to Earth
Two German globetrotters are flying their Vans RV-7 around the world to promote aviation. By Amy Laboda.
In Case You Missed It
Engine Beat
Vacuum systems may be an imperfect way to power instruments, but careful monitoring and maintenance can forestall common issues. By Steve Ells.