![The best builders learn to combine both mindsets. They build like engineers but think like future mechanics. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0037.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Building vs. Fixing")
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F-117_Nighthawk_Front.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Odd and Unusual Aircraft")
![After nearly 75 years, the basic Tailwind design remains sound. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_4636.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The Wittman Tailwind")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_125628775.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Roll Recovery, Part 2")
Letters
That Guy Ive heard about him since I first started flying. Hes usually at a small airport and just happens to...
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir presses the venerable LM317 variable voltage regulator (plus a few other parts) into service as a way to juice up a discharged battery.
Wind Tunnel
Pilots, especially those in low-powered aircraft, must always know how much energy they have available to maintain flight.
Flight Review: The Enduring Eagle
For pure flying excitement and adventure, the Christen Eagle remains hard to beat. By Bob Grimstead.
Flight Review: CGS Hawk Arrow
Chuck Slusarczyk’s lightweight Hawk Arrow can hold its own as a solid cruiser, even in the realm of so-called “real” airplanes. By Ed Wischmeyer.
The Cost to Build
When a kit airplane or plans purveyor provides an estimated cost to complete a project, consider it with a wary eye that's tempered with real-world experience.
The Kitchen Window
BD-4 builder Steven Mahoney commandeers the family's four-burner kitchen appliance to complete a mod for his airplane, and lives to tell the tale.
2011 Kit Aircraft Buyer’s Guide
Some 320 current designs are arrayed with photos and specifications to beat the band. Compiled by Cory Emberson.
Safety Is No Accident: Zenith
Ron Wanttaja examines the accident data for two of Zenith Aircrafts most popular designs, the CH 601 and CH 701.
In Case You Missed It
Editor’s Log
With so many different types of Experimental/kit aircraft available, Paul Dye explains how KITPLANES tries to include something of interest for everyone.
Second Hand is First Rate
Pitts happens when you have 11 months, talent, friends, spare parts, and a little cash.
