![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")
Archive: February 2014
A decade ago, we highlighted the almost bewildering array of WW-I replicas made by Airdrome Aeroplanes.
Little Buddy, You Can Fly
As a design matures, more and more “upgrades” and “improvements” are thrust upon successive builders by those who have gone before. What they are thrusting, really, are opinions.
2024 Homebuilt Aircraft Buyer’s Guide
It’s said that change is inevitable but with it comes opportunity. We’re taking that to heart this issue, which debuts a new format for...
Van’s Bankruptcy Update, Next Steps
We interview Clyde Hamstreet, whose company, Hamstreet & Associates, specializes in recovering companies in distress.
Commentary: An RV Owner’s Reaction to Van’s Bankruptcy Filing
It’s worth remembering that it’s not just Van’s we’re talking about, but a whole constellation of supporting companies that make good money from RV builders.
Van’s Aircraft Files for Chapter 11
Van’s Aircraft, facing multiple crises and a serious cash crunch, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today. According to the company, this is ”a...
Manufacturing Automation at CubCrafters
On a recent visit to CubCrafters to help build a Carbon Cub UL, our editor in chief got a first-hand look at the company's...
How to Calibrate Angle-of-Attack on Garmin’s G3X Touch System
For pilots who fly with modern electronic flight instruments, having access to accurate, repeatable angle-of-attack (AoA) information can be transformative. But before you can...
In Case You Missed It
Product Review: PS Engineering PMA5000EX
At its heart, the PMA5000EX is a four-place stereo intercom in an audio panel that supports two each of coms, navs, switching aux inputs, music inputs plus having five unswitched aux inputs and a front-panel input for a music source or cell. By Marc Cook.
Aero ‘lectrics
When you land your airplane at a fly-in, you want it to look its best while staying safely and securely parked. Making your own coordinated tiedowns, chocks and more is one way to do that.
