![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")
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.
Record Opportunities
Disqualified from flying under the U.K.s strict aeromedical requirements, Steve Wood has nonetheless made a life of piloting his own airplane and promoting aviation while acquiring numerous world records along the way.
Product Review: Inogen Aviator
Marc Cook flies with the new Inogen oxygen system for aviation and offers a clear-headed appraisal of the systems benefits.
The Dawn Patrol
When the rains came to Oshkosh, it wasn't enough to get the intrepid Dawn Patrol coterie down. Dick Starks says thanks for the memories.
Free Flight
Filing IFR gives you the flexibility to take advantage during fluctuating weather conditions rather than being at the mercy of them.
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda has watched her first homebuilt (Kitfox) aircraft and her second daughter come of age in a way that illustrates some parallels between the two.
Letters
Shocking, Absolutely Shocking I was disappointed on many levels in your editorial Making electric aircraft exciting. I love KITPLANES for the diverse...
In Case You Missed It
Letters
Custom CockpitsLove your story about cockpit dimensions (Designing from the Inside Out, December 2013),...
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.
