![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")
Hands On: Soup to Nuts
Mike Loehle, of Loehle Aircraft, discusses the development of his aero coatings system and details some of the pre-paint prep process.
The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks offers some sage advice about how to get back to working on a project that has been sidelined for too long.
An Aussie Take on Throttle-Body Fuel Injection
Rotec has a new throttle-body injection system that's worth looking at.
Ask the DAR
When do service bulletins have the force of law with regard to Experimental/Amateur-Builts?
Free Flight
There are many reasons that building your own airplane takes awhile. Columnist Paul Dye details the pitfalls of completing one seemingly simple maintenance task, which brings into focus the bigger picture.
Light Stuff
What do you get when you combine the ambiance of a military fighter with the design constraints of a Light Sport Aircraft? The MySky MS-1. By Dave Martin.
Letters
Confluence Avenue I enjoyed Paul Dyes Free Flight column, A confluence of little things, in the August issue. Id like to make my...
Around the Patch
Its unclear what will constitute the standard fuel for General Aviation once leaded fuel is phased out by the EPA. But what is clear is that the stakeholders need to become informed and voice their opinions to the decision-makers. By Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook.
What’s New
Lancair is under new ownership, Dynon updates its SkyView software, design rights for the Murphy Renegade are for sale, and you can treat your pet to in-flight oxygen with Aeroxs system. Edited by Mary Bernard.
In Case You Missed It
DIY Adjustable Rib Centerline Marking Tool
As a new builder I came quickly to the step of needing to mark rib centerlines to align the ribs with the predrilled holes in the skin.
Meet the Grizzly
AeroTek Aviations Beaver-size amphibious kit airplane, the Grizzly, showcases the company's 550-shaft-horsepower Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine conversion, which has also flown in the Murphy Moose. By Ed Wischmeyer.
