![Careful planning and determination will get you to your goal of building and flying your own airplane. [Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Pulsar-Sunset.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Last Bits")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AdobeStock_262642207_AGCuesta.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Winging It")
![Lowell Farrand spent years serving as an FAA DAR and is in the EAA Hall of Fame. He offers sound advise to builders. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-4.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like a Builder")
![The 160 hp turbocharged Rotax 916iS is a four-stroke piston engine with redundant electronic fuel injection and ignition. [Credit: BPR Rotax]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/PIC_916-iS_iSc-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "2026 Engine Buyer’s Guide")
![The alternative to bending down as the propeller is pulled through the compression stroke is to keep the back straight and bend the knees slightly, stepping away in a crouch. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IMG_1519-scaled.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Manual Starting Methods")
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry discusses the process for registering and certifying an ELSA, including how to find an inspector and the paperwork you'll need to provide.
Preparing For First Start
Steve Ells discusses the preparation and procedures for starting your new or newly overhauled engine for the first time.
Free Flight
When testing a new avionics component in your homebuilt, you must be prepared to deal with any consequences that may develop.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin samples one of the three PiperSport LSA models introduced at the Sebring Expo, and finds it to his liking.
Letters
Us and the Media (Best Letter) I was disappointed to see the first letter to the editor in the recent issue (June 2010)...
What’s New
American Legend Aircraft debuts two additions to its line, Belite wins award at Sun n Fun, Richard Collins book reissued and Pro-G hub earns PMA. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Expanding Current Technology
The Fourth Annual Electric Aircraft Symposium gathered an elite group of movers and shakers who are doing some exciting things with electric motors and other fuel-efficiency technologies. By Marc Cook.
Safety is No Accident: Lancair Designs
Author Ron Wanttaja uses NTSB data to illustrate how Lancair designs of all varieties stand in the ratings of aircraft accidents vis--vis other homebuilts.
Detail Man
Master craftsman Andy Paterson's innovative finish work on a Glasair Sportsman polished the airplane to near perfection.
In Case You Missed It
Going Overboard
Have you ever lost anything out of an airplane? Gravity being omnipresent—and apparently increasing...
Grinvalds Orion
Jean Grinvalds’ plansbuilt four-seat pusher design was ahead of its time, predating the Bede BD-5, VariEze, Prescott Pusher and Cirrus VK-30. By Geoff Jones.