![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")
What’s New
MGL extends its warranty, Grand Rapids introduces the Sport SX EFIS, Vertical Power has a new system, and more. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Product Review: J.P. Instruments EDM-740
JPI is offering a new compact, capable engine monitor that is built and priced for the homebuilt market. By Marc Cook.
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.
What’s in Your Hangar
The FAAs Order 5190.6B has stirred ire in the hearts of many pilots, developers, aviation-related business owners and airpark residents who see further enforcement of land-use restrictions as unnecessary meddling by the feds.
Ask the DAR
What are the lighting requirements for homebuilt aircraft that will fly at night, and do you need a wet compass if you have an EFIS in your panel?
The Dawn Patrol
When Sharon Starks Airdrome Aeroplanes DH-2 replica fighter was ready for its airworthiness inspection, The Dawn Patrol was hoping for a perfect score.
Engine Beat
When it became clear that some ECI Titan cylinders were having cylinder head failure problems, the FAA issued an AD identifying the impacted cylinder assemblies. Now what? By Steve Ells.
Around the Patch
A visit to the CubCrafters factory in a rural area of Washington state can get a guy thinking about leaving big city life behind. By Marc Cook.
All About Avionics: Pitot-Static
While there have been many attempts by homebuilders to make their pitot-static systems better than the rest, the tried and true methods remain sound. By Stein Bruch.
In Case You Missed It
Building the ‘Beater – Part 6
As promised, Lycoming delivered the Thunderbolt engine in December to Vertical Aviation. Since this...
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger takes a look at how you too can join the league of record holders in the ultralight world.
