![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")
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.
Brake Tech for Builders
Marc Cook talks theory, practice, technology and maintenance with Matco Manufacturings George Happ and Grove Aircrafts Robbie Grove. Consider it a primer for all things brake-related.
To Launch a Light Sport
After being hauled on a trailer down a winding mountain road, the Jabiru J250 unintentionally has its first short flight (at the airport). By Bob Fritz.
In Case You Missed It
Good Vibrations, Bad Vibrations
Mating a prop to an engine requires more than a big wrench and some safety wire. Follow along on a real propeller vibration test.
Point Designs
Point designs are the answers to a particular, well-defined problem. They don‘t necessarily answer any other problem.
