![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")
Avionics Special: Garmins G3X
Garmins latest entry to the EFIS market lives up to the company's reputation for providing value for the price. By Marc Cook.
Flight Review: Point of Ignition
Builder Kurt Goodfellow has risen to the challenge of installing a Wilksch Airmotive WAM-120 diesel powerplant in his Van’s RV-9, and the proof is in the performance test results. By Ken Krueger.
What’s New
A glare shield for Garmin GPS units; Sportair USAs certified pre-owned LSA program; quick reference for aera and AV8OR Ace; Better Half VW announces Legal Eagle XL. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Rendesvouz with Destiny
Dick Starks and The Dawn Patrol attend the biennial Rendezvous on hallowed ground: the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
Product Review: Garmin’s New aera
Paul Bertorelli reviews Garmin's latest offering, the aera. It's compact, powerful and versatile.
Little Bird the Kitfox
Amy Laboda's Kitfox 4, Little Bird, won't break any speed records. But it will tuck nicely into a short turf airstrip in time for a barbecue.
Ask the DAR
What do you need to do when you buy an Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft? What should a builder/owner do when they're ramp checked?
Experimotive
Rick Lindstrom looks at Maxwell Propulsions upgraded FWF system, and peeks into the systems future.
Light Stuff
Dave Martins Spacewalker II makes room for his recently completed RV-12, and heads east to its new owner in Ohio.
Letters
Point
Your article on EAA publications was spot-on. KITPLANES is the ideal magazine for homebuilders. Your how-to-do-it and how-I-done-it articles are informative and educational, even...
In Case You Missed It
Design Process: T-Tails
A T-tail is a configuration where the horizontal tail is mounted on top of...
Starlink In The Air
How to Buy, Install, and Use Starlink in Your Aircraft
The long cross-country got quiet...
Can You Hear Me Now?
For those of you in aircraft with magnificent audio systems—stereo music and multi-input switching...