![Pat McKiernan has found that he and his dad who built this beautiful RV-7 simply learned to enjoy the build. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Builder.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Life Lessons From Building an Airplane")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_51865118.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "FAA MOSAIC Rule Fully Implemented")
![My 36 year old clipboard from when I started at Boeing. Engineering ruler and fastener/fastener hole cheat sheets. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Liaison_clipboard.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "What Is a Liaison Engineer?")
![At Sun ‘n Fun 2026, Viking Aircraft Engines surprised the crowd with its first complete kit — the V-42, a high-wing twin powered by two Honda-based engines. Here’s an early look. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/P1020293.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Viking V-42 Twin")
![A STOL CH 750 [Credit: Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/STOL-CH-750.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Why Are So Many Airplanes Yellow?")
Three Years Before the Masts
There’s something about piloting a twin-engine, open-cockpit AirCam that gets under your skin, and it may become habit-forming. By Ed Wischmeyer.
Dawn Patrol
When a casually tossed length of two-by-four and a pristine fabric-covered airplane meet, the result isn't pretty. Author Dick Starks describes his wifes initiation to the art of fabric repair.
Engine Beat
What are your options to get the annual condition inspection done when you're not the original builder of the aircraft? By Steve Ells.
Ask the DAR
Whats changed with the advent of the revised 51% rule? Fortunately, not as much as you might think.
Light Stuff
Having completed his Vans RV-12 ELSA, Dave Martin revisits a weekend Repairman Inspection course to prepare for his first annual condition inspection.
Letters
Tech Takeover? (Best Letter) Maybe its the general fascination with electronics these days, or maybe its just supporting good advertising revenues, but it...
Letters
Ask the Man Who Built One
A note to RANS boss Randy Schlitter: KITPLANES magazine just released the electronic version of their 2009 issue, which...
Cover Story: Designing Men
In this first installment of the upholstery series, the author looks at the basics: sewing machines, scissors, needles and thread, and more.
In Case You Missed It
Firewall Forward: Fuel Injection
Last time we talked about carburetors, so this episode of KITPLANES Firewall Forward looks...
Light Stuff
Its two aircraft in one: The Jabiru J230 is being sold both as a kit and as a Special (factory-built) Light Sport Aircraft thats ready to fly. By Dave Martin.
