![[Credit: Lisa Credit]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Experimental.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Have You Seen Your Oplims?")
![[Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/737_VGs2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Vortex Generators")
![[Credit: Van's Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Vans_RV14A.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Something New On The Horizon")
![[Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Chute-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Should You Consider A Whole Aircraft Parachute?"){kind=tracking}
Builder Profile: Orange Appeal
Marc Cook profiles a rookie Copperstate show winner: a spectacular F-1 Rocket with a distinct Harley vibe.
The Independence Project: A Power Finish
The engine and prop complete the building phase, and the RV-12 is ready for the flight test phase. By Dave Martin.
Cut the Can, Man
Inspecting your filter after an oil change is a good idea, but what tool is best for opening the can? Bob Fritz tests the gamut of oil filter cutters so that you don't have to.
Engine Beat
Removing your oil filter is not nearly as easy as putting it on. Steve Ells shows you how to take it off without turning your workshop into a Hazmat site.
Ask the DAR
Can a powered parachute be classified as Experimental/Exhibition if it missed the ELSA deadline?
Light Stuff
LSAs are fun, and being able to make that water landing-and takeoff-in one is even more enjoyable. Join Dave Martin as he samples the Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey LSX.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook comments on Zenith Aircrafts turbulent year following several in-flight breakups of CH 601XL Zodiac aircraft, and the company's response with an extensive update kit.
What’s New
Garmin expands online training and Sky-Tec introduces ST5 starters for Continentals. Edited by Mary Bernard.
ADS-B and Experimental Aircraft
More acronyms? Amy Laboda details the integration of ADS-B into the ATC system, and what it means for the Experimental aviation community.
Build a Bear: Some Assembly Required
Much more than Tab A into Slot B: Team Prizio assembles the Texas Sport Cub.
In Case You Missed It
Common In-Flight Failures, Part 2
This column is a continuation of common in-flight failures that I began discussing in...
What’s New
PS Engineering has introduced a new audio panel/com, Avemco creates a safety team, Comp Air offers special pricing incentives on its 6 kit, and UL Power of North America names Zenith as first OEM. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Wind Tunnel
Taking off in an aircraft would seem to be a fairly simple, straightforward maneuver. But in fact it’s complicated, and a combination of factors must be just right for it to work.
