![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")
Aero ‘lectrics
A little music for the airways can make your flight a pleasure. Jim Weir shows you how to power any music device from your panel.
The Case for Strakes
These small additions to your aircraft can make a significant improvement in its pitch response and authority at high angles of attack. Barnaby Wainfan gives you the strake story.
Flight Review: Four to Tango
Chuck Berthe puts Team Tango’s Foxtrot 4 through its paces, and finds it to be a capable aircraft with the potential to be even better as the design is refined.
Hear the Hum?
Whats the buzz? David Ullman looks at the past, present and future of the electric airplane.
Avionics Special: Construction Zone
Marc Cook succumbs to the siren song of the Garmin G3X, and clears the flight deck for an avionics upgrade.
Buzz Words: Understanding Dihedral Effect
While certified airplanes have to meet Part 23 requirements for positive dihedral, amateur-built airplanes are exempt. Ed Kolano looks into the details of dihedral, and how you can use it to your airborne advantage.
Down to Earth
Music to a mothers ears. Amy Laboda preps the family Kitfox for her older daughters primary training.
Experimotive
Whats in Jean, Nevada? Most of the year, not much. But when the alternative engine crowd comes to town, the place starts to buzz. By Rick Lindstrom.
Engine Beat
Steve Ells explains the science of alternators, and offers some tips for understanding and troubleshooting problems with the system.
In Case You Missed It
Aero ‘lectrics
When you land your airplane at a fly-in, you want it to look its best while staying safely and securely parked. Making your own coordinated tiedowns, chocks and more is one way to do that.