![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_51865118.jpg?w=534&h=462&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?")
![A Zenith STOL CH701 on Zenair amphibious floats rests on a sandbar on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. [Credit: Zenith Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/zenair-floats-STOL_CH_701a-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale-Topaz-Gigapixel-2x-scale.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Zenith STOL CH 701 at 40: The Iconic ‘Sky Jeep’ Design Audit"){kind=tracking}
Build Your Skills: Fabric
Everyone could use a little sunscreen, and the fabric on a fabric-covered aircraft is no exception. This months installment, the last in the series, discusses pre-paint protection to minimize sun damage. By Ron Alexander.
Wind Tunnel
Aerodynamics Engineer Barnaby Wainfan dissects one of the most common and possibly least understood flight maneuvers: turns.
Grinvalds Orion
Jean Grinvalds’ plansbuilt four-seat pusher design was ahead of its time, predating the Bede BD-5, VariEze, Prescott Pusher and Cirrus VK-30. By Geoff Jones.
What’s New
Among the new products this month are personalized wheel chocks, a new online panel planner from Aircraft Spruce, a flexible TIG welding kit, and Britta Imports RV faring and dimmers.
25th Anniversary: Loran and GPS take over
Todays GPS technology has largely supplanted loran as a navigational aid in Experimental aircraft, and thats not a bad thing. By Marc Cook.
Light Stuff
Cub look-alikes have been popular for years, and CubCrafters Sport Cub S2 SLSA holds its own against the competition. By Dave Martin.
Letters
Hummel We Go Along I just received the January 2009, KITPLANES and was surprised to see that Hummel Aviation was not included in the...
To Launch a Light Sport
Once the spinner was in place, it was time to fit the cowl, and surprisingly simple tools helped along the installation. By Bob Fritz.
In Case You Missed It
Product Review: Spidertracks
As we move away from 121.5 MHz emergency locator transmitters, alternatives in the realm of personal locator beacons and trackers continue to flourish. Spidertracks of New Zealand is one of the newest. By Marc Cook.
Homebuilding in South Africa
On an “aviation safari,” Amy Laboda checks out South Africa’s homebuilding activity (and some spectacular scenery) and discovers the industry there is thriving—along with some of the factors that help keep it that way.
