![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=534&h=462&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}
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying")
Contributors
LeRoy Cook Our man in the Midwest paid an autumn visit to Mexico, Missouri, to sample the new Zenith STOL CH 750. LeRoy, whose...
Letters
Say You Want an Evolution?Great article on the Evolution, and what an excellent design by Lancair. The numbers you gave on the glide ratio...
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook discusses the mood at the annual AOPA gathering, where he found an upbeat vibe, cautious optimism about the FAAs pending homebuilding rules changes, and a positive announcement from Glasair Aviation.
Garmin GPSMap 696
Garmin has introduced at tablet-style portable that combines the best features of a panel-mounted multifunction display and a portable GPS. The screen real estate in itself is noteworthy, but the additional features are impressive; by Marc Cook.
25th Anniversary: The Glasair-Lancair Wars
The origins of Stoddard-Hamilton Aircraft precede Lancair Aircraft by a few years, but once Lancair entered the game, competition was not only fierce but also productive; by Marc Cook.
The Back Yard Flyer
When Dick and Sharon Starks found that Sharon's Airdrome Aeroplanes Morane Saulnier L Parasol replica was TPd at Oshkosh, the search was on to find the culprits. Along the way, they also discovered an innovative new ultralight from Valley Engineering;
ELTs of Tomorrow Today
The FAA mandates the use of emergency locator transmitters so that downed aircraft can be found and assistance provided. But times are changing, and its important to understand the nature of the new technology so that you can best equip yourself; by Bob Fritz.
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry answers questions from readers about approval of new 51% kits and what happens if the rules change, plus finding an experienced flight advisor for your project.
Roll Your Own
Builders Ken Scott and Ken Kruegers unique project is off the drawing board and into production. They're working with the engine builder, the wing is behind them, the nosebowl is taking shape-and the fuselage is taking over the living room;
Build Your Skills: Fabric
Taping curved areas is essential if you want to keep them smooth, and the same goes for inspection rings or gussets. This month, we walk you through the process and help you iron out any problems; by Ron Alexander.
In Case You Missed It
Remember When: The BD-5 Micro
The BD-5's reputation precedes it: long in development, company bankruptcy, investor losses, challenging to fly, early accidents. With an introduction like that, who would think this micro plane would be such a positively straightforward blast to fly?
