Down to Earth
Is the mainstream medias portrayal of aviation incidents sensationalized or on target? Turns out they are right in some aspects, but lacking in others. Either way, the aviation accident rate illustrates that there's still room for improvement; by Amy Laboda.
Light Stuff
Columnist Dave Martin flies one of the best-selling Special Light Sport Aircraft (factory-built), the Flight Design CTSW. Although he encounters a few surprises, transition training for pilots new to the design would likely alleviate such things.
Contributors
Chuck Bodeen Chucks background is as an aerospace engineer and computer programmer. His love for flying started when his Dad was an inspector for United...
Letters
The Months Go By So FastWhy do you publish and send out the magazine so many months ahead? I think I just received my...
Unbreaking the Bank
Although many more than eight Light Sport Aircraft can be built for less than $40,000, Dave Martin highlights some of the aircraft he has flown and offers personal insights on why they may be the way to go for you.
PS Engineering PMA9000EX
After a quick and easy installation, PS Engineerings new PMA9000EX audio panel is test-flown by Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook in his Glastar Sportsman.
All About Avionics–The Electric Airplane
Its a new world in homebuilt avionics, driven by electronic instruments and powered by an electrical system tailored to meet each specific application. Resident Avionics Guru Stein Bruch walks you through numerous possible configurations for powering your equipment, and offers tips on how to do the installation right the first time.
Aspen Avionics AT300
Aspen Avionics AT300 is designed to be a drop-in replacement for a vertical speed indicator, but you'll get a lot more usable information in the cockpit when you couple it to your GPS; by Rick Lindstrom.
The Home Machinist
How do you turn out non-cylindrical objects with your lathe? Why, by using a four-jaw chuck, of course. And there's a way to effectively employ that 'ole' adjustable wrench that might have escaped you for years; by Bob Fritz.
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![Viking V-42 Twin 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)
![Why Are So Many Airplanes Yellow? 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)
![The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1)



