![[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}
Ernie, Can You Hear Me?
Every now and again, you get to do something that just feels good inside. Especially as an engineer and electronic designer, those times come...
Design Process: Engine Size
The engine of an airplane must produce enough power to meet the requirements of all phases of the mission.
First, the engine must accelerate the...
Fitting an RV-7A Cowl
Time to start the Cowl? It’s one of the biggest milestones and ranks right up there with the canopy. Don’t fret. There are tips...
Debunking Deburring
If you are building an aircraft kit that requires drilling holes into metal parts, there is no doubt that the subject of deburring will get mentioned.
Archive: September 1997
The rakish, T-tail Ban-Bi homebuilt was on our September 1997 cover, teased as “French Curves & Carbon.” Designed by Michel Colomban, father of the...
51 Questions
The press of business being what it is, I recently found myself in bucolically superior British Columbia at Murphy Aircraft. The major result of...
Tribute to Teachers and Mentors
I write this submission during the month of November when traditionally we ponder and express gratitude for things, some would say blessings, that we...
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
DAR Mel Asberry continues his discussion of operating limitations and Phase I flight-test requirements.
![[Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/737_VGs2.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Vortex Generators")
Vortex Generators
From a KITPLANES reader: Why do vortex generators creating turbulence help wings create lift...
Metal Magic: Making Square Instrument Holes In Aluminum
You've built most of your airplane, now it's time for cutting the instrument panel...