![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")
Design Process: The Rudder
The fixed portion of the vertical tail of an airplane provides directional stability. The rudder provides directional control.
When the pilot deflects the rudder, it...
A Celebration of KRs
I have to admit that the KR has never really had a prominent spot on my radar. Certainly not for any negative reason. Mostly,...
Chris Pryce’s “KR-2S ish”
The Rand-Robinson KR series turns 50 in 2022 and to celebrate KITPLANES has met up with a couple of KR builders and owners to...
Meet KR2-S Owner John Bouyea
Continuing our celebration of 50 years of the KR, we walk around a very special KR-2S built by Roy Marsh and under the current...
Releasable Piano Hinge Pin Retainer
There are lots of creative ways that builders have devised for retaining piano hinge pins. Many of them are “permanent,” so if removal is...
That’s Shear Nuts
The aircraft bolts we use to build our projects will always be paired with an appropriate nut to complete the mission of holding components...
In Case You Missed It
The Home Machinist
Phillips? Flat head? Double blade? Bob Fritz clears up questions you didn't even know you had about screwdrivers. When you're building a plane, the right tool for the right job (and right space) really does matter.
Buying Your First Homebuilt Aircraft
Building isn't the only path to owning an Experimental aircraft.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin samples one of the three PiperSport LSA models introduced at the Sebring Expo, and finds it to his liking.
