![Maintenance technician William Vergonet conducts an inspection on a Cub. [Credit: Lisa Turner]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_3535.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Post-Flight Maintenance Debrief")
![Pat McKiernan has found that he and his dad who built this beautiful RV-7 simply learned to enjoy the build. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Builder.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Life Lessons From Building an Airplane")
![[Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AdobeStock_51865118.jpg?w=265&h=198&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")
Defining “Done”
“Kerry, you know your airplane could be flying in two weeks.” That observation, offered by someone qualified to make the assessment, caught me off...
Unlabeled Controls
It is a requirement that the engine controls are labeled as to their function and operation. In this case, labeling the blue knob “Prop—Push...
Design Process: Slots and Slats
Opening a properly shaped slot between the lower and upper surface of the wing near the leading edge can greatly increase the angle of...
Positive Capture
Aircraft fasteners that are critical almost always have a positive capture design or mechanism.
Primer on Paint
Decisions, decisions. One of the blessings of building an airplane is the ability to dress it up any way you please. However, for those...
Archive: April 1998
On our April 1998 cover was the sleek, motorglider-esque Europa. Actually, not just one but three of them, celebrating the latest Europa XS model,...
Metal Magic: Driven Rivets
An introduction to driving round-head rivets with a rivet gun and bucking bar, the staple skill needed for building a metal airplane.
In Case You Missed It
Build a Custom Plenum That Will Work
For optimum performance, all it takes is a little bit of math and some fiberglass.
Bearhawk Duo in the Land of the Long White Cloud
Jonathan Battson and Lars Fellman build the first two 4-Place Bearhawks in New Zealand.