![[Credit: McFarlane Alaska]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/McFarlane_tailwheel.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "McFarlane Alaska Absorbs Backcountry Favorite T3 Tailwheel")
![Making rare use of my drafting tools for the internal timing. [All Images Credited to Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/P1010535.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Conquering the Magneto, Part 2")
![The integrated ECLIPSE NG features a very sunlight readable display that shows the engine and all flight data organized in one or more pages. [Credit: Fielden Aero LLC]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1_Screenshot_.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "FLYBOX Avionics")
![[Credit: Radiant Technology]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/550095_5165745cc27748a598699799d796fd94mv2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Radiant Technology Unveils SafeGyro")
![[Credit: Dynon]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/EMS-stand-alone_HDX.png?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Dynon Unveils Scalable Engine Monitoring for Kitbuilders")
Product Minute: Val 2000
If your experimental aircraft project needs a simple navcomm with a small form factor, Kitplanes editor Marc Cook shows you why you should check out the Val 2000.
CompAir Announces New Equipment, Continues Certification Efforts Despite Tough Economy
The aircraft-kit manufacturer, despite not displaying at Oshkosh, is weathering the economic storm and pushes toward certification of its designs.
DRE Shows Improved Headset
DRE Communications has made significant improvements to the monaural, passive-noise-reduction DRE1000 budget headset, now known as the DRE1001.
Cook’s Tour: Rainy Days and Thursdays
It occurs to me that there are two Oshkosh rain modes. The first kicks in when rain erupts with a certain amount of warning after a beautiful airshow day, one that began with no hint of precipitation.
AeroMax Displays Corvair Aircraft Engine
AeroMax Aviation of Georgia has entered the Corvair conversion market with several examples on display at AirVenture. The AeroMax 100 IFB (100 hp, integral front bearing) was featured on a Sonex, bringing the flying examples of the engine to three.
EAA Previews New 51% Rule Changes, Industry Breathes a Sigh of...
A forum held today at AirVenture outlined changes to the so-called 51% rule relating to the construction of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. The new rule will likely curtail excessive use of commercial assistance but allow legitimate individual builders to proceed rationally.
Cooks Tour: Tempting Tidbits
I must confess to being torn between twin folding-wing temptations. Should I get on the Early Adopter list for the Terrafugia roadable airplane or the Icon A5 amphibious LSA? In the presence of the respective pitchmen, I can almost be persuaded.
In the Pattern Over EAA AirVenture 2009
Sitting in front of your computer thinking how awesome it would be if you could at least get up in the air for a...
Dynon Announces Release Date for Next-Gen EFIS
At AirVenture, Dynon Avionics showed more versions of its next-generation EFIS displays and offered details on the system architecture and launch features. It is committing to a December 1, 2009, release date for the new screens.
Vertical Power Adds Features to VP-200
The advanced power management hardware that Vertical Power introduced three years ago has continued to gain features and capabilities. At Oshkosh, VP showed an update to the VP-200 that provides a mode interface with an external EFIS display.
In Case You Missed It
Rear Cockpit: The Other Guy’s Plane
In a parallel life of mine—auto journalism—shop talk occasionally got around to just how...
Take a Ride In a Thorp T-18
Join Phil Mandel for a walkaround description and a brief flight in his Thorp...
Parallels, Stops, and Travel Limiters
Although the title might suggest it, this is not about parallel parking, speeding tickets, or driving of any kind.
The Eagle Takes Off
Precision Airmotives Eagle EMS brings electronic management to traditional aircraft engines for nearly turn the key and go flying. By Marc Cook.