![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=534&h=462&crop=1 "Viking V-42 Twin")
![[Credit: Van's Aircraft]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_5238.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Part 22 Gets Real: Van’s Delivers the First MOSAIC-Certified Airplane")
![Backcountry manners intact: the ULT sits on a grass strip with the turbine spun up, built on the STOL-capable Carbon Cub UL airframe. [Credit: CubCrafters]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-11.12.13-AM.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The New Jetprop Carbon Cub")
![[All images credited to Mike Davenport]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/DSC_6716.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Glasair Sportsman 2+2, Part Two")
![Dragging it in low and slow for the STOL competition. [Credit: Andrew Robinson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/SnF_dragging_in.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Sun ’n Fun 2026 Recap: Avionics Upgrades, Thorp Kits, and STOL Action")
Recharge Time at the Seaplane Base
If I am to sum up the atmosphere there in one word, it has to be “chill."
Experienced Homebuilt Airplanes: A Piel CP.70 Beryl and A Thorp T-18
Walking through the Homebuilt Camping area, I noted a couple of well-used airplanes. Now, I’m used to seeing, even owning, RVs with Hobbs recording...
Off The Scale!
2/3 scale P-38 - an apex experimental, one of those over the top builds defying all norms of dedication and craftiness and it’s available for close inspection next to the Brown Arch.
Badlands Ultralight Grows a Nose Wheel
This year, Badland unveils two major developments, a nose wheel and carbon fiber ribs.
How to Attract Pilots
Cool airplanes and the chance to fly are great - but if you really want to attract a crowd of pilots, just bring free donuts!
Cheese Curd Tacos?
I’ll be honest, I’m not much for out-of-the-box state fair foods, but I do love cheese curds (I grew up eating fresh ones -...
Aircraft Specialty Flightlines Brings Three New Smart Components to AirVenture
Aircraft Specialty Flightlines, an AirVenture Veteran, has been innovating safer, more capable and easier to use components for experimental amateur aircraft builders for years.
Titan Tornado at AirVenture 2024
We checked in with builder Dan Kroeplin on the 30th anniversary of the Titan Tornado.
Kitplanes Announces 2025 Ultimate FLYING Giveaway
It’s in Kitplanes’ DNA to inspire pilots to fly—and to attract new aviators to the skies. And what compels most prospective pilots to start...
