![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")
Be Located Quickly with the FastFind Max PLB
The bright yellow PLB features built-in GPS and a 5-watt 406 MHz emergency transmitter for use in the air, at sea or on land.
JPI Announces New Flat-Panel Engine Monitor
Recognizing the market demand for larger, more readable color displays in the cockpit, JPI has created a 4x3-inch flat panel that improves upon the original amber LED round display.
RC Allen Now Selling Solid-State Attitude Indicator
RC Allen's new LCD attitude indicator is now TSO'd and ready for delivery in both 2- and 3-inch forms.
LoPresti’s New LED-equipped Ball Cap…You Gotta Have One
At Sun 'n Fun, the LoPresti Speed Merchants showed one of those products you probably didn't think you needed until you saw it: An LED-equipped ball cap. Yep, you read that right.
ULPower Engine Makes U.S. Debut on Zenith 650
ULPower's enticing 95-horsepower four-cylinder engine, which has tempted us from afar, is now flying in the U.S. on the nose of a Zenith 650.
Jotters Take Note: Here’s the ArmBoard
When Hussein Aboulezz, a marketing professional, was a student pilot, he hated his kneeboard. So he fixed his problem by developing the ArmBoard.
TruTrak EFIS Gains Features
Now in the mix is an SL30 interface, and coming soon are a Garmin GNS 430 interface for the VOR and ILS capability, and a standby battery that will allow you to keep communicating and navigating until you can land, says TruTrak GM Andrew Barker.
Advanced Flight Adds Synthetic Vision to AF-4500 EFIS
AFS recently announced that synthetic vision and approach plates are coming to its popular big-screen EFIS.
Peltors New ANR9500 Digital Headset Quiets and Soothes
Peltor Aviations brand new active noise reduction headset, the ANR9500, recently debuted, combining the recognizable Peltor white ear cups with sophisticated, adaptable ANR technology.
Val Introduces Low-Profile, High-Memory VHS Com
After 20 years in the avionics business, Val Avionics has introduced the thinnest com radio on the market. An inch high and 9.5 inches long, the Com 2000 brings with it a few features not available in its predecessor, the Com 760.
In Case You Missed It
Buzzwords
Ground effect, or changes in airflow when flying a wingspan distance above the ground, affects longitudinal stability, elevator effectiveness and possibly even your airspeed indicator. By Ed Kolano.
![Aircraft designs now can be built in a fraction of the time necessary in the early days of homebuilding. [Credit: Adobe Stock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AdobeStock_1336488.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Kit Building Then and Now")
Down to Earth
How do you build and fly a homebuilt aircraft while still maintaining a good relationship with spouse and family? That is the question, and Amy Laboda offers some answers.