![[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")
Van’s Begins Informing Builders of New Agreements
As predicted last week, prices have gone up, with some builders reporting increases beyond the expected 35%.
Vic Visits Advanced Flight Systems
Vic Syracuse gets a tour and asks founder Rob Hickman and his staff what makes the company’s offerings unique.
Van’s Updates Kit Pricing and Ordering Policies
Van’s Aircraft will be raising kit prices approximately 32%—the result of an intensive internal assessment and cost review.
EAA Homebuilders Week Returns in January
EAA Homebuilders Week virtual presentations are open, free of charge, to everyone interested in building aircraft.
Van’s Bankruptcy: How Did They Get Here?
How can the largest and most successful company in the kit-aircraft world find itself in this situation?
Commentary: Why Van’s Shouldn’t Kill the RV-15
Some have suggested that the only “right” thing for Van’s to do is kill (or at least shelve for now) the RV-15.
Password Reset for KITPLANES Readers
We're making some changes to our subscription service. To continue accessing KITPLANES content, please reset your password here or from the link you received...
Kitfox Aircraft Factory Tour
While the KITPLANES crew was horsing around in Homedale, Idaho, flying the riotously fun Super Sport with the Rotax 916 aboard, Kitfox owner John...
Flight Review: Kitfox Super Sport with Rotax’s Turbo 916
KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye took a couple of flights with Brandon Petersen in his Kitfox Series 7 Super Sport powered by the...
In Case You Missed It
Common Cents
Home equity loans, building loans, credit cards: These are only a few of the ways that one can finance an airplane building project. But beware: Each option has its benefits and disadvantages, and the wise builder will consider these carefully before signing on the dotted line; by Dave Higdon.
Ask the DAR
Converting an ultralight to ELSA, kit without a bill of sale, engine missing its data plate.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook takes the temperature of the homebuilt industry at the first big fly-in of the season.