![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")
Homebuilt Judging Criteria to Shift in 2026
Homebuilt Judging at AirVenture will emphasize builder logs and revise major awards, with new rules expected by winter.
RV-15 Excitement
The biggest news of the show for the homebuilt crowd was the announcement that Van's is taking orders for the RV-15 wing kit, and...
A Clever New Squeezer for Tight Spots
ExperimentalAero’s new rivet squeezer reaches where others can’t—tighten with a wrench and get the job done.
When the Forum Finds You
A forum on metal polishing revealed subtle changes I’d missed—proof that even old skills evolve at AirVenture.
Radiant Announces Inexpensive 3 1/8-Inch Panel Turn Coordinator
Radiant Technology has introduced a new 3 and 1/8-inch panel-mount Turn Coordinator with a built-in altimeter and battery backup for just $199.
Deltahawk And The RV-14: First Performance Numbers
Saxton’s Deltahawk RV-14 achieves 27.5 mpg at 167 ktas cruise, retains handling, and promises lighter weight, climb, and power upgrades.
The Sky Is Smiling…
...on EAA Technical Counselors and Flight Advisors! These volunteers are experienced builders and pilots that can help you get through your airplane build and...
First Stop—Stock Up!
Must-stop B&B Aircraft Supply tent at AirVenture: stock essential hardware, snag unique fittings, and restock workshop supplies affordably.
FlyCorvair Debuts DFI Distributor and Prototype Prop
The distributor is available to order now but the 2-speed propeller is a work in progress
Buzz Job – The Tosten Haptic Stick Grip
Tosten’s prototype haptic stick grip buzzes to warn of stall, integrating touch-based feedback to angle-of-attack data.
In Case You Missed It
To Launch a Light Sport
Once he decided on a kit, builder Bob Fritz went full-speed ahead on the project and has made remarkable progress in a short time. He’s nearly ready to start making airplane noises.
Around the Patch
In keeping with the spirit of this years Directory of Plansbuilt Aircraft, Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook extols the virtues of enjoying the process of building of an airplane as much as the flying of it.
To Launch a Light Sport
Once the spinner was in place, it was time to fit the cowl, and surprisingly simple tools helped along the installation. By Bob Fritz.
