![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")
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4_rutan_a_longez.jpg_preview.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Rutan Symposium Turns to the Coming Canard Maintenance Crisis")
![[Credit: Flight Desgn GmbH]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1_mosaic_flightdesign.jpg_preview.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "FAA Accepts ASTM Standards, Clearing the Last Hurdle for MOSAIC")
![[Credit: magniX]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Magnix.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "magniX Opens Pre-Orders for an Electric Engine Aimed at Homebuilders")
Jim Nelson Sportsman
On June 12, 2019 Sportsman kit #7146 became N816J—airworthy according to my DAR!
On September 19, 2019 N816J “slipped the surly bonds of earth and...
Zenith’s Open House & Homecoming
Zenith Aircraft held its annual open house this weekend (September 20-21) at its home base (the Mexico, Missouri, airport). The event started Friday with...
Chipper Aerospace Up For Sale
Following a fire earlier this year that destroyed much of the company's inventory and tooling, James and Kathy Wiebe have decided they cannot continue...
Day 2 with Charlie Echo
Sometimes the weather works with you and sometimes against you. I had one of those “with you” days Saturday. An early departure from Lewiston...
Findlay Dominates
Weather was a factor on Sunday for the final Gold races at Reno. High winds were forecast and materialized just long enough mid-morning to...
Trying to Fit In
Sometimes, you just see a photo that demands a caption. Or two. Or maybe three...
“If I’m really quiet, maybe they wont notice me!”
“When I...
Day 1 with Charlie Echo
I’m sure there were good used homebuilts closer to me than N531CE, but this 2002 GlaStar is, in many respects, the right airplane for...
Anticipating Sunday in Reno
Depending on where you look, the racing this year at Reno ranges from decline to epic. Luckily for KITPLANES readers the epic contests are...
AeroVonics AV-20 and AV-30 Review
A New Mexico start-up called AeroVonics rolled out the most innovative panel-mount electronic displays we’ve seen in quite some time. The instruments are designed...
In Case You Missed It
All About Avionics: Panel Labels
Avionics wiz Stein Bruch discusses the pros and cons of the most popular ways of labeling your panel including placards, decals, rub-on labels, silkscreens and laser etching.
Coloring Outside the Lines
Enhance your homebuilt aircraft with clever, lightweight mods like glove boxes, armrests, and cargo cleats—without sacrificing safety or balance.