![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")
Van’s Aircraft Update: We Let You Down, We’ll Do Better
CEO Mikael Via and COO Shawl Ell outlined the company’s path forward and spoke about the internal and external issues the company faced.
Van’s RV-15 Now Expected Late 2025
Van’s Aircraft offered an update on the high-wing RV-15, which is now expected to move toward production by late next year.
Legacy BD-4C Design Sold To SureWings
A BD-4C builder and fan, Attila Gahbro, bought the kit business and has plans for major enhancements.
Whelen Aerospace Technologies Announces Acquisition of AeroLEDs
Whelen Aerospace Technologies (WAT) signed an agreement to acquire the assets of AeroLEDs, LLC.
Garmin GTR 205X At AirVenture
We check in with Garmin's Brad Bensing for an overview of the new slimline GTR 205x comm radio aimed at experimental aircraft.
More information: www.garmin.com
Viking’s Latest—And Some Zodiac Eye Candy
There are couple of things of note in the Viking Aircraft Engines booth this year.
Oshkosh Diary: Let’s Get Busy!
0900 - the show begins! I made my first stops in the kit manufacturer area to greet a few old friends and see what was new.
Levil Aviation Announces New Wireless Autopilot
The company is seeking 20 pilots to participate in the beta testing program.
In Case You Missed It
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger takes a look at the maintenance requirements for the lighter side of aviation including ultralights and Light Sport Aircraft.
![[Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/IMG_2791.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying")
The Safety Triangle: Balancing Skill, Knowledge, and Judgment in Flying
In the course of giving flying safety lectures before pilot groups, one of my...
Cutting Aluminum on the Table Saw
The first time I watched someone cut a one-inch thick slab of 7075...