![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")
Garmin Announces Cheaper GPS Databases, Pilot My-Cast Expansion
Garmin announced today that it was bundling database update packages on the GPSMAP 496/496 and GPSMAP 695/696 that could save consumers 50% annually.
KITPLANES Staff Rolls into Lakeland
The staff of KITPLANES and its family of regular contributors has begun to light in Lakeland, Florida, for the annual Sun 'n Fun airshow....
Commentary: How Do You Solve a Problem Like Epic? UPDATED
The winding road traveled by Epic Aircraft rounded what could be the last bend today. On Wednesday, April 7, the bankruptcy judge received a proposal that would, in essence, put a consortium of Epic LT builders in the driver's seat.
Oregon Aero to Offer $23 Off Headset Upgrade Kits at SnF
Oregon Aero has announced that it will discount its Aviation Headset and Helmet Upgrade kits by $23 as show special during Sun 'n Fun...
American Legend Offers Show Discount on Texas Sport Kit
American Legend Aircraft Company announced a $2500 discount on its Texas Sport amateur-built aircraft kit. The Texas Sport is a kitted version of the...
MGL Avionics Launches Generation 2 EFIS
MGL Avionics "is pleased to announce a major step that represents the culmination of over 10 years of avionics development by the company." The firm has launched the Generation 2 versions of the popular Odyssey (10.4-inch) and Voyager (8.4-inch) EFIS units.
Belite Airplanes and New Avionics at SnF
Belite Aircraft will have two of its three models of FAR Part 103-compliant aircraft on display at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-in at Lakeland,...
Wicks to Give Away HDTV at SnF
Wicks Aircraft Supply has announced that it will award a Vizio 32-inch LCD HDTV set to a customer at the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In,...
Sirius LSA Available for Demo Flights
Sportair USA, distributor for the Sirius LSA from TL Ultralight of the Czech Republic, has announced that the first aircraft is available for demo...
Mistral Rotary Moves Closer to Certification
A step forward in what has been viewed as a stop-start development program for the Mistral rotary aircraft engine was announced today. The company says preparations are underway to begin flying the three-rotor engine on a Maule MX-7 testbed in Florida.
In Case You Missed It
Letters
A&Ps and ExperimentalsI would like to commend Dave Prizio on his very informative article...
Aero ‘lectrics
Columnist Jim Weir sounds off on an all-purpose beeper that will work for most anything you want to call attention to in the cockpit.
Problemas en México
I was dismayed to receive an alert from the Baja Bush Pilots that aviation authorities in Mexico have recently turned away Experimental aircraft after entering the country.