![Ten hours of dual instruction in a tailwheel-equipped aircraft is usually required for proficiency. [Credit: AdobeStock]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/AdobeStock_354747155.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "The Wittman Tailwind")
![[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")
![[Credit: McFarlane Alaska]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/McFarlane_tailwheel.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "McFarlane Alaska Absorbs Backcountry Favorite T3 Tailwheel")
![[Credit: FAA]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FAA-Mosaic-1.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "MOSAIC Isn’t a Question of Can You—But Why You’d Build")
Product Minute: Val 2000
If your experimental aircraft project needs a simple navcomm with a small form factor, Kitplanes editor Marc Cook shows you why you should check out the Val 2000.
CompAir Announces New Equipment, Continues Certification Efforts Despite Tough Economy
The aircraft-kit manufacturer, despite not displaying at Oshkosh, is weathering the economic storm and pushes toward certification of its designs.
LeRoy Cook's Tour: Rainy Days and Thursdays
It occurs to me that there are two Oshkosh rain modes. The first kicks in when rain erupts with a certain amount of warning...
DRE Shows Improved Headset
DRE Communications has made significant improvements to the monaural, passive-noise-reduction DRE1000 budget headset, now known as the DRE1001.
LeRoy Cook’s Tour: Tempting Tidbits
I must confess to being torn between twin folding-wing temptations. Should I get on the Early Adopter list for the Terrafugia roadable airplane or...
Cook’s Tour: Rainy Days and Thursdays
It occurs to me that there are two Oshkosh rain modes. The first kicks in when rain erupts with a certain amount of warning after a beautiful airshow day, one that began with no hint of precipitation.
AeroMax Displays Corvair Aircraft Engine
AeroMax Aviation of Georgia has entered the Corvair conversion market with several examples on display at AirVenture. The AeroMax 100 IFB (100 hp, integral front bearing) was featured on a Sonex, bringing the flying examples of the engine to three.
EAA Previews New 51% Rule Changes, Industry Breathes a Sigh of...
A forum held today at AirVenture outlined changes to the so-called 51% rule relating to the construction of Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. The new rule will likely curtail excessive use of commercial assistance but allow legitimate individual builders to proceed rationally.
Cooks Tour: Tempting Tidbits
I must confess to being torn between twin folding-wing temptations. Should I get on the Early Adopter list for the Terrafugia roadable airplane or the Icon A5 amphibious LSA? In the presence of the respective pitchmen, I can almost be persuaded.
In the Pattern Over EAA AirVenture 2009
Sitting in front of your computer thinking how awesome it would be if you could at least get up in the air for a...
In Case You Missed It
Around the Patch
With the endorsement of five major EFIS manufacturers, Vertical Powers new all-in-one-box VP-X controller is almost certainly assured to be a success. By Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook.
Soaring with Sonex
Sonex Designer John Monnett returns to the motorglider scene with the two-place Xenos.