![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=265&h=198&crop=1 "Viking V-42 Twin")
Eagle Offers Engine Build Programs for XTREEM Engines
Ameritech Industries, the parent company of Eagle Engines and American Propeller Service of Redding, California, has announced the debut of an engine build program for Eagles XTREEM 360 and XP-360 powerplants. The two-day builder-assist workshop will be held at the company's shop on one weekend every month. Two options are available for interested customers. The first is observation only--*this is designed for the individual who would like to learn about how the engine is built along…
Enhanced Version of ePanel Builder Site Debuts
Bill VonDane of Whiskey Victor, Inc. announced the debut of the company's long-awaited new and enhanced ePanel Builder web site. The site is designed to provide kit aircraft builders with the tools necessary to design and build an instrument panel to exact specifications. The new module will guide builders through the design and building process with as much or as little assistance as desired. New tools allow builders to design and save multiple versions of a…
FAA Approves Waiex and Xenos Kits for 51% Rule
The FAA completed full evaluations of the Waiex and Xenos kits from Sonex, Ltd. in October 2005 for compliance with the major portion requirement of 14 CFR section 21.191(g). Sonex announced that both kits were approved and now officially meet the 51% Rule, as its usually called. The approval ensures all Waiex and Xenos builders will have a smooth road in registering their completed airplanes as Experimental/Amateur-Built. It also ensures that all non-U.S. customers whose governing…
Stratomaster Adds to Line of Glass Instruments with the Ultra Horizon...
Pilots crave flexibilitycall it the Type A personality in all of usand Stratomaster has provided just that in the new Ultra Horizon XL. This monochromatic EFIS has new user-configurable screens that allow for personalization; these screens can be customized to place the instruments in different places on the display but can also be disabled easily for a simplified layout. …
A Quick 100 For the Groen Brothers SparrowHawk Gyroplane
Groen Brothers Aviation announced that total sales of the company's SparrowHawk gyroplane and SparrowHawk/P modification kits have now reached 100. Sales have strengthened since the introduction of the new FAA Sport Pilot rules, the company says, since gyroplane builders with the appropriate license can now fly the SparrowHawk using a drivers license instead of an FAA medical certificate. …
Control Visions AnywhereMap Available for $95
Control Vision, makers of the AnywhereMap, AnywhereWx, Pocket Plates and Anywhere EFB portable navigation systems announced a new low price on its award-winning AnywhereMap software. Pilots who use handheld computers (Pocket PCs, PDAs and PDA/phones) can now add fully functional moving map navigation software to their units for only $95 including six months of updates. This is not a pared-down version of the software-it is the complete moving map system with flight planning, en route flight…
Aircraft Spruce Offers Plans and Materials for the Christavia
Just after we completed the final details on this years Plans Aircraft buyers guide (in this issue), we received word that Aircraft Spruce & Specialty has acquired the design rights for all three models of the Christavia aircraft. The Christavia MK-1, MK-2 and MK-4 were designed by homebuilder Ron Mason of Elmwood Aviation in Ontario, Canada. …
The Latest Edition: Kit Airplane Construction, by Ron Wanttaja
Homebuilt aviation guru and Fly Baby aficionado Ron Wanttaja, well known to KITPLANES readers for the myriad topics hes written on over the past 15 years, has published the third edition of Kit Airplane Construction, his venerable guide to building airplanes at home. Generally aimed at those in the audience whove yet to actually assemble a kit or build from plans, the book covers everything from an introduction to the Amateur-Built world and its regulations…
Sebring Postponed
According to organizers of the US Sport Aviation Expo, to be held in Sebring, Florida, October 28-30, the event is being pushed back due to concerns about Hurricane Wilma. The new date is January 12-15, 2006. For more information, visit http://www.sport-aviation-expo.com/.…
Another Way to Turbine Your Lancair IV-P
Advanced Aviation has developed a firewall-forward package for the Lancair IV-P kit using the Garrett TPE 331 turbine engine. (Lancairs own Propjet uses the Walter 701E.) According to the company, five aircraft are under construction, with one flying and another just about ready to fly at press time. Advanceds use of the TPE 331 provides more power than the Walter894 shaft horsepower compared to 750and is said to burn 20% less fuel. In addition, the company…
In Case You Missed It
Who’s Got the Time?
Are you logging pilot flight time and aircraft time in service correctly? By Owen C. Baker.
Assembling a Gyro Technic VX-2
A pilot chases his dream of building and flying a gyroplane with help from Gyro Technic in Minnesota.
Aero ‘lectrics
If you've got sticker shock after shopping for a main electrical system junction box, Jim Weir will ease your pain with a junction box you can build (and a cool color-coding system, to boot).
Gear of the Year 2007
There's always something new to be had in the field of aviation-related equipment, and this year we stay on the beaten trail and wander off of it a bit with a new EFD/MFD, a build-it-yourself headset, a readily stowable inflatable tent, a headset boom light, a digital attitude indicator, an electronic flight bag and spiffy, low-draw LED landing lights; a Staff Report.