![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")
What to Expect When You’re Expecting… an Engine
Omar eagerly awaits his shiny new Lycoming Thunderbolt engine. Watch the unboxing!
Lang Arion Lightning XS
Although I had been active with RC model airplanes all my life, a retirement goal was to complete a full-scale airplane that my wife...
Zenith Workshop Updates
Sebastien Heintz and Herman Eshuis report from Zenith's kit aircraft building workshop class at the Wheels & Wings (builder assistance) facility in Lake City,...
The Big Empty
If you’ve followed any of our shop videos or seen pictures of what we’re working on here at Kitplanes any time in the past...
Garmin Announces Free VFR Database Updates for G3X EFIS
Pilots love the capability of modern electronics instruments but for those needing period database updates, the cost of maintenance can be a sore spot....
Tap, Tap…
How many little habits do you have that you have had for longer than you can remember and can’t seem to shake? I don’t...
Make a Rivet Paint Mask
It’s not uncommon: You paint a panel of some kind for your aircraft and then, later on, you have to mount the panel with...
Bearhawk Model 5 Takes Flight
Bearhawk Aircraft announced the flight of the first kit-built Bearhawk Model 5 on Monday, November 7th. This six-place airplane was originally designed to haul...
Ari’s Reno 2022 VLOG – Ep. 3
It takes time to edit a video, especially when you throw in a move to another state and a new house! Alas, my final...
In Case You Missed It
What’s New
Among the news items this month are the announcement of extended-range fuel tanks for the Arion Aircraft Lightning, a flight bag thats customized for RV aircraft, a light-aircraft jack and a new transceiver from Microair Avionics of Australia.
Loose Intake Pipe
Sometimes the intake pipes on Lycoming engines can come loose. This will cause an...
Wind Tunnel
Got separation anxiety? Vortex generators can keep the airflow attached where it belongs.