Avidyne is at SNF showing off some new hardware (IFD 550) and some really cool software for the current IFD 540 and 440 boxes. The s/w release 10.2 expected by Oshkosh has 3D display of your airplane over the terrain as well as a new app for the IPAD that repeats the screen. Much like using Foreflight but with some more exciting features. It was hard to get time for a picture with Jared Butson of Avidyne as he was usually 3 deep with customers, but I finally did manage to do so. Stop by building C if you get a chance. The new levels of terrain awareness available to pilots anymore is absolutely amazing!
In Case You Missed It
Build a Bear: Mellow Yellow
Dave Prizio - 0
Dave Prizio and team build a paint booth (too small), test drive charcoal masks and bunny suits, and discover the joys of covering your homebuilt plane with $400 per gallon paint.
Standalone Engine Monitors
Electronics International is a modern standout, but price an EFIS with built-in monitoring first.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook reflects on the past years celebration of KITPLANES first quarter century, and finds that predictions for the next 25 years don't come easily.
Designer Spotlight: John Thorp
Amy Laboda - 0
John W. Thorp has had a profound influence on both homebuilding and on aviation in general. If you've flown Piper Cherokees or know of the all-flying tail, you're familiar with his design principles, and his T-18 is still a favorite worldwide.


![2026 Avionics and Lights Buyer’s Guide [Credit: JetStream Rider]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AdobeStock_345999332.jpg?w=218&h=150&crop=1)
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