aluminum kitplanes Archives

R.T. Searfoss shows off his magnificent workmanship in the Pietenpol Air Camper he built over the span of 12 years. There is much to love in classic tube and fabric aircraft which harken back to an earlier time of aircraft construction. Masterful craftsmanship is everywhere you look in R.T.’s work. [Credit: Bill Wilson]

Choosing Your Aircraft Construction Material

Bill Wilson - September 28, 2026 0

In Case You Missed It

Drill Straight!

Paul Dye - November 2, 2016 1

We've finished up the left spar for our Xenos motor glider, and that means...

Polishing leads to a shiny airplane. Sonex in flight

Taking a Shine To 6061-T6 – Part 1

Kerry Fores - June 25, 2025 2

Polishing aluminum transforms gray metal into a mirror finish—cheap, timeless, and endlessly messy but deeply rewarding.

Around the Patch

Marc Cook - April 12, 2011 0

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.

The Art of Putzing About

Kerry Fores - March 10, 2023 5

Ahhh, putzing about. Is there anything more satisfying? Of course there is. Thousands of...