The Rites of Spring

March ushers in that familiar quickening of the pulse for homebuilders and sport aviators. Temperatures rise, the days grow longer, and everywhere, builders turn their attention from winter workshops to spring flying weather. As we stand at the threshold of the major 2026 season, the homebuilt and kit aircraft community faces one of the most exciting years in memory, and not only because of the traditional packed fly-in calendar, but also in light of the transformative regulatory changes that began to reshape our world at the close of last year.

As we’ve reported, the season opens early this year with hands-on opportunities for builders looking to advance their skills or start new projects. EAA’s sixth annual Homebuilders Week wrapped up in late January, offering 30 free online webinars covering everything from MOSAIC updates, major kit manufacturer updates, to engine maintenance and advanced building techniques. For those seeking in-person instruction, Zenith Aircraft continues its popular factory workshop series, with sessions scheduled for late February in Yuma, Arizona, and early March in Boerne, Texas. These two-day workshops allow participants to build a complete rudder assembly under factory guidance—invaluable experience for first-time builders who want to understand whether kit construction is right for them. 

Regional fly-ins kick into gear in March. The 68th Cactus Fly-In returns to Casa Grande, Arizona, on March 6-7, while Texans celebrate their state’s independence at the Clark Regional Airport in Stephenville on March 7 with the Texas Independence Day Wings, Wheels, and Wonders event. For those planning cross-country adventures, the Yuma Airshow on March 14 and the Bluebonnet Airshow in Burnet, Texas, on March 21 provide excellent early-season destinations.

But the real season-opener for many in the homebuilt community arrives April 14-19 with the 52nd Annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida. This year’s event promises special significance with the introduction of MOSAIC Day—a full day of focused programming featuring seminars, forums, aircraft debuts, and special sessions dedicated to helping the community understand the implications of the new rule. The Homebuilt Corner will buzz with activity as builders gather to swap stories, display their aircraft, and participate in daily breakfasts and dinners at the Hospitality Tent. With expanded programming from the Experimental Aircraft Channel and prime viewing locations for the airshow, SUN ‘n FUN remains an essential destination for anyone serious about homebuilding.

Mid-summer brings the calendar’s marquee event: EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, July 20-26. 

Wittman Regional Airport will transform once again into the world’s busiest airport for one week, drawing hundreds of thousands of aviation enthusiasts. The Homebuilt Display area anchors the show’s identity, where builders from around the globe showcase their completed projects. Sonex will maintain its traditional presence in Homebuilt Booth 602, while Van’s RVs will dominate significant portions of the display area. Zenith Aircraft will present its latest developments, and dozens of other manufacturers will offer forums, workshops, and aircraft displays. The week-long event also features SportAir Workshops for builders wanting intensive, hands-on instruction in everything from composite construction to fabric covering. 

On July 24, 2026, the new FAA deign and airworthiness standards, also known as “MOSAIC Part 2” take effect, along with FAR Part 22, completing the transition on the aircraft certification side of the rule.  

The season continues strong into September with multiple regional opportunities. The Midwest Aviation Expo returns to Mt. Vernon, Illinois, September 10-12—now in its 18th year, this event has become a standard-bearer for light-sport and experimental aviation. Located at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 64, just over an hour from St. Louis, the expo offers free admission, free parking, and remarkably easy access to demo flights. Zenith’s annual Homecoming Fly-In follows on September 18-19 in Mexico, Missouri, while RANS Aircraft hosts its popular factory fly-in October 9-10 in Hays, Kansas.

Throughout this six-month stretch, dozens of smaller regional fly-ins and builder gatherings will draw homebuilders together. The Arlington Hometown Fly-In in Washington (July 11-13) combines aircraft camping with community celebration in an evergreen setting. Triple Tree Aerodrome in South Carolina hosts multiple events throughout the season. Local EAA chapters across the nation schedule pancake breakfasts, Young Eagles rallies, and builder workshops nearly every weekend.

For those seeking builder-assist programs, several manufacturers maintain year-round events. Just Aircraft in Walhalla, South Carolina, continues its factory build program for Highlander and SuperSTOL customers. Sling Aircraft dealers including Custom Aircraft Builders in Binghamton, New York, offer comprehensive builder assistance from kit ordering through first flight. Van’s Aircraft maintains a network of builder-assist facilities nationwide (visit Van’s website for details).

As we enter this season, builders should also consider developments and improvements in the broader context. Supply chain challenges have eased considerably from their pandemic peaks, though lead times for engines, avionics, and some kit components remain longer than historical norms. Rotax continues advancing its powerplant line with the 916 demonstrating strong reliability, while traditional Lycoming and Continental options remain available.

The 2026 season promises to be huge—whether you are contemplating a kit purchase, making your first rivet, or preparing for your final inspection, the community is there to support your journey. The rites of spring call us to our projects, our airports, and our shared passion for building and flying the aircraft of our dreams. See you at the fly-ins.