Mary Bernard
Mary Bernard - The product of two parents with Lockheed Aerospace careers, Mary grew up with aviation, prompting her to pursue pilot training as an adult. Her father, a talented tool-and-die maker and planner, instilled in her an abiding interest in how things are built. For more than a decade, she has been a contributing writer and Managing Editor for KITPLANES®.
2013 Kit Aircraft Buyer’s Guide
Here’s a look at the newest designs and how the kit aircraft segment of Experimental aviation has changed over the past year. By Mary Bernard and Suzanne B. Bopp.
Editor’s Log
The explosion of ADS-B technology, the new Van’s RV-14 and an editor in a ballistic-parachute simulator—AirVenture was full of exciting developments, as always. Plus: a send-off for Editor-at-Large Marc Cook. By Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard.
Zenith CH 750 Now Available as Factory-Assembled LSA
Zenith Aircraft Company's STOL CH 750 can now be purchased already assembled from Tenn-Air of Shelbyville, Tennessee. Pete Krotje, head of Jabiru USA, announced...
AKIA Advisory Board Gains New Members
The Aircraft Kit Industry Association (AKIA) was formed this past summer to provide corporations with a vested interest in homebuilding an opportunity to speak...
Editor’s Log
The FAA’s concerns about the issuance of Special Airworthiness Certificates for some factory-built Light Sport Aircraft may result in changes to ELSA as well. By Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard.
Chip Yates and His Long–ESA
It was appropriate that Chip Yates should have a prominent spot in the Innovation Hangar at AirVenture. Shortly before the event began, he sent...
Editor’s Log
In some of the impressive projects described in this issue, and the dedication and passion of their designers and builders, Editor-in-Chief Mary Bernard finds reasons to be hopeful about the future of aviation.
Garmin GDL 39 ADS-B Receiver Debuts
Garmin released a flurry of press releases leading up to Oshkosh AirVenture, including news about incorporating subscription-free ADS-B weather information into its various current...
Sling 2 LSA Debuts
The Airplane Factory of South Africa displayed its two-place kit Sling LSA at AirVenture. This is a metal-construction aircraft, with power from a 100-hp...
Wipaire, Inc. Introduces Wipline 1450 Floats
The all new Wipline 1450 float is designed for use on Light Sport Aircraft and other small aircraft. The landing gear incorporates rotating joints...
In Case You Missed It
Bleeder Coupling
Bleeding hydraulic brakes of trapped air is something everyone who builds or works on...
Buying a Used Homebuilt: Budget, Mission, and Skill
Be sure to consider budget, mission, experience, insurance, and training.
Fast, Flat and Simple
Nearly every kit aircraft will require a large, flat worktable for some part of...
Simple Green
Extreme Simple Green - Aircraft is a new product designed to clean your aircraft safely without damaging finishes. Its effective in removing oil and other dirt from the exterior surfaces as well as the interior, and is used by Boeing on its family of airplanes. Its available at specialty stores and aviation supply houses.