The Dawn Patrol
Dick Starks and The Dawn Patrol saddle, er, trailer up and head to the Salute to Veterans Air Show in Columbia, Missouri. Who else could lend his crimping pliers to a couple of sailors to fix an F-18s wiring problem?
Ask the DAR
Can a builder modify a Vans RV-12 kit under the 51% rule? How about changing the gross weight of a RANS S-7? Plus, the FAA releases revised homebuilding rules.
Engine Beat
There's a lot to know about aircraft oil: what to use, when to use it, when to change it. Steve Ells sheds some light on this essential fluid.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin looks at the future of ultralight-like SLSA trainers, and what may be in store from the FAA.
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.
What’s New
CHR International acquires the Safari helicopter kit, formerly known as the Baby Belle. Flight Data Systems unveiled its T-30 digital tachometer. Edited by Mary Bernard.
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda discovers that a newly installed EFIS, six-weeks away from her RV-10 and an acute caffeine deficiency challenge her inner student.
Experimotive
Ben Haass STOL Zenith 801, featuring a Ford V-8 auto conversion, made quite a first impression at AirVenture 09. This month, he tells Rick Lindstrom what makes it all work.
Light Stuff
Dave Martin revisits the Evektor SportStar, and even after a three-year hiatus, he found the Max IFR to be a forgiving and delightful airplane.
25th Anniversary: Change Is Good
At AirVenture 2009, Amy Laboda took the opportunity to talk with 12 key innovators in the world of Experimental aviation, with one question in mind: What do you think has been the most significant change in homebuilding aircraft in the past 25 years?
In Case You Missed It
What’s New
Simplex Aeroplanes offers discounted plans for its Cloudster Ultralight, and Superior Air Parts has resumed shipping its Experimental XP Series engines to dealers.
News from Sun n Fun
Attendance may have been down a bit with the slumping economy, but that didn't stop innovators from introducing new products for homebuilt aviation. A Staff Report.
Evaluating a Used Engine
How do you decide, without taking an engine completely apart, whether or not it will give you at least several years of good service?