Magazine

Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook takes note of the good, bad and the uncapitalized in public reactions to a recent aircraft accident. He encourages knowledgeable pilots, builders and enthusiasts to counter the public rantings of armchair crackpots with kindness and courage. Also, a tip of the buttonless cap to Omar Filipovic, KITPLANES.coms new webmaster, for his savvy work to create a more lively and flexible web site.

Burt Rutan's elegant and efficient aircraft-and spacecraft-designs are in a league of their own. Amy Laboda looks at Rutan's legacy, what he's doing now, and why he may never retire.

Despite recent economic traumas, the aviation insurance industry has continued to support Experimental and LSA aircraft. The keys for the builder/pilot? Proficiency, training, and availability of parts and service for the airplane.

Jim Weir shows you how to create and install LED lights and run them from ships power inexpensively and easily.

Barnaby Wainfan explores the optimum size of a wing and the best ways to balance performance and efficiency.

Math works! Kevin Horton shows you how to use GPS data to calculate true airspeed.

Everything old is new again. Paul Lamar looks at the turbo-compound engine, developed in the post-WW-II era. Thrown over for jet engines, it may yet hold promise today as we search for more energy efficient ways to get the most out of increasingly expensive fuel.

Builders share their successes.

Anyone can make wiring look good. The bonus is that your installations maintenance and future upgrades will be much easier. Stein Bruch shows you how.

Marc Cook flies the capable ready-to-fly Kitfox Super Sport Series 7 SLSA, and spotlights owners John and Debra McBean’s deft handling of the company in a crowded market and rocky economy.