Story RANS S-20
We started the RANS build with a kit order in December 2014. In April 2015 I convinced my friend Chris to help go retrieve...
Setser RV-7
After 16+ years of blood, sweat, tears and a little salty aviator language now and again, RV-7 #71748 officially went from “project” to “airplane.”
McGloon Sonex
First flight of Sonex N188DM (s.n. 0739) was on May 25, 2020. With about half a tank of gas the airplane accelerated quickly using...
Arnold Cub Crafters EX-2
Like most of us, I have always wanted to build a plane. After retirement and 3 years later in October 2019 my plane took...
Huneycutt RV-10
Our RV-10, affectionately named "Tess" slipped the surly bonds of earth for the first time on November 15th, 2019. The build took almost seven...
Facchinetti RV-12
I took our Van's RV-12 HB-YPI on her maiden flight on November 13th, 2019, in Yverdon, Switzerland after 7 years of on-and-off building in...
Michel RV-9A
On July 2016 my RV-9A F-PRVN had its first flight. The building took 9 years and 15 days, really a slow build. To speed...
Booker Zenith Cruzer
After 3 years and 800 hours, N553BD made its inaugural flight. The Lycoming O-235-powered aircraft flew hands-off and climbs like a homesick angel. This...
Lapo A. Busi TEAM Minimax
I bought this plane at 50% of building stage. In Italy a lot of Minimax were flying since the 90s. I modified a lot...
Norton Sonex
This Sonex project was purchased for its cross-country speed and the possibility for aerobatics. I hung a new solid-lifter Jabiru 3300 engine on the...
In Case You Missed It
Down to Earth
Amy Laboda chronicles the challenges she encountered when trying to get the ECI B-type cylinders for her certified Lycoming IO-540 replaced.
Defining “Done”
“Kerry, you know your airplane could be flying in two weeks.” That observation, offered...
Making the Perfect Lancair
Terrence O'Neill has taken customization of his Lancair 235 to a new level, from the Burns Stainless exhaust to a remote-controlled canopy.
Around the Patch
Those who plan to build an aircraft from a kit would do well to visit the factory and get to know not only the owners but also the operation. So counsels Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook, whose recent visit to the RANS factory left him favorably impressed. RANS manufacturing is diversified to weather the ups and downs of the market, and the company knows what works and sticks to it.