Most of the pages in Kitplanes are dedicated to design and construction. From the initial mental blueprint to the proper hardware, Kitplanes wants to help the enthusiastic hobbyist construct the dream machine. Some of the articles in Kitplanes are educational in nature, focusing on the specifics of aerodynamics, the pros and cons of using different types of metals, etc. The magazine even includes some success stories from builders who have completed their aircraft construction and want to share their results with the reader.
Mechanics are important, but in the day and age in which we live, technology is more important than ever and Kitplanes is right there to help. Small aircraft isn't as sophisticated as commercial aircraft, but the aircraft building hobbyist still wants to be as safe as possible, and Kitplanes offers plenty of tips on instrument panels, safety systems, and other things high tech in nature.
One other interesting aspect of Kitplanes is that it's a very consistent magazine. Each issue I have read contains exactly 80 pages and the departments and most of the regular features are found on exactly the same page number each month. For those who like consistency and repetition, this is a nice feature for a magazine. But this will not sit well with people who like a little variety from time to time. I am one of the types who like some variety in my magazines, so the consistency is a strike against the magazine, even if only a small strike.
Kitplanes is, overall, a pretty good magazine about a very expensive hobby. I find the articles pretty good, even though some are certainly better than others. Some are a little too brief and assume the builder needs guidance from start to finish but Kitplanes is still a useful magazine for those who dream about constructing their own airplane. It does have a few shortfalls, but for the flying enthusiast who dreams of constructing his/her own aircraft, Kitplanes is a magazine worth reading.Good magazine. The reason I like amazion is that you get honest renewal notices, not 6 m0s early and they are 90+ of the time more competive.
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I love Kitplanes because it focuses on what I'm interested in -building experimental airplanes. I'm an EAA member too, and I get their magazine. I will remain a member of EAA because of the good work they do, but their magazine has gone steadily downhill for years now, and with their new president it just seems to be getting worse, at least from my perspective. Others, I'm sure, like their new focus. But for me, Kitplanes is right on the mark.Kitplanes has been around for quite a while, and used to be a source for information and how-to articles centered on the amateur builder. There was contagious excitement that encouraged readers to participate in their own projects, and the magazine nudged dreams ahead with construction and pilot reports that motivated builders to follow their dreams. A number of years, ago it changed its editor who changed its style --so that it focuses on glittery bits and pieces of sport aviation while only paying passing homage to the design and fabrication of grass roots aircraft building. I don't find it particularly compelling these days and think it appeals only to a small niche of readers. In a way, it's more of a vehicle for advertising rather than amateur aircraft construction.The first copy is not due or arrived as of yet. I have purchased Kitplanes on a number of occasions and have enjoyed it. I am considering building an experimental airplane from a kit in the near future so this magazine is the most appropriate while I'm deciding what kit to purchase.
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