Omar Filipovic

1 week ago | kitplanes.com | Omar Filipovic

When you go to Oshkosh, do you attend the type-specific gatherings organized by the builders and owner’s associations? If you don’t, you’re missing out on the essence of what is AirVenture Oshkosh—the meeting place for folks who are building or flying the same kind of airplane as you. These gatherings are an opportunity to meet the people you might know only by their internet forum username. Some of them have really good food, too.

2 weeks ago | kitplanes.com | Omar Filipovic

Progress on the Sonex Highwing prototype continues with a major milestone reached on Friday, June 6: the aircraft’s first engine start. The 130-hp UL Power UL350iS fired up smoothly, followed by successful brake checks and a short taxi test—marking a significant step toward first flight. The Sonex team reports that only a few tasks remain before inspection and registration are complete, and they’re aiming for first flight ahead of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025.

2 weeks ago | kitplanes.com | Omar Filipovic

With the new wings completed, Van’s Aircraft has taken a major step forward in RV‑15 development. The prototype, still built around the original fuselage, took flight recently with a completely redesigned wing—its first time aloft in this configuration. Chief engineer Rian Johnson was at the controls for this critical test flight. “Flaps Are Now Perfect”The new wing features a cable‑actuated, floor‑mounted flap handle with a slot‑hinge design.

3 weeks ago | kitplanes.com | Omar Filipovic

VoltAero has announced the launch of its new HPU 210 hybrid-electric powertrain, designed to bring hybrid propulsion to the Experimental aircraft market. Debuting this week at France Air Expo in Lyon, the system pairs a high-performance Kawasaki thermal engine with a 60-kW electric motor for what the company calls “push-to-climb” capability—a claimed 40% power boost when needed for takeoff or obstacle clearance.

1 month ago | kitplanes.com | Omar Filipovic

Keeping a builder’s log is an important part of constructing an Experimental aircraft—but it’s rarely anyone’s favorite task. The KitFlight app aims to change that, offering a modern, mobile-first approach that turns documentation into a streamlined and insightful part of the build process. KitFlight runs on iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers and is designed specifically for Experimental aircraft builders.