Kitplanes magazine - no more print copies outside the USA

[FlyingVizsla]

After waiting for our print edition of Kitplanes, and assuming it was held up by the US Govt shut down, I finally asked.

 

Unfortunately, due to ongoing global delivery challenges, we can no longer guarantee reliable print delivery outside of the U.S. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision that, effective with the November 2025 issue, all Canadian and international subscriptions will be fulfilled in digital-only format. This change ensures that all readers continue to receive timely and uninterrupted access to our content.

 

Our October magazine is still missing, had no word from Kitplanes that print magazines had ceased.  After this enquiry on our 3 year subscription, they gave us an extension to account for the price difference.  Mr Z is bereft as he liked to settle down with Kitplanes and read it cover to cover.  Digital just isn't the same.

[skippydiesel]

Possibly my imagination - Over the last 18 months or so, have noticed a deterioration in service quality by USA providers😈

[onetrack]

There's a vast number of magazines and publications that are no longer available in print form. The cost of printing and transport of the printed publication is enormous, especially when it has to be transported halfway around the the Earth.

 

Think of the saving in trees and transport pollution when you sit down at your laptop or desktop and read the digital version of Kitplanes. Fully 99% of transactions with business and Govt and banking are now digital.

 

It does make it hard for the oldies, and the Luddites who detest change in entire systems. The world is constantly changing. 

[RossK]

Kitplanes let go its Aviation staff earlier this year, the below is from the previous editor when he left. Posted to Vans Forum.

"Dear colleagues and fellow aviation professionals,
I am writing to let you know that as of this morning, there is no one left at KITPLANES Magazine. Today, Firecrown Media—the owner of the magazine, severed their relationship with me. A few days ago Paul Dye and Tom Wilson left the team. Marc Cook departed in May.
You may have been expecting an email from me requesting an update for the Aircraft Buyer’s Guide. Alas, I will not be sending it.
For the past 17 years I’ve been the web editor, and recently the executive editor at KITPLANES Magazine and have met many of you in person or via email or phone. You’ve supported the magazine through your advertising, subscriptions, and even by submitting content for publication, and I thank you.
Firecrown purchased Kitplanes along with Aviation Consumer, Aviation Safety, IFR Magazine, and AVweb from Belvoir Media two years ago. Earlier this year the company shut down Aviation Safety and IFR Magazine, and this month, Aviation Consumer. Russ Niles was fired and Larry Anglisano left Firecrown. KITPLANES is now entirely without staff.
It's disappointing, but I'm proud to have been part of the team that generated so much fantastic and relevant content that no other publication in the world could rival.
I don’t know what comes next, but I will be in touch, and I hope you will too.
Meanwhile, I encourage you to visit AVBrief.org and subscribe to the free newsletter, and tell your friends about it, too. You will find many familiar names there.
 

Apparently they are using writers from their other magazines stables and using AI to try to make the content relevant.

[onetrack]

Sounds like the DOGE team found a new target, when they couldn't find the trillions in savings they promised, by dismantling large sections of the U.S Govt?

[facthunter]

You don't KNOW what you have Lost, till it's GONE?  Nev

[jackc]

The Internet giveth, but it also taketh away, in the form we used to know 🤢

[Thruster88]

All the content of magazines is now broadcast directly by the builders themselves such as the Raptor turbodiesel canard, Darkaero etc or YouTubers like the Experimental Aircraft Channel. 

[KRviator]

I gave up Kitplanes several years ago when they were charging outrageous pricing for "international" digital-only subscriptions. I do miss the Jim Weir articles though, but a goodly percentage of items covered in Kitplanes can now be found on FB or the various forums.

[jackc]

I am waiting for YouTube to become a recognised standard, in Pilot Training 🤩🤩

[Methusala]

homebuiltairplanes.com

[Blueadventures]

20 hours ago, RossK said:

Meanwhile, I encourage you to visit AVBrief.org and subscribe to the free newsletter, and tell your friends about it, too. You will find many familiar names there.

Thanks, just signed up.  Cheers.

[cherk]

Via AVBrief .............check out the 'REAL' wing flutter video !!!   🤪  .

[Thruster88]

5 hours ago, cherk said:

Via AVBrief .............check out the 'REAL' wing flutter video !!!   🤪  .

Massive flutter while the pilot? continues at 120mph and 2500rpm which would be high cruise power. They are lucky it did not come apart. The runway is also wide enough to land that tail dragger directly into wind. Video could be fake (the flutter bit).

[Neil_S]

On 02/12/2025 at 8:38 AM, FlyingVizsla said:

After waiting for our print edition of Kitplanes, and assuming it was held up by the US Govt shut down, I finally asked.

 

Unfortunately, due to ongoing global delivery challenges, we can no longer guarantee reliable print delivery outside of the U.S. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision that, effective with the November 2025 issue, all Canadian and international subscriptions will be fulfilled in digital-only format. This change ensures that all readers continue to receive timely and uninterrupted access to our content.

 

Our October magazine is still missing, had no word from Kitplanes that print magazines had ceased.  After this enquiry on our 3 year subscription, they gave us an extension to account for the price difference.  Mr Z is bereft as he liked to settle down with Kitplanes and read it cover to cover.  Digital just isn't the same.

Hi FV et al,

 

Fortunately I stopped my subscription to Kitplanes a while ago, although they have sent zillions of emails offering me discounts to start up subscription again (I was simply going to borrow my mate's printed copy). But I still pay extra to get a printed copy of EAA's SportAviation mag as I also like a hard copy. Was reading it on the train today. I find it's sometimes delivered a bit late, but usually it doesn't really make any difference. 

 

Cheers, Neil