Designing a successful kit aircraft is about more than airframes and performance numbers – it’s about the complete kit plane building experience. For kit designers and manufacturers, every component choice directly affects assembly time, support requirements, and overall builder satisfaction. This is why it is vital to select reliable components to produce the easiest kit…Continue reading
Matco ALS has been serving the amateur built aircraft market for eight decades, and our goal has always been to supply kit manufacturers with high-quality, reliable parts at affordable price points. Our no-frills brakes, wheels, and landing gear components are built for performance, and since everything is made in the US, our supply chain is…Continue reading
An aircraft kit is a big investment, so when a homebuilder ponies up for one, they want to have as smooth of an experience as possible. Unfortunately, many kits are anything but intuitive to assemble, leading to frustration and poor customer experiences. This ultimately results in more calls and emails for your customer support team…Continue reading
Why Supplier Choice Matters Delays, customer complaints, and costly recalls often trace back to choosing the wrong aircraft parts supplier. For kit plane manufacturers, choosing the right partner is about more than just placing an order – it’s about risk mitigation. By asking the right questions upfront, manufacturers can protect their timelines, budgets, and reputations…Continue reading
What Is a Nosewheel Assembly A nosewheel assembly is the wheel at the front of an aircraft and its associated family of components. The nosewheel assembly, which includes the wheel, the tire, and the steering mechanism, is a critical part of the larger landing gear assembly. On many aircraft, the nose gear is part of…Continue reading
What Is an Aircraft Axle Assembly? An aircraft axle assembly is a set of components that connect the aircraft’s wheels – and in most cases, the brake assembly – to the landing gear. On a nosewheel or tailwheel, the axle connects only the wheel, since these positions do not include braking capability. As a subset…Continue reading
Types of Airplane Brakes for Small Planes When it comes to aircraft brakes, kit plane builders can choose from a number of different options. From single or dual disc brakes to floating disc brakes, each type of aircraft braking system is slightly different in terms of installation, price tag, and performance. The first step to…Continue reading
What Is a Kit Plane? A kit plane is an aircraft built from a pre-assembled kit of airplane components, allowing the buyer to focus on the building process rather than sourcing the many needed parts. Most kit builders are motivated by the enjoyment and challenge of building their own plane and take great satisfaction from…Continue reading
What to Know Before You Buy Airplane Parts For a Kit When purchasing airplane parts for an aircraft kit, from major parts of an airplane to smaller assemblies, there are a few factors to consider. Taking stock of your desired price point, your target customers’ skillset and your brand priorities before purchasing anything is key…Continue reading
Owning and operating a personal aircraft requires pilots to become well-versed in a wide range of aerospace components and technologies, so they can take responsibility for their own aircraft troubleshooting and spot and address potential issues in the early stages. Understanding how these systems work, how they interact with their service environments, and common issues…Continue reading
As a seasoned or amateur aircraft builder, customizing and fine-tuning your “build your own airplane kit” is key to achieving the best performance and efficiency. By choosing the right plane components, you can create an aircraft that meets your needs for recreational flying, long-distance travel, or improved handling. This guide from the experts at Matco…Continue reading
Maintaining your private aircraft is an essential responsibility. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or new to the world of sport aircraft, understanding the role of aircraft maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity, performance, and safety of your airplane’s parts. Neglecting regular upkeep can lead to safety hazards, compliance issues, and costly repairs. Let’s explore…Continue reading
