Eric Stewart
Eric Stewart is designing and building the SR-1, a speed plane for setting records in the FAI c-1a/0 category (takeoff weight less than 661 pounds, including pilot and fuel). You can see more at facebook.com/TheSR1Project, including additional photos and videos of the subjects in this series of articles.
![SR-1 cowl being integrated with spinner and cooling ducts. The cowl is assembled to itself/to the fuse primarily with countersunk #8 screws. [All images credited to Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1KP.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Custom Cowl Fabrication: Building the SR-1 Composite Cowl")
Custom Cowl Fabrication: Building the SR-1 Composite Cowl
The cowl for the SR-1 was the last set of molds to be produced for the project. I had originally planned to use a...
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
A Few of My Favorite Tools
Occasionally I see articles by colleagues on their favorite tools (a somewhat less controversial topic than favorite airplanes). I’ve had a growing list in...
Deburring the Back of a Hole
The Burraway tool deburrs both sides of a hole—even inside tubes—when space is tight.
Building a Custom Engine Mount
How a custom engine mount for the SR-1 was CNC’d, stress-tested, and welded for strength, weight savings, and tight packaging.
Custom Heat Exchanger Fabrication
Designing and fabricating custom radiator and intercooler systems with packaging challenges.
Custom Tools for Rod End Installation and Alignment
Tightening rod end bearings is easy when you make the right tools.
In Case You Missed It
Engine Beat
Do-it-yourself tips for how to keep those all-important plugs sparking clean. By Steve Ells.
We Shall Be Led Into the Light
In 1850, British physicist Joseph Swan began experimenting with paper coated with carbon in...
Cover Story: Designing Men
In this first installment of the upholstery series, the author looks at the basics: sewing machines, scissors, needles and thread, and more.
