Kerry Fores
Kerry Fores was born and raised in Oshkosh, WI and was interested in homebuilding by age 12. Between 1998 and 2003 he scratchbuilt and polished a Sonex, which he named Metal Illness. Kerry logged nearly 500 hours in Metal Illness and was awarded Plans Built Champion at AirVenture 2006. Kerry is retired from a 21-year career at Sonex Aircraft, most of it dedicated to supporting builders.
Measuring: Go To Lengths To Get It Right
Measure twice, cut once. That's sound advice, though no guarantee you won’t measure wrong twice. Some measuring errors occur before the ruler is in...
Nuts. What to Do When Thrown a Curve
When fasteners crowd a radius or bend, radius washers, blocks, or spot facing can solve the problem—without compromising strength or workmanship.
When the Forum Finds You
A forum on metal polishing revealed subtle changes I’d missed—proof that even old skills evolve at AirVenture.
Trim Tabs—Details For Discovery
Explore unusual trim tab designs from AirVenture—including a perforated bend that simplifies tweaks—and get ideas to refine your own.
Taking a Shine To 6061-T6 – Part 2
Cutting the initial shine with NuShine II F9 is key to a polished finish. Here's how to master the pad, pressure, speed, and polish for gleaming results.
Taking a Shine To 6061-T6 – Part 1
Polishing aluminum transforms gray metal into a mirror finish—cheap, timeless, and endlessly messy but deeply rewarding.
Errant Holes: Un-drilling, Up-drilling and Adopting
Homebuilding has no undo key. Learn causes of drill errors, a hole‑marking prevention method, and three easy fixes when mistakes happen.
RV-10 Paint Scheme Paints a Family Story
Four generations influenced Ernie and Jeanne Lietzan’s RV-10.
(Almost) Wordless Workshop
Project steps rarely go in order. These illustrated tips might save you time—and frustration—when things don’t go as planned.
Where Do Airplane Parts Come From?
Building your own replacement kit parts, which is no different than scratch-building from plans, may save you money and time.
In Case You Missed It
Build It Better: Show Me the Data!
Don’t believe everything you hear when making an important building or maintenance decision—do your homework.
Hear the Hum?
Whats the buzz? David Ullman looks at the past, present and future of the electric airplane.
Completion Secrets
Selecting the right build location, having a solid plan and making a realistic budget are just a few of the things you can do to keep your project on track.