Larry Larson
Larry is a humble Van’s RV-7A builder and a PPSEL pilot for 14 years. His goal is finishing his pride and joy, Lucy, and helping others with their projects.
Fine Line Paint Masking
Masking curved lines can be an exercise in frustration. Most tape will not bend without forming a crease. Multiple strips don't work because...
Cleco Pads
I recently painted the glareshield section of the top forward fuselage skin before gluing the canopy. Lots of work was invested, and I...
Padded C-Clamps
Often we have both hands busy holding a part and need two more hands to position a clamp and hold the wood pads in...
Oil Recycling
We all try our best to recycle and protect the environment. We haul waste oil to a recycle facility, pour fresh oil into our...
Paint Masking
We've all seen those commercials for painter's tape. They make masking look so easy, but it seems every time I use the stuff, it...
Riveting with Mirrors
Sometimes we have to drive rivets in blind spots like under a longeron or behind a bulkhead. This trick has helped me many times...
Modifying Tools
Building an airplane in the mountains has its downside. The nearest tool store is 45 miles away so, as they say, "necessity is the...
Home Brew Bucking Bars
I've run into situations many times where a bar with a hole for a die would be so handy. It can be used to...
Lightweight D-Sub Connectors
Working on wiring recently, I became concerned about the weight of all the D-subminiature connectors, so I weighed a pair of D-sub shells:...
Alodine Sluice
Alodine is an excellent corrosion inhibitor plus it adds zero weight. I should have Alodined before assembly but didn't care for the chemicals. AlumiPrep...
In Case You Missed it
Lancair Evolution
Lancair Aircraft is revolutionizing its already successful turboprop line of kits with the new Evolution, a 750-horsepower, Pratt & Whitney-PT6A-powered, carbon-fiber composite, 380-mph four-seater to be available later this year.
Rivet Buster Chisel
This "rivet buster" chisel was made from an old butterfly wood drill bit.Recently...
Know Your (Operating) Limitations
Experimental aircraft are issued "special" airworthiness certificates, and those come with specific operating limitations.