![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
![Lowell Farrand spent years serving as an FAA DAR and is in the EAA Hall of Fame. He offers sound advise to builders. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/unnamed-4.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like a Builder")
![Author Bill Wilson takes a break from measuring and cutting the Lexan windshield during his Onex build. [All Images Credit to Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Think Like A Builder")
Holler, Holler, Let’s All Solder (Part 1)
OK, I’ll admit it. Back in the fifth grade my parents gave me a wood-burning set for Christmas. Now, they pretty much knew they...
Ernie, Can You Hear Me?
Every now and again, you get to do something that just feels good inside. Especially as an engineer and electronic designer, those times come...
Debunking Deburring
If you are building an aircraft kit that requires drilling holes into metal parts, there is no doubt that the subject of deburring will get mentioned.
Lighting up the Tail Feathers
For a couple of months now, we’ve been laying the groundwork for an overhaul of how we might do night lighting on our homebuilts....
Alternative Energy Projects
This month I’m taking a step back from doing the usual aircraft-related project to look at some “off the grid” projects that take advantage...
See How Pioneer Control Grips Are Made
KITPLANES columnist Ari Rayment takes us on a tour of Pioneer Control Grips with new co-owner Skylar Thody. These handmade control grips are works...
First Flight Experiences
I’ve done quite a few first flights for new builders. I lost count when the number went over 40. Most of them have been...
Learning To Identify Solid Rivets
Nearly every homebuilt aircraft kit has at least a few solid rivets helping to hold it together. Some kit designs use thousands of these—others,...
It’s a Knockout
When it comes time to remove and replace bearings or bushings that are press fit into tubes or deep recesses, don’t be that mechanic...
In Case You Missed It
![[Credit: ChatGPT]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/What-did-you-miss-Topaz-Gigapixel-4x-scale.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Last Bits"){kind=tracking}
Becoming a DAR
A designee is a private individual with the experience and skills necessary to do the work mandated for the FAA.