![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=534&h=462&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")
Power, Scotty, I Gotta Have More Power
“I canna give ye more, Cap’n. The dilithium crystals are already overloaded.”
—Star Trek
This month’s article is more of a simple tutorial instead of a...
SCAT Tubing Cut
Be careful when routing SCAT tubing close to metal structures like engine mounts.
The hard spring wire can actually cut through the 4130 engine mount...
Always Learning
While I see lots of recurring maintenance problems every day, tough ones that require some additional thinking for the Diagnosis column don’t always happen...
Firewall Forward: Fuel Injection
Last time we talked about carburetors, so this episode of KITPLANES Firewall Forward looks at traditional aircraft fuel injection. Editor at large Paul Dye...
On the Level
A few months back in this very column, I suggested that pilots should keep a “retired” smart phone in their aircraft as an all-in-one...
Low Fuel, Idiot, Light
In the year 2019 BC (before COVID), I made a number of cross-country trips between 300 and 500 miles. While these distances were well...
Round…and Around…We Go
Stay with me here. This is going to be a very interesting and somewhat difficult project. But worth the read, I guarantee.
No matter how...
Leaky Primer Line
Primer lines need to be silver soldered into their fittings. Using RTV to fix a leak is not acceptable and poses a serious fire...
Firewall Forward: Carburetors and Troubleshooting
In the next installment of KITPLANES Firewall Forward sponsored by Tempest editor at large Paul Dye gets up close and personal with the evergreen...
Design Process: The Rudder
The fixed portion of the vertical tail of an airplane provides directional stability. The rudder provides directional control.
When the pilot deflects the rudder, it...
In Case You Missed It
Propeller Effects–Lateral Directional
The propeller slipstream affects the aerodynamics of the airplane. A propeller accelerates air backward...
Homebuilt Aircraft Insurance
Choosing insurance for your homebuilt can be a complex decision. Scott Smith breaks it down and explains what you need to keep your plane covered-at every stage.
Carburetor Maintenance
Neglect is the biggest enemy of your carburetor. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
All About Avionics, Part 6
Whether portable handheld or panel-mounted, GPSes are the wave of the future in avionics, and these units can store and display a remarkable amount of detailed information. With nifty docks, handhelds can perform much like the panel-mounts in the cockpit, yet be removed for use in other vehicles.