![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")
That’s Shear Nuts
The aircraft bolts we use to build our projects will always be paired with an appropriate nut to complete the mission of holding components...
What a Darling(ton) Noisemaker
Mostly we’d like our airplanes to be quiet. Somehow, “airplane” and “quiet” don’t belong in the same sentence. We’ve got roughly 5000 explosions per...
Another Alternator Gotcha
Well, it seems to be the season for alternator problems, as just this week I had to diagnose another interesting one. As with any...
Cogswell’s Molds, Part 2
Last month I discussed the slump and drape molds that Steve Cogswell used for making fiberglass concealers/accessory panels for his RV-8. (Also see “A...
Firewall Forward: Intake and Exhaust Systems
In the next installment of KITPLANES Firewall Forward sponsored by Tempest editor at large Paul Dye takes a close look at intake and exhaust...
No Brake Fluid
Perhaps brake lines in the cockpit should be part of the preflight? This aircraft was moments away from having no left brake due to...
Consider a Second Look
I would chance a guess that most aircraft kits are primarily built by one person. While some projects are constructed by groups or teams...
Firewall Forward: Compression Testing
Unlock the mysteries of the aircraft-engine leakdown test, otherwise known as the differential compression test. KITPLANES engine meister Paul Dye breaks down the process...
Cogswell’s Molds
Some of the many cool details of Steve Cogswell’s RV project from last month’s column were the fiberglass parts made to conceal various lightening...
Can You Hear Me Now?
For those of you in aircraft with magnificent audio systems—stereo music and multi-input switching panels that have push-button selection of your half-dozen headphone inputs—this...
In Case You Missed It
Supercharging: The Turbo Alternative
Bill Beaton chose a centrifugal supercharger for racing and cruising.
Retirement Project
A backcountry Bearhawk built for comfort, cross-country cruising and cargo capacity.