![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")
Metal Magic: Making Parts Fit
In our 22nd episode of Metal Magic, KITPLANES editor at large Paul Dye goes into some of the tactics to make recalcitrant airframe pieces...
Cracked Landing Gear Weldment
Landing gear sockets should be checked regularly for those who fly off of grass and certainly after a hard landing. Using a bright light...
Toe Bar
Uneven tire wear is usually an indication of a problem with wheel alignment. Most of the time, the issue will be with toe, which...
Make That Aluminum Shine
If there was a way to make metal parts look even nicer than they looked coming out of your aircraft kit’s shipping box—and the...
Metal Magic: A Quick Look at Edge Rolling
This short episode of Metal Magic provides some quick tips on the most effective ways to get sheetmetal to "lay down" properly. KITPLANES editor...
A HOG in Time Takes…Forever
As I told you a couple of months ago, “In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is a...
Loose Intake Pipe
Sometimes the intake pipes on Lycoming engines can come loose. This will cause an intake leak, usually indicated by a rough idle and higher...
Metal Magic: Using Reamers For Accurate Holes
Sometimes a drill bit just won't do. When you want accurate, perfectly round holes in aluminum, you need to use a reamer. KITPLANES editor...
How the Bead Goes On
Welded assemblies (also known as weldments) can be found on just about every airplane. Even my Jabiru, which is 99% fiberglass, has a tubular-steel...
In Case You Missed It
Wanted: Engine Competition
Imagine a time not too long ago when pilots embarking on the delicious endeavor to build their own airplanes could consider multiple sources for just about any engine on the menu.
Know Your (Operating) Limitations
Experimental aircraft are issued "special" airworthiness certificates, and those come with specific operating limitations.