![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")
Bad Indication or a Real Problem?
How many of us have seen an unusual engine temp/parameter indication and wondered if it was really the engine or a faulty reading? The...
Show Your Sleeves: Silver or Copper?
Nearly every aircraft utilizes metal cables to operate control surfaces like elevators, rudders and ailerons. As a builder, you may be required to fabricate...
iPad Chiller
Just about every pilot I know uses an iPad or Android tablet with ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot or WingX software. In most cases it’s their...
What You Should Know About Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers come in many shapes and sizes. Wikipedia lists some 42 different types of screwdriver tips—from the common to the almost unheard-of. Here we...
Metal Magic: Cutting and Shaping Angle Aluminum
In another segment of KITPLANES' Metal Magic series, editor at large Paul Dye shows you how to accurately cut and artfully shape even large...
Cracked Exhaust
Exhaust cracks can be insidious, although sometimes they leave a gray-looking residue. Use a bright flashlight and inspect them every time the cowling is...
Progress Report: Bits and Pieces of HOG
OK, so we’ve got that 100-watt solar panel firmly bolted to the hangar roof. Let’s take the other pieces that we have to have...
Metal Magic: How To Back Rivet
Master aircraft builder Paul Dye demonstrates how to "back rivet" metal for a clean, consistent look, and offers suggestions to avoid common mistakes.
This series...
Fast, Flat and Simple
Nearly every kit aircraft will require a large, flat worktable for some part of its construction. Large and flat are the important qualities that...
In Case You Missed It
Pilot Proficiency
If you've spent years building instead of flying, type-specific training before that all-important first flight in your homebuilt is a must.