![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: Driving and Squeezing Countersunk Rivets
Paul Dye explains how to both drive and squeeze flush rivets and offers handy tips to getting good, repeatable results.
Listen To the Engine
This month’s column is the start of a new series based upon feedback from KITPLANES® subscribers who said they missed my contributions. Thankfully, Marc...
Are Your Wings in the Right Spot?
If you haven’t yet decided on whether to pick a high- or low-wing aircraft kit to build, you might wonder how other builders have...
Metal Magic: Dimpling and Countersinking
Before you can start driving countersunk rivets, you need to know how to dimple or countersink aluminum.
Poka-Yoke Cable Clamp
From a machinist’s point of view, the clamp couldn’t be simpler: A couple of grooves, some bolt holes and you’re done.
Unlabeled Controls
It is a requirement that the engine controls are labeled as to their function and operation. In this case, labeling the blue knob “Prop—Push...
Metal Magic: Driven Rivets
An introduction to driving round-head rivets with a rivet gun and bucking bar, the staple skill needed for building a metal airplane.
Why You Should Do Engine Oil Analysis
Engine oil analysis for aircraft is an essential element of long-term powerplant health, for both Experimental and certified aircraft. KITPLANES' Marc Cook shows how...
500-hour Inspection vs. Overhaul
About every 500 hours, your magnetos need to be inspected and repaired as needed (IRAN) to keep them performing well. Some of this work...
In Case You Missed It
Classic Caretaker
Easy to build, easy to fly...and affordable too. No wonder the Fly Baby remains popular decades after the prototype debuted.
