![SR-1 cowl being integrated with spinner and cooling ducts. The cowl is assembled to itself/to the fuse primarily with countersunk #8 screws. [All images credited to Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1KP.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Custom Cowl Fabrication: Building the SR-1 Composite Cowl")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&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")
Oil Filter Testing
Some aviation oil filters fall short of efficiency standards, but still protect engines—barely. Understand what yours really does.
Denso Alternator Homemade Adaptation
Swapping a Denso alternator into a Lycoming engine? Here’s how one builder tackled pulley design for optimal reliability.
Modifying a Pitot Mast
Drilling a Piper pitot mast for heat proves trickier than expected—alignment is critical to avoid ruining the part.
(Almost) Wordless Workshop
Project steps rarely go in order. These illustrated tips might save you time—and frustration—when things don’t go as planned.
Check the Sump Screen
It is important to check the oil sump screen for contaminants at least once per year.
Fixing Axle Fooly
Flat tires seem to come in clusters. You can go years without getting one, then for some reason, “boom” (actually, more like “psssss”), more flats in a month than a year or years.
Best of Both Worlds
Can we convert a certified aircraft into an Experimental so we can get the freedoms we really want?
Wire You Surprised?
There are three basic methods of marking your wires so that 10 years from now you’ll be able to go back and track down trouble.
IV Tube for Crankcase Ventilation
Recently, my neighbor Ed needed a part to upgrade the installation of his crankcase breather/oil separator kit.
In Case You Missed It
Sequoia Falco: Wings of Desire
Ten years of meticulous workmanship and a daughters dedication combined to result in a stellar example of a Sequoia Falco F.8L. Builder John Shipler enjoyed the fruits of his labor before his health declined, and his daughter Kris has continued to fly and maintain the airplane after his passing.
Ask the DAR
When do service bulletins have the force of law with regard to Experimental/Amateur-Builts?
Ask the DAR
This month DAR Mel Asberry tackles questions about modifying an aircraft and the flight testing required, what should be on a dataplate, and what you need to know about getting an airworthiness certificate after completing a partially built aircraft.
Plug-Gapping Tool
If you read Paul Dye’s article “Automotive Plugs in Lycomings” in the August 2023...