![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-4-534x462.jpg "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-2-265x198.jpg "Think Like A Builder")
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.
A Baker’s Dozen
Vic shares his decision process for both choosing another RV-10 as well as choosing some of the “upgrades.”
Buying an Unfinished Project
There are plenty of things to look out for before committing to an unknown collection of parts and pieces from another fellow builder.
In Case You Missed It
Down to Earth
You like to think that once you're finished building, those deliriously long cross-country flights you've been craving are near at hand. Enter the DAR, who may or may not agree with that premise. Columnist Amy Laboda and her husband were just such eager beavers, but they soon learned (somewhat reluctantly) that there's value in listening to the voice of experience.
Product Review: Lightspeed Headset
With Bose and LightSpeed competing neck and neck (ear to ear?) in the ANR headset arena, author Jack Cowell does a side-by-side comparison to see which model excels.
Aircraft Handling: What’s It Mean To You?
Two seasoned test pilots, Chuck Berthe and Ed Wischmeyer, discuss their favorite aircraft and the traits that make the aircraft endearing. They also offer a brief history of aircraft design, and discuss the payoffs and compromises inherent in any design effort. Some of their selections are surprising. a Staff Report.
What Is My Instrument Panel Going to Cost?
A look at several options and what goes into the final price.