![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")
Low-Cost Spark Plug Ohm Tester
This handy tester is rugged enough to be stored in your tool tray with your other spark plug tools without fear of damage. It...
Unairworthy: Isolator Mount Problems
Rubber isolator mounts should not have a gap between them and the engine mount when properly torqued.
Antennas According to Jim (Ch. 1)
First, let’s talk about “polarization”; there are three polarizations. The first two are easy.
Easy Blue Plastic Film Removal
A near-zero-effort way to remove the protective blue plastic film from large sheets of aluminum.
Home Shop Machinist: Magnification
A typical day in the shop for me would be unusual if I didn’t use a magnifier at least once.
Unairworthy: Loose Tail Attach Bolt
This is a very critical bolt that attaches the horizontal stabilizer to the fuselage in an aerobatic airplane. The bolt is not tight, and...
In Case You Missed It
Build Your Skills: Fabric
Everyone could use a little sunscreen, and the fabric on a fabric-covered aircraft is no exception. This months installment, the last in the series, discusses pre-paint protection to minimize sun damage. By Ron Alexander.
Freedom to See It Differently
Jeff Van West flight-tests two popular EFISes in a Remos GX LSA, and examines their accuracy, user interface and reliability. After all the stones have been unturned, your choice can be simplified: Are you a Mac or a PC?
Aero ‘lectrics, Strobes – Part 3
In Part 3 of this series about building an aircraft strobe, the author beefs up the project using off-the-shelf parts to provide a brighter, more frequent flash without running down the planes electrical system.
The Dawn Patrol
When one email gets forwarded far and wide, an airport picnic (featuring a surfeit of fried green tomatoes) ends up attracting a mob. But The Dawn Patrol rises to the challenge.