![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")
RV Quick Stick
I live in a pretty cool neighborhood, which happens to include a couple of locals who are building airplane projects in their garages. In...
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
Firewall Forward: Baffling
In the final installment of KITPLANES Firewall Forward, editor at large Paul Dye takes...
Design Process: Slots and Slats
Opening a properly shaped slot between the lower and upper surface of the wing...
First Timer’s AirVenture Arrival
How busy is the Oshkosh arrival? Ride along for a portion of columnist Ariana...
How To Sell Your Homebuilt Aircraft
Helpful tips for setting the price, finding a buyer, showing your plane, and protecting yourself from risk.