![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")
Make Your Aircraft Look Fantastic!
Who doesn't want their homebuilt aircraft to look like a million bucks?
Cleco Pads
I recently painted the glareshield section of the top forward fuselage skin before gluing the canopy. Lots of work was invested, and I...
Fine Line Paint Masking
Masking curved lines can be an exercise in frustration. Most tape will not bend without forming a crease. Multiple strips don't work because...
In Case You Missed It
Turbine Temptation: Wiring, Avionics and Plumbing
The systems are simple but space is tight, so plan ahead.
Wind Tunnel
Yaw rarely occurs without rolling, and roll rarely occurs without yawing. This month Barnaby Wainfan discusses coupled motion, including adverse yaw, the spiral mode and Dutch roll.
Around the Patch
Editor-in-Chief Marc Cook highlights an intriguing product that caught his eye at AirVenture Oshkosh 2007, and he reiterates the difficulty of bringing new engines to market.