![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")
Oil Pressure Problems
Oil pressure is always a concern to anyone who flies a powered plane. Everyone knows that if your oil pressure drops to zero, your...
Hold-downs
A typical milling machine hold-down kit consists of various size blocks, hold-downs, and threaded rods, plus an assortment of T-nuts, flange nuts, and...
Paint Masking
We've all seen those commercials for painter's tape. They make masking look so easy, but it seems every time I use the stuff, it...
Three to Get Ready
"…Now go cat, go…But don't you…Step on my Blue Suede Shoes." Elvis was singing this in 1957, and yes, I convinced my mom that...
Using a Volt-Ohm Meter
Because of their extremely low operating current, digital multimeters do not do a good job of measuring resistance in the field circuit of...
In Case You Missed It
Near the Finish Line
When your plane is almost completed, its time to shop for insurance. By Shanna Linton and Jennifer Cummins.
It’s a Cub Thing
With a bigger engine and lighter airframe, CubCrafters’ Carbon Cub EX kit aircraft takes the Cub experience to a higher plane. By Marc Cook.
Design Process: Span and Aspect Ratio
At this point in the design process we have determined the wing area. The...