![SR-1 cowl being integrated with spinner and cooling ducts. The cowl is assembled to itself/to the fuse primarily with countersunk #8 screws. [All images credited to Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1KP.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Custom Cowl Fabrication: Building the SR-1 Composite Cowl")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&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")
Modifying Tools
Building an airplane in the mountains has its downside. The nearest tool store is 45 miles away so, as they say, "necessity is the...
Label Those Wires!
A look behind most homebuilt instrument panels will present a maze of electrical wires. Those wires may be neatly bundled or the view might...
Fiberglass Parts Holder
Photo 1. Fiberglass parts sitting on the hangar floor are easily damaged by wind gusts.Photo 1 shows how I used to deal with...
Home Brew Bucking Bars
I've run into situations many times where a bar with a hole for a die would be so handy. It can be used to...
Control Rod Interference
This was discovered on the initial airworthiness inspection on a Kitfox. No pitch control stops were installed, allowing the full-forward movement of the...
In Case You Missed It
RAFE Celebrates Ten Rutan Designs
This year is the 50th anniversary of the VariEze but because the VariEze changed the landscape of homebuilt aircraft, this year is what Burt Rutan likes to call the “composite canard revolution”!
Buying Used: GlaStar
Comprehensive guide to purchasing a used GlaStar, detailing design, engine options, performance, and buyer considerations.