![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")
Watch Those Sharp Edges
Grommets and bushings provide simple, inexpensive protection from sharp edges of all kinds.
Sometimes neglecting small details can bite us on the backside when...
Cowl Paint Protector Bib
The top photo shows a "bib" I fabricated out of a shower pan liner. I found this material at a home center box store....
Home Shop Machinist
Conrad Norquist shows how the 6061 tubes supplied with Airdrome Aeroplanes kits are easily bent using wood templatesMechanics from aviation's golden age did...
DIY Firewall Penetration
Properly seal the firewall penetrations to keep fumes from entering the aircraft cabin.
In Case You Missed It
2012 Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide
The 2012 Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide includes 49 designs for those who may be interested in building a kit helicopter or gyroplane.
