![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")
DIY Firewall Penetration
Properly seal the firewall penetrations to keep fumes from entering the aircraft cabin.
Parallels, Stops, and Travel Limiters
Although the title might suggest it, this is not about parallel parking, speeding tickets, or driving of any kind.
Hazed Lens
Kind of hard to see any nav light or strobe light through this lens! The culprit was the failed strobe bulb, but the real...
Replacing Fuel and Oil Lines
It is a good idea to cap off the old lines and fittings as you remove each hose to avoid making a big...
Leaking Gascolator
This was a very dangerous discovery—the gascolator had a very pronounced dripping leak, and it was right above the exhaust stack inside the...
In Case You Missed It
Unlimited Oil Cooling
Building a carbon fiber cooling duct for Czech Mate, the Unlimited class pylon racer.
Matching a Tailwheel to the Terrain
The right tailwheel can keep you out of trouble in the backcountry.
Drilling a Straight Hole in Aluminum.
One of the fundamental skills a builder needs to develop on just about any...
Bearhawk Duo in the Land of the Long White Cloud
Jonathan Battson and Lars Fellman build the first two 4-Place Bearhawks in New Zealand.