![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")
Labeling
As builders, we often have a pile of parts to turn into something resembling a flying machine. The pile often contains dozens of similar,...
Drill Straight!
We've finished up the left spar for our Xenos motor glider, and that means starting what seems like a whole new airplane project to...
Dry Tappet Clearance
A flat (standard) tappet disassembled into its various parts. Note that the tappet body (shown on right) cannot be removed without splitting the...
In Case You Missed It
Weight, For the Right One
Classified ads for flying homebuilts boast of the meticulous workmanship and maintenance. The engine...
Tools for Homebuilders, Part 1
Terry Edwards covers some of the less-often discussed aspects of homebuilding, from the decision-making processes, to the best sources for assistance to choosing a project director (and deciding if you need one).