![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")
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...
In Case You Missed It
All About Avionics
Having worked with a variety of products from various manufacturers, author Stein Bruch has a lot of wisdom on the ins and outs of electronic flight instrument systems (EFISes) for homebuilts. He dispenses those smarts here, and offers tips on what to consider when making this important avionics decision, including such items as compatibility, reliability, value and ease of installation.
Plexiglas Play
The advantages of Plexiglas are many, but there are some important things to know about working with it and maintaining it.
No Backshell and No Screw
I hate seeing D-sub connectors not supported or fastened correctly, as the wires will...