![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")
Priming Tubes
Sometimes the bear gets you. Sometimes you get the bear. Today, I got the bear.Almost every airplane has a tube or weldment, and often...
Cables and Pulleys
Even though many planes have most of their flight controls actuated by pushrods and bellcranks, for the rest of us cables and pulleys do...
In Case You Missed It
Ask the DAR
When can a project be registered as Experimental? Can a non-complying airplane be registered as an LSA? How is the 51% criterion determined? Answers to these questions come from DAR Mel Asberry.
A Custom Maintenance Manual for a Custom Aircraft
It may not be required, but it's essential for performing thorough inspections.
Dual Time
Its a stool! Its a set of chocks! Its both. Chuck Deiterich shows you how to craft one with PVC pipe, plywood and some hardware.