![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")
Drill Guide for Canard Install
Neighbor Phil Hooper's Velocity RG project is making serious progress. With the installation of the canard, it's now almost a complete airplane (sans engine,...
Non-Marring Fluting Pliers
Are your fluting pliers leaving scratches in the aluminum? Here's an easy and quick fix. Cut three pieces of shrink-wrap. Place one on each...
Build A Spark Plug Resistance Tester
Checking resistance is an important part of plug maintenance. By Michel Suire.
Material Matters-Aluminum
Aluminum is usually marked by the manufacturer to indicate the alloy and temper. The markings may also include the lot number and the...
In Case You Missed It
Precious Metal
My wedding might not make it into Vogue, but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t make it into KITPLANES!
Repetition
Repetition is a big part of building an airplane. Fortunately, for many builders, it is also good for the soul.
Fixing Axle Fooly
Flat tires seem to come in clusters. You can go years without getting one, then for some reason, “boom” (actually, more like “psssss”), more flats in a month than a year or years.
RANS S-7S Courier
Marc Cook pilots the new RANS S-7S and finds many improvements, from increased fuel and storage capacity to a simplified aileron-control system that makes handling better than ever.