![SR-1 cowl being integrated with spinner and cooling ducts. The cowl is assembled to itself/to the fuse primarily with countersunk #8 screws. [All images credited to Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/1KP.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Custom Cowl Fabrication: Building the SR-1 Composite Cowl")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&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")
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir responds to a reader request to find a way to make any cell phone turn on an electrical device.
Aero ‘lectrics
This month, Jim Weir describes how to create an LED strip with any three colors and offers a brief lesson on human optics too.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir explains how LED strip lighting works and explores the ways in which it can be used in your homebuilt or your shop.
Aero ‘lectrics
An increasing number of pilots are turning to iPad and Android apps for use in the cockpit. Jim Weir takes an in-depth look at one of the more popular ones: ForeFlight.
Aero’ Lectrics
From outlet convertors to button switches and parts to make your own temperature sensor, Jim Weir gives an overview of his favorite electronics sources and what’s available to make the heart of your inner geek beat a little faster.
Aero ‘lectrics
The FAA provides a wealth of user-friendly information on its web site. Jim Weir takes us on a tour of the highlights.
Aero ‘lectrics
Break out your laptops, iPhones and iPads. There is a new batch of apps and other software that can help pilots chart their course when traveling cross-country.
In Case You Missed It
VHF Com–the Good, the Bad, the Ugly
With a panel full of glass and diodes turned into all the colors of...
![sideview shows the Better Half with the full VW case. [Credit: Legal Eagle Airplane]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Milholland-V-Twin_Side-View.jpg?w=324&h=160&crop=1 "Better Half VW")
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir offers a solution for how to regain reception when your rubber ducky antenna fails.
Mike and Laura Starkey’s RANS S-21: Part 12
We have finally arrived at the “last 10%” of our RANS S-21 Outbound build—our...