![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")
Aero ‘lectrics
Documenting the changes you make to your airplanes electrical system is tedious work-but vital. Jim Weir takes a look at the software available to help you keep track of upgrades and mods.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir takes a look at low-cost and free CAD software available to help you document modifications you've made to your aircraft.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir takes a look at the performance of a DIY ground-plane antenna versus a factory-built rubber duckie on a handheld GPS receiver.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir offers a solution for how to regain reception when your rubber ducky antenna fails.
Aero ‘lectrics
Proper sizing and selection of the wire that goes into an aircraft can have a profound effect on the efficacy of the installation.
Aero ‘lectrics
Transistors don't like excessive heat, but there's a way to beat it: an engineered heat sink.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir describes some close encounters with power regulators of the plastic and metal-can kind.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir presses the venerable LM317 variable voltage regulator (plus a few other parts) into service as a way to juice up a discharged battery.
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Safety Is No Accident: Fatality Rates for Homebuilt Aircraft
The accident fatality rate for homebuilt aircraft is higher than the GA rate, but why?
