Canopy Done—For Now: F1 Project Progresses
With the canopy fitted and systems checked, our F1 project moves closer to mounting the engine and firewall-forward work.
Flexible Canopy Fasteners
Flexible mounts help prevent canopy cracks caused by thermal expansion and contraction.
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Easy Egress Handle
Add an easy-egress handle to your canopy with a simple drawer pull and heat-shrink tubing—quick, stylish, and builder-approved.
Replacing Studs When Switching to P-Mags
Switching to P-Mags? Here's how to easily replace overly long engine studs when removing impulse coupler spacers for electronic ignition upgrades.
Old Fiberglass Parts—Good as New
Fitting the RV-1’s fiberglass tail tips highlights the art behind careful craftsmanship—flanges, filler, and all.
Gelato Aids Aircraft Construction
Talenti gelato containers help organize fasteners in EAA Chapter 534’s hangar—plus, there’s dessert involved.
Close Quarters Fuel Pump
When building from older kits or plans, visiting other builders can reveal ingenious solutions, saving valuable time and trouble.
Wrenching with Friends
A few days in the shop with KITPLANES Senior Editor Tom Wilson refreshing an IO-540 engine makes the job enjoyable.
Multi-Use Water
When folks come to visit in our shop, we try to remember to offer them a bottle of water, especially in the summer. Most...
Fiberglass Magic: A Better-Fitting Rear Seat Back
How to use fiberglass magic for a better-fitting RV-type rear seatback—stronger, snugger, and finished with a satisfying “clunk.”
In Case You Missed It
Van’s RV-12
In typical fashion, Van’s Aircraft refused to rest on its laurels after the RV-12’s prototype debut last year, and sought to improve on an already good design. The new production airplane has changed (beyond its color), with a castering nosewheel, toe brakes instead of a grip, reshaped control sticks for better clearance, ground-adjustable seats fore and aft as well as in tilt, and the list goes on. Best of all, this day/VFR machine is still a delight to fly; by Ed Kolano.
Design Process: Aileron Types
The size and planform of the ailerons are set by the roll-control power needed...
Fuel Pump Replacement
I was climbing out from my home base airport in Chino, California. I noticed...