Jon Croke
As the founder of HomebuiltHELP.com, Jon Croke has produced instructional videos for Experimental aircraft builders for over 10 years. He has built (and helped others build) over a dozen kit aircraft of all makes and models. Jon is a private pilot and currently owns and flies a Zenith Cruzer.
ULPower Tempts Builders With “Shirts for a Snap” Micro Event
Mid-day Saturday found a small frenzy around the ULPower Engines booth.
Sun ‘n Fun 2024: First Impressions
Some quick, but candid impressions from my first day at the Sun ‘n Fun air show in Lakeland, Florida.
Scratch Build a Kit?
I want to present a strategy and method to get a few more prospective airplane builders off the fence and into the workshop. This...
Will That Be Paint or Powder?
There are two popular options for builders to consider for covering steel components.
How Fast Is a Speed Nut?
A “speed nut” is a somewhat generic term that is occasionally used for a one-piece spring steel fastener that we can use in our...
Countersinking for a Flush Fastener Fit
In last month’s column, we talked about the procedures needed for installing flush rivets and screws in our kit aircraft projects. As builders we...
Dimpling for Beauty and Speed
Each time you install a fastener on your airplane kit, consider whether the head of that fastener (rivet or screw) should protrude above the...
Don’t Get Bent Out of Shape With These Pliers
As a builder of a metal aircraft kit, you no doubt have heard the term “fluting” and fluting pliers. Let’s examine fluting pliers and...
In Case You Missed It
Back Riveting Universal Rivets
We've all had one of those parts to rivet. The squeezer won't fit,...
Unusual Attitude
RV builder Kathleen Evans makes a case for airplane building as a true partnership between spouses based on mutual interest and respect.