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.
On the Level
A few months back in this very column, I suggested that pilots should keep a “retired” smart phone in their aircraft as an all-in-one...
That’s Shear Nuts
The aircraft bolts we use to build our projects will always be paired with an appropriate nut to complete the mission of holding components...
Consider a Second Look
I would chance a guess that most aircraft kits are primarily built by one person. While some projects are constructed by groups or teams...
The Best Multi-Tool for your Homebuilt
I am going to describe the best multi-tool you can own for your homebuilt aircraft—whether flying or building. In the “old” days, a multi-tool...
Can You Keep It Together?
Part of your aircraft kit-building journey will require you to temporarily fasten various components together. For example, maintaining precise alignment while drilling parts that...
Blind Rivets: Look Closely
Many aircraft kits are designed around the use of blind rivets—also known as pulled rivets or “pop” rivets (POP rivet is a trademarked name)....
Make That Aluminum Shine
If there was a way to make metal parts look even nicer than they looked coming out of your aircraft kit’s shipping box—and the...
What’s the Deal With AN Hardware?
As a new kit builder, you may have wondered about that gold-colored AN hardware that must be used. What’s so special about this grade...
Show Your Sleeves: Silver or Copper?
Nearly every aircraft utilizes metal cables to operate control surfaces like elevators, rudders and ailerons. As a builder, you may be required to fabricate...
Fast, Flat and Simple
Nearly every kit aircraft will require a large, flat worktable for some part of its construction. Large and flat are the important qualities that...
In Case You Missed It
A Tale of Two Kits
What a difference a few years make. Paul Dye discusses the evolution of kits, using the two he built (Van’s RV-8 and RV-3) as examples.
Aero ‘lectrics
Columnist Jim Weir offers his annual awards for the best products or services seen at Oshkosh/AirVenture 2007.
