Bad Indication or a Real Problem?
How many of us have seen an unusual engine temp/parameter indication and wondered if it was really the engine or a faulty reading? The...
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...
iPad Chiller
Just about every pilot I know uses an iPad or Android tablet with ForeFlight, Garmin Pilot or WingX software. In most cases it’s their...
What You Should Know About Screwdrivers
Screwdrivers come in many shapes and sizes. Wikipedia lists some 42 different types of screwdriver tips—from the common to the almost unheard-of. Here we...
Metal Magic: Cutting and Shaping Angle Aluminum
In another segment of KITPLANES' Metal Magic series, editor at large Paul Dye shows you how to accurately cut and artfully shape even large...
Cracked Exhaust
Exhaust cracks can be insidious, although sometimes they leave a gray-looking residue. Use a bright flashlight and inspect them every time the cowling is...
Progress Report: Bits and Pieces of HOG
OK, so we’ve got that 100-watt solar panel firmly bolted to the hangar roof. Let’s take the other pieces that we have to have...
Metal Magic: How To Back Rivet
Master aircraft builder Paul Dye demonstrates how to "back rivet" metal for a clean, consistent look, and offers suggestions to avoid common mistakes.
This series...
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
Ask the DAR
Mel Asberry clarifies the requirements for a builders log. The bottom line? The requirements are minimal: It should show that you actually built the aircraft, but its helpful to show as much detail as you can. And make sure you're in the photos, doing the work.
On Safari
Builder Rick Reese applies state-of-the-art quality assurance techniques to the building of his exceptional Safari helicopter. By Mary Bernard.