Metal Magic: Drilling Like a Pro
It pays to get good with drilling because you'll be doing a lot of it.
Metal Magic: Tools
In this episode of our video series, Paul Dye describes some of the common tools a builder of a metal airplane will use.
This series...
Keeping It Simple and Affordable
The freedom to roll your own electrical system means you can make things very simple or very complex as desired.
Clean Oil Makes for a Happy Engine
You can do two things that will extend your engine’s life more than any others: Fly your airplane regularly and change your oil as...
Cylinder Hones and Honing
Honing and lapping are similar inasmuch as both employ abrasive action to remove metal and refine the finish of the surface that’s being honed...
Metal Magic: Shop Safety
In the first episode of the new KITPLANES Metal Magic video series, our host Paul Dye, multi-time builder and former NASA Flight Director, takes...
Makin’ PC Boards
Looking back at projects in prior issues of KITPLANES®, I realize I’ve given you a lot of good ideas for circuits without telling you...
Clearly the Same?
There are two materials that are commonly used for homebuilt windshields and windows: Lexan and Plexiglas.
Where’s the Throttle?
Engine controls, and all other controls in the cockpit, should be labeled as to function and direction. It is standard practice to use black...
1990 and 2006 Redux
Way back in 1990, when I had brown hair and was a wee lad of 47, I did one of my first KITPLANES® articles...
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.
Metal Magic: Cutting and Shaping Angle Aluminum
In another segment of KITPLANES' Metal Magic series, editor at large Paul Dye shows...
Aero ‘lectrics
Columnist Jim Weir puts two, two, two LED lights in one hole, angled to ensure the maximum nav light visibility in any direction. He explains how to put the system together and explains why heat matters.