How to & Builder Tips

Ever wonder how to make a certain part with fiberglass or sheet metal? Or fix an oil leak? These tips can guide you and reduce the amount of head-scratching.

GlaStar pulley

GlaStar Control Cable & Control Stick Installation Tips

Pulley spacers: Cut spacers (from 3/8" tubing) to put in between the pulley guards(and over the AN3-17 bolt) on the front pulley group. For...
Andair fuel valve in GlaStar

GlaStar Fuel System Tips

Fitting fuel tanks: When fitting the fuel tanks into the wings, the spar spacing at the upper wing surface tends to spread apart when...
Lempicke header tank

Tom Lempicke’s Aluminum Fuel Header Tank for the GlaStar

This tip was submitted by Tom Lempicke. Modifications to the fuel system can lead to serious consequences, so be sure you know exactly what...
Low corners on the sides of the instrument panel enhance visibility, but the center column could impede access and reduce leg comfort. Photo: Peter Braswell.

GlaStar Systems Installation Tips

Flap handle detent notches: Trial-fit flap detent notches in the flap actuator lever between the seats prior to chroming. I had to widen my aft-most...
GlaStar N40VX. Photo: Steve Nation.

GlaStar Horizontal Stabilizer Angle of Attack

I flew with Al Sibley in his GlaStar, N40VX. We took some measurements to see how the elevator on his airplane faired with the...
clunis-anti-ice-pitot

Pitot System Tips

Heated pitot drain: I installed the system per the plans. The drain valve in a push-to-drain device. It is mounted just below the left-rear...
karanges-rudder-pedals

GlaStar Rudder System Installation Tips

Installation of the rudder pedal assemblies: The S-H manual instructs you to position one set of pedals, lock it into position, and install the...

GlaStar Tail Wheel Fitting Tip

For those of you using the tail wheel option, having just attempted to fit this, be aware that the instructions in the manual, Steps 90...
GlaStar electric trim installation

GlaStar Electric Elevator Trim

The major benefit electric trim gives in my opinion (if you put the switch on the stick) is that it keeps the main flight...
O-360, fixed pitch, Van's induction system and baffling. Photo: Martin Baumer

GlaStar Air Induction Tips

Air induction placement: Place your air induction NACA scoop on the lower left side of the cowling. In tuft testing, this area had straight...