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.

Cheap Paint Booth Lessons

We got to the point on our other project—a TEAM Airbike— where we were ready to shoot it. We're using the Polyfiber (Stilts) system....

The Zen of Riveting

Most amateur builders think that riveting is just "plain riveting." You put the rivet in the hole, press the rivet against the metal with...

White Powders of Fiberglass Construction

Every Glasair and GlaStar kit contains plastic bags of the white powders (guaranteed to raise the suspicions of any DEA agent!) that we know...
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...
GlaStar right door

GlaStar Door Installation Tips

Door warpage: It sounds like you have encountered a door fit problem which we have encountered on many Glastars as well. What we have...
nutplate

Nutplate Installation

Dimpling nut plates: It can be difficult to dimple the nut plates. One of our A&Ps came up with a trick for not dimpling the...
glastar firewall assembly drawing

GlaStar Firewall Installation Tips

Firewall installation: Install engine and all engine plumbing/wiring prior to installation of firewall. Carefully measure where holes should go, then drill firewall holes, install...
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...
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...

Cake Frosting Applicator for Applying Resin/Mill Fiber Mix Warning

I recently heard a great suggestion for applying the resin/mill fiber mixture to the rib and spar tops of wings, stabilizers, rudders, etc. The...