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How to Make Homemade RC Wing Flap Hinges

Radio-controlled aircraft use the same moveable control pieces found on regular aircraft. Ailerons, rudders and flaps are part of the RC airplane, giving it yaw, pitch and roll. Like real-life aircraft, RC airplanes need a hinge to allow these crucial parts the needed flex and movement. Wing flap hinges are available commercially, but you can make them at home with bulk RC iron-on hinge material.

Things You'll Need

RC aircraft iron-on hinge covering
Hobby heat gun
Scalpel
RC aircraft epoxy

Instructions

- 1
  Unroll the bulk iron-on material on a workbench. Measure out three 1-by-1/2-inch strips of the material. Cut them out.
- 2
  Turn the strips over to the glue side of the material. The aircraft iron-on material has glue on one side that is heat activated.
- 3
  Overlay the three strips by 1/2-inch per strip, making one large hinge. Turn on the heat gun. Apply heat to the strips so the glue warms and then sets, securing the three together.
- 4
  Push the hinge between the wing flap and the wing. Keep the glue side up against the surface of the flap and wing and apply heat to set the hinge to the airplane.
- 5
  Trim the excess material with a scalpel after it cools. Go slow to get precise cuts.

Aviation