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DIY RC Aircraft

Building your own radio controlled airplane can be as simple or as complex as you choose to make it. The number of parts in the aircraft plan is the determining factor of the time it will take to complete the project. The enjoyment of flying the finished product will far outweigh any effort that was spent completing the process.

Airplane Plans
- Begin your project by purchasing plans from your local hobby store, searching for them on the Internet or designing your own airplane. Plans that are very simple in construction are more suited for the beginner modeler. The more complicated layouts are preferred by intermediate and advanced radio-control enthusiasts.
Purchasing Supplies
- The materials most commonly used to build radio-controlled airplanes include wood, plastic and foam. Some of the most popular wood used is balsa, poplar and a light plywood. Each of these is lightweight but sturdy. Corrugated, polycarbonate resin thermoplastic and molded polystyrene are the preferred plastics used in constructing planes. Among the foams, PolyNylolene is the strongest and most widely used among builders.
Building the Airplane
- Following the construction plans to the letter is key to successfully completing the project. Plans are a step-by-step process. Finishing each step before starting another will avoid confusion and having to redo work.
Project Completion
- When your project is completed, take your airplane outside and give it a test run to make sure everything is working properly. Making adjustments along the way will ensure hours of entertainment.

Aviation