How to Build RC Aircraft

INSTRUCTIONS

• 1

  While gearing up to build your RC aircraft, why not practice your modeling techniques by building replicas of few planes that interest you? Revell models are widely available and are some of the best; check their website (reference below) to see what's available and visit a local hobby store to collect many choices. Building an airplane model will teach you about the parts of an airplane and introduce you to modeling tools, paints, decals, and techniques.

• 2

  While you're in the hobby aisle, pick up a couple of rubber-band powered balsa wood aircraft for a quick-and-easy introduction to flight. Experiment with your model to learn basic aerodynamics. What happens if you add weight to the nose or tail, or move the wing forward, or change the angle of the rudder? The same principles apply to flying your RC model.

• 3

  Gain some RC flying experience with a Ready to Fly (RTF) airplane. RTF planes are already assembled, and by choosing an electric model, you can dispense with gas motor complications and concentrate on learning to fly. There are many reputable dealers. Search the Internet for "RTF RC electric airplanes."

• 4

  Next stop: an "Almost Ready to Fly" (ARF). An ARF airplane comes with pre-built main sections like wings and fuselage, simplifying the building process. You should be able to assemble an ARF plane, including your engine, radio, and landing gear, in about 15 to 20 hours. This might also be the stage where you experiment with switching from an electric power system to a gas-powered ("nitro") plane.

• 5

  Feeling comfortable with your skills in the air? Graduate to building your own RC model plane--from scratch. Flying Models has a few free plans to get you started, or search the Internet for "RC airplane plans."