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How to Make an RC Airplane

Radio control, or RC, model airplanes come in three experience levels -- hard, harder and hardest. The key is to start with a simple kit so you get a grasp of the fundamentals. You must build a plane that is aerodynamically sound, then use the radio control to fly it smoothly. You are both builder and pilot. After you have mastered progressively more complex kits, you can graduate to plans that have you building your own plane from scratch. Once you have mastered that, you may want to make your own unique designs.

Things You'll Need

RC plane model kit
Screwdriver set
Craft knife
Sanding block
Glue
Paint
Paintbrushes

Instructions

- 1
  Look through various RC airplane kits, then choose one that appeals to you and is suited to your level of experience. If you start a model that is too complex, it is easy to get frustrated. Your first plane should primarily help you get acquainted with principles of aerodynamics so you can build planes that will fly well.
- 2
  Set aside a work area spacious enough for all the parts and tools you need. A work area the size of the surface of a picnic table will be sufficient. Make sure it is in a well-ventilated area because you will use glue and paint.
- 3
  Read the instructions of the kit before you begin. Lay out all the parts as you do this and check to make sure you have all the parts. After that, read the instructions through completely once more. This will help you avoid error.
- 4
  Follow the procedures in your kit slowly, deliberately and in the proper sequence. You are not just building a good-looking model, but a plane that will fly. With each part that must be glued, give the piece a little time to set before you move on to the next step.
- 5
  Let the plane sit a full day after you are finished with assembly to allow the glue to harden. Use the sanding block to gently smooth out any rough corners and get rid of any glue globs. You can use the sanding block to gently buff out the full plane before you paint it.
- 6
  Paint the plane according to recommendations with the kit or in your own design. If you choose to do your own design, try the color scheme on some drawings first or on a computer program so you can get a good idea of how the final design will look. Let each coat of paint dry before painting a design on top of it. Let the plane sit another day so the paint completely dries before taking it out to fly.
- 7
  Take the plane out for its first run. Bring the manual along with you to help you trouble-shoot any initial problems.

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