Tips for Creating Model Aeroplanes

Aeroplanes attract the attention of all crazy people like me. We all know there are hundreds of videos about creating model aeroplane on the internet.

• A point to be noted is that creating a model aeroplane is really not as easy as it seems.

Making a model is not the difficult part but making the model fly like a real aeroplane is where most people get stuck. Then the common questions arise -

• Why doesn't my model aeroplane fly ?
• What should I do to make my model aeroplane fly ?

So today I will give you some tips that I am sure will help you in creating a model aeroplane that actually flies.

Step 1 ( Material )

---

Decide the material you will be using to make the model aeroplane -

1. Styrofoam, paper - For indoor flight. Lightweight and slow models.
2. Balsa wood, cardboard - For Outdoor fast flying models.
3. Aluminium or carbon fiber - For super-efficient outdoor sturdy models.

The most commonly used material for making model aeroplanes in balsa wood but in my opinion, we can make very lightweight but sturdy models using styrofoam. These models require less power to fly and hence fly for long distances very efficiently.

              

    Step 2 ( The build )

---

This is the most important part. The way you build your model aeroplane will affect how it will fly to the greatest extent.
Remember -

• The length of the wings should be perfect -  too long will increase the weight of the model whereas very short wings will not be able to produce enough lift to get the aeroplane to fly.
• The fuselage must be extremely sturdy but lightweight. It must hold the shape of the model and prevent any part of the aeroplane from moving unnecessarily.
• The dihedral is very important. It makes the aeroplane stable when in air and prevents in from tipping over to either of the sides.
• No matter how many parts are attached to the model aeroplane, it should be well balanced. That is, The centre of gravity must always be perfectly in the middle of the fuselage. If either of the front or the tail section of the model is overweight it will not fly.
• Similarly you must ensure that both sides of the aeroplane are symmetrical. 

While building the model, attaching all the separate parts, try to keep the structure as simple as possible. Don't complicate the model but building complex and small parts. 

TIP - The lesser the number of parts, better the model aeroplane will fly.

Step 3 ( Designing )

---

This step is where you will give your model aeroplane, the look you desire on it. Feel free to paint the model as you want but make sure you use only one layer of paint. This will reduce the weight of the model aeroplane and help in making it fly for a longer period.

• Take care while adding certain complex parts to the aeroplane. Try to keep the model as simple as possible.

              

     Step 4 ( Trimming )

---

Trimming is very important to make the model aeroplane fly at its best. And to be clear, this is the most tedious and time consuming part. You will require a lot of patience during this stage. At some point it may also feel that the aeroplane will never fly. Its just useless. Well, thats certainly not the case. With the right trimming, I'm sure the aeroplane will soar in the air.

Remember - The moment you finish building the aeroplane, it will not fly as you wish.

• Make sure that the model has smooth surfaces. Avoid any bumps and try to maintain a flat model except for the dihedral which will give stability to the aeroplane.
• The best way to trim a model aeroplane is by taking test flights. Test the model several times to see what actually is going wrong. Then focus on the wrong part and try to fix it. This will take time but do not lose patience.
• Prevent any part of the model from moving from its position but whlie doing this, make sure you do not increase the weight of the model aeroplane.

---

---

I hope this all will help you in building a model aeroplane in a short span of time. Just remember to be patient while building the model and I'm sure the results will be mindblowing.

So go on..............build our own model aeroplane !!!