FLITE TEST FOAM AIRPLANES
For those who want to build and fly RC airplanes, the introduction of foam airplanes has taken much of the cost and fear out of the equation. No longer does a violent crash result in shattered balsa wood and a year to rebuild. And when a small company called Flite Test started offering free plans to download it made it possible to enjoy building airplanes using $1 foam board (Though upgraded waterproof foam board is recommended). This opened the door to thousands of new RC pilots and airplane builders, including students in my technology classes. Full disclosure: I am not an experienced or expert RC pilot, but wanted to track the airplanes I build and offer feedback on each kit.
If I can do it, you can do it!
DIY airplanes found at flitetest.com are divided into "MINI" and "STANDARD" sizes. I plan to build the single engine airplanes first, as they (mostly) use the same electronics. For those wanting to build along with me, or build one, you will also need the following electronics and items (most of which can be purchased in complete "power packs"):
If I can do it, you can do it!
DIY airplanes found at flitetest.com are divided into "MINI" and "STANDARD" sizes. I plan to build the single engine airplanes first, as they (mostly) use the same electronics. For those wanting to build along with me, or build one, you will also need the following electronics and items (most of which can be purchased in complete "power packs"):
- Transmitter
- Receiver
- Speed control
- servos
- LiPo battery
- LiPo battery charger
- Propellers
- Motor
- Push rods
MINI AIRPLANES
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Mini Tiny Trainer
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Video Instructions Build difficulty: 2/5 Flight difficulty: Comments: |
Mini Mustang
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Video Instructions Build difficulty: 3/5 Flight difficulty: 4/5 Comments: I may have had the elevators backwards as it crashed right away. Haven't flown it since. But it is hanging up in my classroom! :) |
Mini Biplane
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Mini Sparrow
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Video Instructions Build difficulty: 2/5 Flight difficulty: Power Pack: A Comments: This is a "pusher" with the motor in the back pushing the plane forward. The real advantage of this is that hard landings and crashes won't likely damage the propeller! It's a fun and easy build and you can see how it got its name. Controls are on the tail, and only elevators for simple up/down - left/right. Had to put weight and the battery in the nose to get it balanced. 1st flight - Nose heavy? 3 launches until prop mount broke off. Re-watched the video and realized that the elevators should move up and down together, but go in opposite directions when turning. Just like normal elevators! A rookie move. So the nose heaviness may not be an issue with elevators that work. Also, enlarged the tail skid so it sits lower then the prop so prop should never touch the ground, which is what caused the mount to break free. |
Mini Arrow
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Video Instructions Build difficulty: Flight difficulty: Comments: |
Mini Triplane
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