Introduction: How to Make a RC Trainer Airplane

About: Everything starts with your First Creation : D

After my second model, the DHC-2-Beaver which was a huge hit, I thought why not make another model that is just for beginners in RC Aeromodelling, which looks beautiful, and is simple to build? I think this Trainer model is stunning and flies much better than the previous airplanes, Also I think it is perfect for those flyers who like to fly slowly and steadily. I searched the web for inspiration and decided to make my plans with a few minor changes.


Please feel free to check out my previous Instructables RC DHC Beaver to get a basic understanding of the electronics and their installation.

Step 1: Materials Required

For the Model -

For the Electronics -

  • RC Transmitter & Receiver
  • RC Brushless motor
  • lipopolymer battery 2200 mAh
  • Digital servos
  • ESC ( Electronic speed controller )
  • Servos extension and Y harness extensions
  • 1045 propeller


Step 2: Design & Schematic's

  • Here are the plans for the plane I designed; simply copy the parts onto a foam sheet and cut them out with a cutter.
  • The schematics contain dimensions and other information.

Step 3: The Fuselage

  • Refer to the design and schematics when building the fuselage.
  • Copy all of the fuselage parts onto foam board and cut them out with the cutter.
  • Now, for the fuselage structure, we will create an internal strength structure and divide the fuselage into three compartments, as shown in the images above.
  • Once we've completed the landing gear assembly, we'll apply another layer of foam to the fuselage bottom.


Step 4: The Tail

  • We'll now assemble the fuselage and stabilizers.
  • Make a cut at the end of the fuselage to accommodate the horizontal stabilizer.
  • Repeat the process with the vertical stabilizer. Insert the vertical stab after making a horizontal cut in the middle.
  • The horizontal and vertical stabilizers should now be glued to the tale section.

Step 5: The Wing

  • This is the most important section because it determines your airplane's characteristics.
  • To make the wing, take a thin steel rod and some foam strips and glue them to the dot lines image1.
  • Heat the wing and fold it along the dark line shown in image 1.
  • We'll make two 30-cm partial cuts on each end of the wing, make V cuts, and use packaging tape as hinges so the ailerons can move in both directions.

Step 6: The Landing Gear

  • To make the landing gear assembly bend the metal wire and attach the wheels using washers and nuts.
  • You can make this part using various methods and your own ideas because there are numerous ways to make landing gear.
  • Attach it to the plywood and glue it to the fuselage once completed.

Step 7: The Motor Mount

  • For the motor mount, place the motor on the plywood piece and stick it at the leading edge, keeping in mind that the motor should be facing downwards; because the angle matters, the push will generate downwards, allowing the lift to be created.
  • Now Glue the motor mount in front of the fuselage with a glue gun and cover it with packaging tape.

Step 8: The Electronics

  • Whenever it comes to electronics, you should make careful choices because they will determine how well your plane performs.
  • For the brushless motor, I recommend Sunnysky because their motors are more efficient than the others.
  • I recommend AVIAN ESC or E-flite ESC for the ESC because they are smarter and work more efficiently.
  • I recommend Spektrum smart batteries for lipo batteries because they provide more flight time.
  • 10g or 20g digital servos are ideal for servos.
  • I would recommend the Spektrum NX8 as a transmitter and receiver because it has many features.
  • To install the control surfaces, we must first install the servos and control horns on the rudder, elevator, and aileron.

Step 9: The Maiden Flight

  • We're nearly there; all that remains is to foam-coat the bottom and top of the fuselage and to design a removable top portion for the front compartment, which will house the battery.
  • Before the fight, make sure that all of the control surfaces are operational.
  • Before taking off, check the plane's CG.
  • Check that all of your electronics are in working order.
  • We're ready to install the propeller and take our maiden flight.


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