Build and Fly Your Own RC Model Airplane from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Build an rc airplane from scratch
Learn to prepare the model aircraft for it's flight

You'll fly your own creation

Build an rc airplane from scratch
Learn to prepare the model aircraft for it's flight
You'll fly your own creation

Syllabus

Getting ready.

Introduction to the course.

Read some resources that I recommend if you want to learn more about how an airplane flies. And download the plans.

Learn the basic controls of an airplane.

Test your knowledge about the control surfaces of an airplane and how they affect its flight.

Let's get the tools and materials we'll need for this project. Also, download the plans of the model we'll build.

An important step you need to know to make your airplane controlable.

Refresh the knowledge of the things you just learned.

Here's the entire build process of the model airplane called Joytrainer mini, there are many similar designs that you can make with foam.

I'm going to show you how to make all the radio programming and what each of the settings means and does to the airplane, any radio with Open TX firmware will be the same steps or at least really similar, I'll also show you to do the entire process with a FlySky i6 radio, a cheaper alternative. If you have any other brand don't worry, because the steps are similar, and the settings should be called the same, the only difference is the menu system of each firmware, some other great radio brands are: Futaba, Spektrum, Hitec, Frsky, Radiomaster, jeti. But sure there are many more.

Test your knowledge.

All the critical stuff you need to know is condensed in this video to make the Joytrainer mini fly.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides plans for the Joytrainer mini, which can be adapted to build other RC airplane designs using foam, allowing for experimentation and customization

Explains how to connect the electronics and set up the radio software, which are essential skills for operating RC aircraft safely and effectively

Uses the Taranis X9D plus and Flysky i6 as examples, but the radio programming principles can be applied to other brands like Futaba and Spektrum

Requires specific tools and materials for building the RC airplane, which may require additional investment beyond the course itself

Includes a flight lesson in an RC simulator, which allows learners to practice flying skills in a safe and controlled environment before flying the real model

Reviews summary

Build and fly rc airplane

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to build and fly their first RC model airplane from scratch. Many appreciate the detailed build process and the clear explanations for electronic setup. Students highlight the satisfaction of flying their own creation. While generally well-received, some reviewers note that obtaining materials can be a challenge depending on location and that the first flight can be tricky, requiring practice often gained through the included simulator lesson. The course focuses on a specific model but teaches principles applicable to other foam designs.

Finding materials can require effort depending on location.

"Finding the specific types of foam and components mentioned took some searching locally."

"Had to order some parts online because they weren't available at my usual hobby shop."

"While the course lists materials, acquiring them can be a hurdle depending on where you live."

Well-suited for those new to building and flying RC planes.

"As someone with zero experience, I found this course approachable and not overwhelming."

"Great introduction to the world of RC planes for absolute beginners."

"Breaks down complex steps into simple, manageable tasks for a first-time builder."

"The course assumes no prior knowledge of RC aircraft."

Successfully building and flying is a major highlight.

"There's nothing like seeing your own build take to the sky!"

"The feeling of accomplishment after the first successful flight was amazing."

"Flying my own creation was the most rewarding part of this course."

"The course delivers on its promise to get you flying your build."

Clear guidance on wiring and configuring radio systems.

"Connecting the electronics was surprisingly simple thanks to the clear instructions."

"The section on radio programming for Taranis and Flysky radios was very useful."

"Learned exactly how to bind the radio and receiver and set up the controls."

"The explanation of settings like dual rates and expo was easy to grasp."

Comprehensive step-by-step instructions are provided.

"The video showing the entire build process was incredibly helpful and easy to follow."

"I really appreciated the step-by-step guide to building the plane from raw materials."

"The main build video is excellent, covering everything needed to construct the aircraft."

"The instructions for cutting and assembling the foam parts were very clear."

Learning to fly requires practice and can be difficult initially.

"My first flight was a bit chaotic, definitely needed more practice."

"The simulator lesson is crucial because flying the real thing is harder than it looks."

"It takes a few tries to get the hang of controlling the plane, especially trimming."

"Don't expect to be an ace pilot after the first attempt; practice is key."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Build and Fly Your Own RC Model Airplane with these activities:

Review Basic Aerodynamics

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Reinforce your understanding of the fundamental principles that govern how airplanes fly. A solid grasp of aerodynamics will enhance your ability to troubleshoot and optimize your RC model's performance.

Browse courses on Aerodynamics

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Read articles or watch videos explaining lift, drag, thrust, and weight.
Review the concepts of Bernoulli's principle and angle of attack.
Take a short quiz to test your understanding of basic aerodynamic principles.

Read 'Radio Control Primer'

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Gain a deeper understanding of the radio control systems used in RC models. This book provides detailed explanations of the components and technologies involved in transmitting and receiving control signals.

View Radio Control Primer on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Radio Control Primer' by David Boddington.
Read the chapters on transmitter and receiver operation.
Take notes on key concepts and apply them to your RC model project.

RC Flight Simulator Practice

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Improve your flying skills and coordination in a safe and controlled environment. Regular practice with an RC flight simulator will build muscle memory and reduce the risk of crashes.

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Download and install an RC flight simulator on your computer.
Practice basic maneuvers such as takeoffs, landings, and turns.
Experiment with different aircraft and flight conditions.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Read 'Model Airplane Aerodynamics'

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Deepen your understanding of aerodynamics as it applies to model airplanes. This book provides detailed explanations and practical insights into designing and optimizing your RC model's flight characteristics.

View Model Aircraft Aerodynamics, 5th Edition (Fox... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Model Airplane Aerodynamics' by Martin Simons.
Read the chapters on airfoil selection and wing design.
Take notes on key concepts and apply them to your RC model project.

Document Your Build Process

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Solidify your learning by creating a detailed record of your RC model build. This documentation will serve as a valuable reference for future projects and help you identify areas for improvement.

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Take photos or videos of each step of the build process.
Write detailed descriptions of the materials, tools, and techniques used.
Organize your documentation into a blog post, video, or presentation.

Design a Custom Wing

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Apply your knowledge by designing a custom wing for your RC model. This project will challenge you to consider aerodynamic principles, structural integrity, and flight performance.

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Research different airfoil designs and their characteristics.
Use CAD software to create a 3D model of your custom wing.
Print the wing using a 3D printer or build it from foam.
Test the wing on your RC model and evaluate its performance.

Contribute to an RC Model Project

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Enhance your skills and knowledge by contributing to an open-source RC model project. This will provide you with valuable experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and software development.

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Find an open-source RC model project on GitHub or another platform.
Identify a bug or feature that you can contribute to.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Build and Fly Your Own RC Model Airplane will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Avionics Technician

An Avionics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs the electronic systems in aircraft. This course covers connecting the electronics for an RC aircraft. The techniques used to set up radio software offer a basic understanding of aircraft control systems. The course's content may familiarize an aspiring Avionics Technician with basic electrical circuits, radio control principles, and signal transmission. This course may be helpful for those seeking hands-on work with electronics, as it provides practical experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Avionics Technician

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs and develops aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. This course, which teaches the fundamentals of building and flying an RC aircraft, provides a tangible understanding of aeronautical principles, like control surfaces and flight dynamics, that directly apply to the design of larger aircraft. The hands-on experience of connecting electronics and setting up radio software also provides valuable practical insight, which may be useful to an aspiring Aerospace Engineer. This course may help build a foundation in applied aerodynamics and controls beyond the classroom.

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Drone Pilot

A Drone Pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles for various purposes such as aerial photography, surveillance, or inspections. This course, which focuses on building and flying an RC airplane, introduces the fundamental principles of flight and remote control, which are critical for a Drone Pilot. The course goes over setting up control surfaces and configuring radio software, which are concepts that directly translate to drone operation. This course may help someone learn the core concepts of unmanned flight and navigation.

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Aircraft Maintenance Technician

An Aircraft Maintenance Technician inspects, maintains, and repairs aircraft to ensure they are safe and operational. Although the course focuses on a small RC aircraft, the process of understanding how all the components work together is key to the work an Aircraft Maintenance Technician does. This course may provide practical exposure to electronic systems and flight control setup. This course may be helpful for someone who is interested in the practical aspects of how aircraft work.

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Robotics Technician

A Robotics Technician builds, tests, and maintains robotic systems. The process of building an RC airplane involves putting together different electronics and mechanical components, similar to building a robot. This course also delves into the software configuration, which mirrors a crucial part of the work a Robotics Technician does. This course introduces fundamental principles about electronic systems, mechanical assembly, and software setup that may be of use to a Robotics Technician.

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Mechanical Engineer

A Mechanical Engineer designs and develops mechanical systems and devices, often working with robotics, automation, and aerospace. This course may help a Mechanical Engineer build a basic understanding of aerodynamics and control systems by building and flying an RC airplane. The experience of connecting electronic components and setting up radio software enhances practical knowledge of how different systems must work together. This course may appeal to someone seeking a hands-on approach to learning.

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Model Builder

A Model Builder constructs scale models of various objects, including aircraft. This course provides direct experience in building an RC model airplane from scratch. This hands-on approach teaches the fundamentals of model assembly, material selection, and problem-solving that are all fundamental to being a Model Builder. This course is useful for anyone who wants to learn the basics of model construction.

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Hobby Shop Employee

A Hobby Shop Employee provides customer service, product knowledge, and assistance to customers in a hobby store. This course introduces someone to the fundamentals of building and flying an RC aircraft. This hands-on experience may give a better understanding of the products that are sold at a hobby shop. Therefore, someone who completes this course may be better equipped to help customers. This course should be useful for someone who wants to work in the hobby industry.

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Hobby Store Owner

A Hobby Store Owner runs a retail business that caters to hobbyists, often specializing in RC vehicles or model airplanes. This course gives a Hobby Store Owner a first-hand understanding of the products that they might sell. The course provides direct experience building and troubleshooting an RC aircraft, allowing an owner to knowledgeably advise and support their customers. This course should be useful for someone who is passionate about RC hobbies and wants to start their own business around it.

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Engineering Professor

An Engineering Professor teaches engineering principles and conducts research. This course on building and flying an RC airplane provides hands-on learning that can be a good demonstration of practical engineering principles. The work of selecting materials, constructing the model, and configuring the electronics provides a concrete example of applied engineering, and the experience may benefit the teaching capability of an Engineering Professor. This course may be useful to someone interested in practical demonstrations of core aerospace engineering concepts.

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Physics Teacher

A Physics Teacher educates students about the fundamental principles of physics, including mechanics, forces, and motion. This course provides a tangible, hands-on application of physical principles through the construction and flight of an RC airplane. By building and flying their own model, a Physics Teacher may be better able to explain concepts like aerodynamics and control systems to their students. This course may be beneficial for someone seeking to illustrate the practical application of physics.

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Experimental Test Pilot

An Experimental Test Pilot tests new aircraft and their systems in order to assess their performance. This course may help familiarize an aspiring Experimental Test Pilot with control systems. The course shows practical aspects of flight control mechanics and radio systems configuration, which provide a basic understanding of how those systems operate. This course may be useful for someone who seeks a better understanding of how aircraft control systems work.

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Curriculum Developer

A Curriculum Developer designs educational materials and programs for various learning environments. Completing this course and building an RC aircraft may give a Curriculum Developer insights into how to present complex concepts through a tangible, hands-on approach. This experience may be useful to a Curriculum Developer who focuses on engineering or technology education. This course may be helpful for educators looking to design courses with a practical emphasis.

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Product Designer

A Product Designer designs physical products, considering factors like function, aesthetics, and user experience. This course may help a Product Designer better understand how different components connect to form a cohesive product. The hands-on experience of both constructing and testing the RC aircraft may help inform design work. A Product Designer can use this course to gain a better perspective on the design process via a hands-on example. This course may be beneficial to product designers who seek a practical understanding of how things work.

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Educational Trainer

An Educational Trainer designs and delivers training programs. Completing this course on building and flying an RC airplane demonstrates how to create hands-on learning experiences. An Educational Trainer who takes this course may be inspired to make training sessions more interactive. For any trainer who seeks to develop more engaging learning experiences, this course may be useful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Build and Fly Your Own RC Model Airplane.

Model Aircraft Aerodynamics, 5th Edition

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of aerodynamics specifically tailored for model airplanes. It covers topics such as airfoil selection, wing design, and stability. It valuable resource for understanding the aerodynamic principles behind RC model flight. This book is best used as additional reading to supplement the course.

Model Aircraft Aerodynamics, 5th Edition (Fox...

Paperback

Radio Control Primer

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Provides a comprehensive introduction to radio control systems. It covers topics such as transmitter and receiver operation, servo selection, and frequency bands. It valuable resource for understanding the electronics behind RC model flight. This book is best used as additional reading to supplement the course.

Radio Control Primer

Paperback

Build and Fly Your Own RC Model Airplane

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Build and fly rc airplane

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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