Model Airplanes

How To Build An Electric Model Airplane

Electric model airplanes are a popular type of model aircraft among model airplane enthusiasts. In this type of model airplane the engine is powered by batteries, rather than by fuel. Electric model airplanes can be purchased in line-control or radio controlled versions.

As with other model airplane kits, electric model airplane kits can also be purchased pre-assembled or as a kit you assemble. In pre-assembled kits the major components, like the wings and the fuselage come already assembled. Some minor assembly may be required for landing gear, battery installation, and other easy to assemble parts. Electric model airplane kits that you need to assemble can be a little complex and do take some time to build before you can actually fly your model airplane.

Both pre-assembled and assembly required electric model airplane kits come with instructions to guide you through all the assemblies required to get your electric model airplane in the air. Read through and follow these instructions as you put your electric model airplane together.

One of the tools you will need to build your electric model airplane, besides the tools common to all model airplane building, is a circuit tester. A circuit tester will aide you in making the right electrical connections from your electric model airplane’s battery to the engine and to the servos that control flight and landing. Circuit testers are also a great tool to take out to the field with you to perform some pre-flight inspections and /or modifications.

Wire strippers/cutters are another tool that you may find helpful in the assembly and maintenance of your electric model airplane. This tool can strip away the plastic sheath that protects the wire and can also cut wire to the required lengths. X-acto knives, screwdrivers, and spare parts are also suggested as part of your electric model airplane tool kit.