Flying model planes is an expensive hobby but if you are willing to sacrifice your ego and forage for plastic parts then you could make yourself an inexpensive flying plane, which would not only be lightweight but also easy to repair.
Your SPAD will consists of various easily available plastic derivatives such as a PVC pipe, corrugated plastic sheets, which is used for making sign boards, HDPE blocks and glue to stick all of these together. In addition you will also require flat head self-threading metal head screws and some basic cutting tools. Your landing wheels and landing gear, etc can be made in-house or you can just purchase them from any hobby shop. All these items can be purchased from any hardware store or you could even check out your own garage to locate these parts.
You can use the corrugated plastic sheet for your wings and rudders, fins etc, the PVC pipe for your fuselage and the HDPE blocks can be used as your landing gear blocks. Next, you can surf the Internet, which has many sites about constructing SPAD airplanes. These sites will provide you with the correct dimensions and also as to the correct type of motor to be used to power your airplane. Most of these sites offer free advice on how to build and operate SPAD planes, so this again results in additional savings. If your attempt is successful, you too could post your experience with some helpful tips on these Websites.
The time taken to construct a SPAD airplane is ridiculously less as compared to making a wooden, molded plastic or a fiberglass plane. You can easily complete a plane on any weekend. If you have decided on a remote control plane, then you will need to buy your electric or gasoline motor with the matching battery pack or fuel tank and a remote transmitter to control your plane. These are costly items but you could try and source them from a scrapped model airplane or buy a used unit. Either way, test it first before slotting it into your plane or you could waste valuable time in figuring out the fault later.
Once your SPAD designed plane is constructed, then test fly it in a controlled area such as a meadow full of grass so that in case of any crash, it remains safe. Ensure that it flies straight and does not tilt in any direction. All the controls should also be in full operational mode. If you have any flying expert as your friend, then it is better if he test flies the plane first and informs you of any problems. You can also paint the plane once your testing is complete. Detailed finishing is important to make your plane look presentable.
Your SPAD plane is ready and the biggest advantage is that it is not only cheap to construct but also easy to repair in case of any crashes. The flexibility of the wings and the strength of the PVC pipe make it a strong, impact absorbent and light plane. So, start building one today and have some inexpensive fun.
