Re: [ULF-1] Member 137 Home builder asking for advice

From: Member 1
Date: 2012-09-06 13:46 UTC-05:00
Message: #0383
Sam, do you have a background of building model airplanes, including free flight and
control line but especially radio control? I had extensive experience in all of this
as a youngster (following years of building plastic models), and I can't tell you
how valuable it's been, not only to my home-building, but also to my career. And I'm
not talking about buying prefab ARF "kits," but the real deal: kits you build up
from sticks and sheets of balsa, with a rolled set of plans as your guidance.

If you don't have this experience, my strong suggestion is that you seek out some of
these real kits, which regrettably seem to be viewed as "old-fashioned" now by our
button-pushing, short attention span culture. Since your goal is building a big,
full-sized glider, you could jump-start the process by going big, like a 1/4 scale
trainer. If you really want a trial by fire, go to RC Modeler or Model Airplane News
(are they still around?) and look through their plans. Consider building a large
model from just plans before you take on something full-size, but only if you have
at least a kit or two under your belt (preferably a dozen or more).

As much as we all love the ULF-1 here, I believe the choice to build one requires
serious and significant experience in woodworking and working with plans. There is
significant metalwork involved, too. Construction drawings are a language unto
themselves, and your chances for success are greater if you start with some modest
projects and increase the difficulty as you progress.

Let us know what your experience is so far, and your age, so we can try to help you
better.

Member 1


> Hello Sam.
>  The most important decision you must make is whether you build an aircraft to fly
> or simply as an exercise for learning how they are constructed.
> To build an aircraft to fly involves the use of certified materials, Member 60, glues,
> metal etc. and inspection by licensed engineers at various stages. This can be
> expensive.
> If you just want to know how an aircraft is constructed you can build it from any
> non certified materials but do not attempt to fly it. The building time for either
> will be about the same. You must make the decision first.
> Regards,
> Tom Member 60.

>
>   Hello,
>   My name is Sam Member 89 and I am beginning a personal project involving building
> a home built foot launched glider. I am hoping to receive some information as to
> how I should approach this project as well as advice on building an aircraft of
> this type. I have limited knowledge on building machines of this nature so any
> advice or considerations would be greatly appreciated. I am not necessarily
> looking to make a fully operational glider, but a prototype. A flying varient may
> be the final outcome but that is not 100% my main goal. Thank you very much