Before proceeding to the solution of the question of how to build an aircraft, it is necessary to answer another main question. Depending on the correct answer, you can immediately tell how successful the whole project will be. The main question is, what is the purpose of the whole project? What kind of aircraft and why you want to build.

Model selection

Firstly, it is immediately worth noting that building an airplane, as other craftsmen do, is not entirely realistic. The thing is that each person has an individual style of piloting, because of which it is impossible to rely on someone else's experience when choosing a model. Secondly, many novice designers light up with a desire to create after they see quite beautiful and elegant models in the sky. Relying only on externals is extremely bad. The main criterion for choosing a model should be the purpose of its construction and future use, and not the aesthetic component.

Choosing the right model is also important because it can only be used for the purposes for which it was intended. Let's say building an airplane as a means of air tourism is one thing. But after its completion and operation, you can find that a person is much closer to the usual flight to a picnic somewhere in the mountains, for example, and this will require a completely different model. All this suggests that before moving on to any practical part, it is necessary to fully consider and clearly define for what purpose the aircraft will be used.

Naturally, before moving on to construction, it is necessary to carry out some more preparatory work. It is necessary to carry out a complete analysis of the design. If someone has already implemented such a design, then it is worth contacting this master and inquiring about the success of the aircraft. It is also important to remember that if a model is chosen in which parts and assemblies are of an obsolete type, then purchasing them and organizing delivery if necessary is much more difficult and expensive. Parts for models that are in demand at this time will be more available.

Time spent

How to build an airplane? Turning to the practical part of this issue, it is very important to note that this process is very lengthy. It will take a huge amount of time and effort, and therefore it is necessary to be sure that these two components are available in abundance before proceeding with the purchase of parts and other things.

Experts recommend breaking down such a laborious task as building an aircraft into a large number of small tasks. In this case, constant progress in manufacturing will be visible. Work on each task will require much more time, and each successful completion of the work will mean the approach of the main goal. If you do not break this voluminous task into small parts, then at some point it may seem that stagnation has occurred, progress has stopped. Because of this, many people also give up on the idea of ​​building an airplane with their own hands.

If the process was correctly divided into parts, then a week will have to allocate from 15 to 20 hours to complete the tasks. With such a time investment, it will be possible to build an aircraft in a reasonable time. If you spend less time per week, then the process can drag on for a huge period of time.

Place to work

Naturally, for such work it is necessary to have a suitable place. However, it should be noted that the size in this case is not critical.

A light single-engine aircraft, for example, can be built in a basement, trailer, sea container, etc. A great place would be a double garage. In many cases, even a single garage is enough, but this is provided that a separate place is assumed where it will be possible to store finished aircraft components such as wings and other parts. When considering how to build an airplane yourself, many people think that the only suitable place is the city hangar, for example. In fact, this is far from being the case. First, few people live close enough to such a building. Secondly, aircraft hangars are places where there is often not enough light. In summer, in such buildings it is much hotter than even on the street, and in winter, on the contrary, it is colder than on the street.

Another important remark of specialists and just those who have already dealt with the issue of how to make a flying plane is the arrangement of the workplace. It is recommended to spend money on buying all the necessary things that will make work more convenient and comfortable. You can take care of a simple climate control system, get a workplace that will suit your height, lay rubber carpets on the floor, etc. An important role is played by high-quality full lighting of the entire workplace. All this will have to spend a certain amount of material resources, but when working on such a serious project, they will more than pay for themselves. In other words, we can say that everything you need should always be at hand, then the construction will be much easier.

Cash costs

How much does it cost to build an airplane? Naturally, after setting the goal, making a decision on the model of the aircraft, after selecting the location and allocating time, the next question is precisely the financial part of the project.

It will not be possible to give an unambiguous answer to the question about the cost of the aircraft, since all models are different, which means that the materials, quality, and quantity are very different. We can only say that on average, from $50,000 to $65,000 is spent (about 3-4 million rubles). However, the real amount can be much higher or much lower. We build an airplane - this is a fairly simple phrase that requires a serious approach not only to the practical part, but also to the financial one. The easiest way would be to consider this action as the payment of a loan. In other words, it is necessary to estimate the total cost of the project in advance, break it down into parts, after which it will be possible to spend the planned amount of money every month on the purchase of necessary parts, tools, etc.

Another important factor is the understanding that it is not necessary to install something on the aircraft that is not needed for the flight. The simplest example is lights for flying at night. If such walks are not planned, then there is no point in buying lighting. That is, correctly set goals will help save a significant amount of money. You can save on the installation of instruments, if they are not needed for the flight. The construction of aircraft requires the obligatory installation of a propeller. There are constant pitch and constant speed models. The first model costs about three times less than the second, but at the same time it does not lose much to the constant speed propeller in terms of flight efficiency.

The acquisition of knowledge

Building an airplane with your own hands is a laborious and lengthy task, but it is not at all as difficult as it seems at first glance. Many novice craftsmen who would like to try their hand think that they do not know how to paint, rivet and cook. In fact, learning all these skills is quite simple, it takes only a little time.

Here it is important to consider the problem in this vein. A do-it-yourself homemade aircraft is a mechanical device with a minimum set of electrics, as well as the complete absence of complex hydraulic parts. All this can be studied and collected independently.

For example, what engine is on the plane? The most standard engine for consists of the same structural parts as a motorcycle or boat. These are the most simple and standard models that are perfect for building the first homemade aircraft. Next comes the practical part of the assembly. Riveting is a fairly simple process that can be mastered in just one day. As for working with the welding machine, everything is also simple here, you just have to spend more time on learning so that the welds have good performance and are fairly even. As for any work with wood, it is used quite often in ordinary life, and therefore the technique of its processing, as well as the tools for performing all the necessary operations, are not difficult to master and acquire.

Common patterns

One of the most common aircraft designs is a single-seat, high-wing, single-seat, strut-braced monoplane with a tractor propeller. This model of a home-made aircraft first began to appear in 1920. Since then, the scheme, design, and so on have not changed much. The finished sample today is considered one of the most tested, reliable and constructively developed. It is because of all these advantages, and also because of the simplicity of the aircraft drawings, that it is almost an ideal option for DIY construction, especially for a novice craftsman. Over a long period of operation and assembly of such aircraft, they have acquired characteristic features. They are distinguished by such design features as a wooden two-spar wing, a welded-steel aircraft fuselage, linen lining, a pyramidal-type landing gear, a closed-type cabin with a car door.

Further, it is worth noting that there is a small version of this type of aircraft, which was used in the 1920-1930s. A kind of aircraft was called "parasol". This model was a high-wing aircraft, which had a wing mounted on struts and struts above the fuselage of the aircraft. This kind of high-wing aircraft is also found in the current amateur aircraft industry. However, compared with the usual standard model, the "parasol" is used much less frequently, since from a constructive point of view it is much more difficult to manufacture such an apparatus, and in terms of its aerodynamic characteristics it is inferior to a standard aircraft. In addition, in terms of operation, they are also worse, and access to the cabin of such a unit is quite difficult, which leads to the difficult use of the emergency method of leaving the cabin.

Details of simple aircraft

It is worth considering some design features of these models.

The usual high-wing aircraft with the name "Leningradets" has the following indicators.

The engine for such a light single-seat aircraft has a power of 50 hp, and the model is called "Zündapp". The wing area of ​​the finished model should be equal to 9.43 m 2. Takeoff weight should not exceed 380 kg. This is very important, especially when choosing a pilot's seat. The weight of the empty apparatus is usually approximately 260 kg. The maximum speed that the aircraft can develop is 150 km/h, and the rate of climb near the ground is 2.6 m/s. The maximum flight duration is 8 hours.

For comparison, it is worth considering "parasols". In this case, an analysis of a model called "Baby" will be presented.

The engine is installed in the LK-2 model, the power of which is 30 hp, which already makes it less powerful than the standard model. The wing area is also reduced to 7.8 m 2 . The takeoff weight of this aircraft is only 220 kg, which includes the pilot's seat and the pilot himself, the weight of the power plant, fuselage and other structural elements. Despite the fact that the takeoff weight is significantly less than that of the "Leningradets", the maximum speed is only 130 km/h.

Aircraft model making

Among the main advantages of such models, the fact that it is not difficult to fly an aircraft, as already experienced pilots do, is quite simple, since the control itself is quite simple. This is especially noticeable in cases where the specific load on the wing does not exceed 30-40 kg/m 2 . In addition, high-wing aircraft are distinguished by the fact that they have excellent takeoff and landing characteristics, they are stable. In addition, the cabin is designed in such a way that it creates an optimal view of what is happening below. In other words, a more optimal model for self-construction simply cannot be found.

It is necessary to consider in more detail one of the most successful models - a high-wing aircraft, which was designed by V. Frolov.

The wing for such an aircraft was made of materials such as pine and plywood, the fuselage for the aircraft was made of steel pipes, which were connected by welding. All structural elements of the aircraft were made completely covered with fabric using classical technology in the aircraft industry. The wheels for the chassis were chosen quite large. This was done in order to be able to take off without problems from unpaved and unprepared sites. As a power unit, that is, an engine, a 32-horsepower engine based on the MT-8 was used. It was equipped with elements such as a gearbox and a large diameter propeller. The takeoff weight of the aircraft with this design and engine was 270 kg, flight centering was 30% MAR. With all these indicators, the specific load on the wing was 28 kg/m 2 . It has already been said earlier that it is much easier to fly an aircraft as experienced pilots if the load does not exceed 30-40 kg / m 2. The maximum speed of the aircraft was 130 km/h, and its landing speed was 50 km/h.

Aircraft model PMK-3

In the city of Zhukovsk near Moscow, the PMK-3 aircraft was created, which now can also be assembled independently. The aircraft differed from the usual ones in that it had a peculiar structure of the forward fuselage, as well as a rather low landing gear. This aircraft model was designed according to the scheme of a strutted high-wing aircraft with a closed cabin. On the left side of the fuselage, an entrance for the pilot was provided. In order to achieve the desired centering, it was necessary to mix the left wing a little back. This is very important to remember when assembling such a model with your own hands. The general design of the aircraft is solid wood, covered with fabric. Wing type - single-spar, with pine shelves.

The basis of the fuselage for this model were three spars. Because of this design, the finished fuselage had a triangular cross section. A 30 hp engine was chosen as the main power unit. The type of engine is an outboard motor of the "Whirlwind" type, which has liquid cooling. With proper aircraft design, the radiator will protrude slightly from the starboard side of the fuselage.

It is worth saying a little about the fact that it is possible to build aircraft with a pusher type of propeller, but it is very important to remember that in this case the thrust force of the apparatus will be lost, as well as the lift force of the wing. Because of these two features, it is important to consider the feasibility of installing such a propeller in each individual case, based on the goal pursued by the craftsman when creating the aircraft. However, it would be fair to say that there were inventors who, when independently building an aircraft with such a propeller, creatively approaching the solution of this problem, were able to eliminate such shortcomings and operate the aircraft without them.

"KIT set"

How to make an airplane easy? This question has become more and more relevant in recent years. In general, it is worth noting that the growth in the number of people who want to build an aircraft with their own hands is ensured by the distribution of "KIT kits". This is a kit that includes all the necessary parts to assemble an aircraft of the selected model. In this case, you still have to put your hands to assemble, but such a set helps to skip the stage of selecting elements, fitting to size, etc. With such kits, assembling an aircraft turns into a kind of assembling a designer.

Another advantage of the "KIT-set" is that it will be cheaper than assembling all the elements from scratch. Today, there are three ways to get your own flight unit. The first is the purchase of an already finished product, the second is a "KIT-set", and the third is an assembly from scratch. Purchasing a set in this case is an average option for the price. If we talk about complexity, then it is much easier to assemble an aircraft from ready-made and fitted parts than from scratch yourself.

To summarize, we can say the following. Firstly, building an aircraft at the present time with your own hands is a very real task, but it requires a lot of time and money. If there are no welding and riveting skills, then they will also have to be mastered in order to successfully complete the work. In order to successfully assemble the aircraft, it is necessary to have drawings available, as well as an assembly diagram, in which each stage will be clearly presented. If you don’t feel like doing all this, then you can purchase a “KIT-set”, which will simplify the task and reduce it to assembling a kind of designer.

Cri-Cri is the creation of the French engineer Michel Colomban.

This aircraft looks more like a large model than a real aircraft.

And yet, with a span of 4.9 m and a flight weight of 170 kg, this is a full-fledged two-engine aircraft!

“During the flight, I have the impression that I am sitting in a lift-up chair, and although I am 10 kg heavier than the entire aircraft, it is extremely good for aerial walks, says aircraft tester Robert Buisson ... "

Who today does not know, at least in circles of fans of light aviation, the name and twists and turns of a small twin-engine aircraft called "Kri-Kri" - an aircraft that could be seen at many aviation festivals and which became the subject of numerous articles and press publications .. .

It all started in 1958, when the first mention of a small single-seat aircraft with two engines with a total power of 20 hp appeared. These were the years of rapid development of domestic aircraft construction. But circumstances did not allow the designer from Rueil-Malmaison to realize his dream. What, "abandoned" "Kri-Kri"? Will he ever show up? How long will it remain on paper? These were the main questions asked by numerous amateur designers. Only in September 1970, 12 years later, the designer began to work with the active help of his wife. There were many requirements for the prototype. It was assumed that it would be the smallest high-speed and economical production aircraft that would meet the concept of "an aircraft for everyone". The construction of the prototype was started in 1972 in the designer's garage. After 1200 hours of work, the aircraft was ready.

So, his twin-engine "mini", weighing 63 kg and resembling a large model rather than a manned vehicle, aroused the surprise and interest of many aviation enthusiasts. At first glance, he looked unusual. The simple angular shape of the fuselage, the unusually large "streamlined" cockpit canopy, as well as two engines mounted on pylons in the forward fuselage - all this looked strange and tempting. First of all, this refers to the location of the engines, which is unique (at that time) in the world practice.

The first flight of the prototype MK-10 "Cree-Cree" (F-WTXJ) took place on July 19, 1973. In front of a small group of spectators, photographers and television operators, Robert Buisson, a 68-year-old pilot with more than 12,000 flight hours, tore off earth unusual plane. In flight, the Kri-Kri resembled a small fighter...

In Germany, at the competition of aircraft models, a funny incident happened with this aircraft.
Naturally, everything that happened was planned in advance.
Since the plane looks more like an aircraft model, one of the "spectators" was offered a ride on the "model", he agreed)))
The man was seated in the cockpit in front of everyone, the pilot on the ground took the remote control and began to "bring the model" to the start. He took off safely, made a couple of circles over the airfield, and then panic began, the "pilot" said that he had lost control of the model, and there was a man there!
While he was trying to "re-establish contact" the plane was out of sight. Imagine the state of the public in front of which the "tragedy" broke out!
But as you may have guessed, everything ended well)))

Flight performance "Kri-Kri":

• full wing span, m 4.9
• wing chord (without flaps), m 0.48
• wing chord (with flaps), m 0.63
• total wing area, sq.m 3.1
• V wing (from the root), degree 4
• total length of the aircraft, m 3.91
• total height of the aircraft, m 1.2
• span G.O, m 1.55
• chord G.O, m 0.395
• chassis track, m 1.1
• chassis base, m 1.15
• diameter x pitch propellers, m 0.695 x 0.95
• engine, 2 pcs. JPX PUL-212 15 HP
• fuel tank capacity, l 23
• maximum empty weight, kg 75
• maximum takeoff weight, kg 170
• Max. dive speed, km/h 280
• Max. cruising speed, km/h 200
• Max. rate of climb, m/s 6.5
• ceiling, m 5000
• run, m 100
• mileage, m 150
• fuel consumption, l/100 km 5
• Max. overload, g +10/-5
• Max. aerodynamic quality 11
• The aircraft can continue to take off with one engine running.
• The rate of climb is 1.5 m / s.
• All metal construction!

Of course, you can buy a finished model.

But due to the simplicity of the design of the contours of the model, it is not difficult to build it yourself using foam technology, cutting out details with a heated string or using the "ceiling" technology.

Luckily there are drawings.

Working drawings of this miracle:

Video:

There is also an electric version.

And even reactive.

As you can see, "model" engines are installed on the plane.

What is an internal combustion engine, what is electric and jet!

Here they also sell a model of this wonderful airplane.

Balsa model-copy of CRI-CRI MC-15, 1778 mm - http://www.parkflyer.ru/36402/product/544404

Plane from EPO Cri-Cri span 1050 mm - http://www.parkflyer.ru/36402/product/1457910

So how do you get the Cri-Cri plane. Actually, there are only three ways:

1. The easiest way, which is also the most risky, is to buy a used aircraft.
In Russia, it is almost impossible to find such an offer for sale, so the way to English-language sites. At the time of writing, the cost of a foreign “Cricket” ranged from 7 to 10 thousand euros. The dangers are the same - engines. More than half of all Cree Cree accidents are due to engine failure, so their selection and maintenance is given special attention. The most preferred purchase options here may be “Cricket” - that was the name of the models produced by "Zenair".

2. The second way is to purchase a new aircraft from one of the assemblers.
We did not manage to find at least one official assembler of Colomban aircraft in Russia. However, there are several companies that produce "analogues" - that is, aircraft that are similar in appearance to the Cri-Kri, but differ in production technology. The most popular deviation from the canon is the fuselage materials. In the original version, the aircraft is almost all metal, while the “optimizers” prefer to use wood or composite materials. The cost of such models, as a rule, does not exceed 10 thousand euros, excluding the price of engines.

3. Finally, the most reliable and official way is to contact Michel Colomban, buy the blueprints and assemble the plane yourself.
The cost of a set of drawings varies from 500 to 700 euros and depends only on the mood of the designer himself. The drawings are very detailed, most of them are in 1:1 scale. The drawings are accompanied by instructions with which, according to Colomban, anyone who has ever opened the hood of a car can figure it out. However, in addition to papers, the buyer will get an invaluable opportunity to communicate with the concept itself, ask him questions of interest and get recommendations on using, for example, the same engines.

For those who decide to assemble the aircraft on their own, it is worth writing a letter or sending a fax to Michel Colomban:

Michel Colomban
37 Bis Rue La Kanol
92500 Rueil Malmaison, France
Fax: 0033 147 51 8876

Good luck in your endeavors!

The plane can be assembled from any paper rectangle. They can be: paper for printing, a newspaper spread, or a notebook sheet. Cardboard is also suitable for work, but if it is not very thick and without a corrugated layer inside.

The main requirement for the material is that it should not be too dense, otherwise it will take more force to make bends.

To make the airplanes brighter and more beautiful, you can use colored paper, or to decorate them after assembly - markers, felt-tip pens, pencils. Paints are absolutely not suitable for these purposes, primarily because the paper will warp and the aircraft will lose its aerodynamic properties.

Classic assembly scheme

Before assembling complex circuits, you should learn how to make a basic model of a paper airplane.

To do this, the sheet is placed vertically. Then the upper corners are folded to the center. The resulting figure is folded with a sharp nose towards itself and again fold the corners towards the center. The peeking triangle is folded away from you. The last touch remains - fold the figure in half and bend the wings.

We get a familiar airplane. This aircraft model does not have high performance, but its distinctive feature is the ease of assembly.

If it didn’t work out according to the scheme, we suggest watching a video with more detailed explanations.

Making long flying planes

According to the law of physics, the greater the weight, the faster the object falls. Also, when a flying object falls, air resistance acts. Therefore, for a smooth, and therefore long landing, the aircraft must have a wide wingspan. But at the same time, they should be short. The plane will take longer to fall from a higher point. Therefore, it must be thrown not forward, but up.

As you might think, long wings and lightness would help the plane fly longer in time, but it is not possible to toss it high. This option is suitable for high-speed aircraft, described in the next chapter.

We make the fastest planes

To increase the speed characteristics of the future toy, be sure to follow the rules below:

1. The nose of a high-speed aircraft must be sharp. A wide nose hinders the speed of flight due to the creation of air resistance on it. These are good to use only for the design of gliders.
2. Its wings should not interfere with the span of flight. They should be long and narrow.
3. The paper sheet must be perfectly flat. Any flaws in the sheet can change its flight properties for the worse.
4. Folds should be made extremely clear. We suggest using an object with a smooth side to iron them, such as a ruler or an eraser.

If you decide to arrange a flight speed competition with your friends, one of the schemes presented below should definitely suit you.

Making long-range planes

The record for the flight range of this paper toy is only 69 meters. By listening to the advice, you should be able to assemble a similar aircraft. And who knows, maybe you will manage to set a new record.

1. The model must be completely symmetrical.
2. In order for the model not to fall with a corkscrew down, she needs to make the correct tail.
3. The wings of an airplane need to be bent in order for the airplane to be properly stabilized. If you bend the right wing, then the figure will lean and fall on this side. Same with the left wing. As mentioned earlier, the wings are also important to make completely symmetrical.
4. The material must be sufficiently light. A regular A4 office sheet for printing will do.

For everyone who has already got a good hand on previous models, we offer to collect schemes of toys with a long flight.

Collecting paper figures well develops fine motor skills not only in children, but also in adults. We hope that the above schemes will help you have fun. Also, the assembled models can be painted in bright colors or arrange competitions with friends.

If the schemes seemed not enough to fill in the knowledge with gaps or you want to assemble other interesting models, then we suggest watching a selection of videos on assembling aircraft.

In this publication, I want to talk about one of the most popular designs among DIYers around the world. The design of this aircraft will celebrate its 85th anniversary next year, but these aircraft continue to fly, and many amateur designers continue to choose this aircraft for self-construction.
So, Pietenpol Air Camper, the plane and its designer.

Many who have been to the EAA Museum in Oshkosh probably did not even notice this small wooden hangar, which overlooks the playground. Even during the air show, it is often closed, and in the open it attracts little attention. Here, in this photo, the entrance to the hangar is blocked by the French aircraft Sirocco.

Nevertheless, one of the outstanding amateur designers Bernard H. Pietenpol, who is called in America only as "Father Of Home built Aircraft", worked in this hangar.

In 1928, Minnesota self-taught engineer Bernard H. Pietenpol (born 1902) built and flew an aircraft of his own design. It was an all-wood, single-seat, plywood-skinned monoplane with canvas-covered wings. The chassis wheels were taken from a motorcycle, the frame was welded from water pipes. The propeller was cut by the designer himself from black walnut, it was rotated by a four-cylinder water-cooled Ace engine. The plane flew and flew very well, during the first two months they flew more than fifty hours.
Bernard Ptenpoel was no stranger to flying, he began learning to fly in the early 1920s, first with a Curtiss Jenny, and in 1923 designed and built his first Sky Scout aircraft powered by a Sky Scout Ford T. Pitenpoel studied the design of the Curtiss aircraft. Jenny, it seemed unnecessarily complicated to him, and he set himself the task of designing and building an aircraft that would have acceptable flight characteristics using a standard car engine, could be built from cheap and affordable materials, with a minimum of metalworking and welding. Pitenpoel's new aircraft underwent several modifications over the course of five years, it became a two-seater, the landing gear changed, the Ace engine gave way to a reliable and affordable Ford A car engine with a standard 78 "x 42" propeller.

1. The final design of the aircraft, which by that time had received the name Air Camper, was completed in 1934. From 1933, Pitenpoel tried to produce his aircraft in kit form, a small factory in Cherry Grove, Minnesota made metal parts and rebuilt engines, another factory did turning and milling work, and made wooden parts.

An Air Camper with a Ford A engine in Pitenpoel's hangar. You can take a good look at the design of the motor mount, center section and chassis.

2. Ford A engine close-up.

Pitenpoel made no secret of his designs, in 1932 he published drawings of his aircraft (Air Camper and Sky Scout) in Modern Mechanics. Aviation enthusiasts around the world have appreciated the ease of manufacture and reliability of these successful machines. Air Camper aircraft have been built and continue to be built by amateur designers around the world to this day.

3. Aircraft built by Pitenpol himself in the main building of the EAA Museum. 1933

4. And on this Ford A engine, the aircraft builder managed to install a turbocharger. Aircraft built in 2000.

During the war, Pitenpol worked as a flight instructor and also repaired televisions (!). After the war, the designer returned to the aviation business and continued to build aircraft. In the early sixties, he adapted a lightweight and reliable air-cooled engine from a Chevrolet Corvair car for the Air Camper. With this engine, the aircraft received a new breath, despite the emergence of new types and designs, aviation enthusiasts continued to build Pitenpol's aircraft. From 1928 to 1966, Pitenpoel himself built more than twenty aircraft.

Pitenpole was an active participant in the air shows that began in 1953, held under the auspices of the EAA, in Oshkosh. He had his own wooden hangar in Oshkosh, which his heirs, after his death in 1984, donated to the EAA Museum.

5. An aircraft with a Chevrolet Corvair engine in Pitenpol's hangar. You can consider a simple frame made of pipes, which was sheathed with plywood.

6. Corvair 100 engine upgraded for aviation needs in the main building of the EAA Museum.

7. Plywood stand with life stages of Bernard Pitenpoel, installed in the hangar named after him.

8. Aircraft built in 1967 at the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland. This aircraft is powered by a Continental A65 aircraft engine.

9.

10. The builder of this plane even put a mascot nose figure on it.

11. An interesting Air Camper with an A65 engine at Sun "n-fun 2009.

12.

13.

14. It turns out that it is also for sale.

15. Very low price for rides on this type.

16. Apparatus built in 2004 on spoked wheels.

17. Aircraft built in 2002.

18. Pitenpol built in 2004.

19. 2008, with Continental engine.

20. Aircraft with a Corvair engine.

21. And this is almost an authentic machine, but with the latest Rotec radial engine.

22. In our country, Air Camper aircraft were also built. It is not known whether the designers of the two parasols from Zlatoust located in Monino used American drawings, but the authors of this aircraft claim that they built their aircraft strictly according to Pitenpol's drawings. But from Soviet materials and with a Soviet level of finish.
I managed to photograph this aircraft during testing in Vatulino in the winter of 2009.

23. The plane has a Suzuki car engine and a three-blade propeller from a trike.

24. It can be seen that the device is very light.

25. Instrument panels in both cabins.

26. That evening, the plane, unfortunately, did not fly, there was not enough propeller thrust, later it was taken away from Vatulino, I do not know the further fate of this machine.

27.

At present, the design of the Air Camper aircraft, of course, looks like a distant anachronism, but for those who like to have a vintage for reasonable money, this is the very thing, and I think that this aircraft will live up to its centenary.

Flying in your own plane is not cheap. Few people can afford to buy a factory light-engine aircraft for their own money. As for used factory aircraft, they also require a number of additional investments from their new owners: despite previous technical revisions, the new owner inevitably faces other people's problems. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. Home built aircraft with an EEUA certificate in the experimental category have become increasingly popular at aviation gatherings.

Aside from the extra time it takes to build, the hobbyist-built RVs, Sonexes, Velocity and many others have received well-deserved high marks for low cost and excellent performance that rivals the factory counterparts. But, as is often the case, there is a downside to being homemade: for every completed amateur project, there are several abandoned ones. So, in order for the project to become successful, it is necessary to take the right steps, have certain knowledge and be able to apply it.

Step 1. Choosing an aircraft model

Perhaps the purpose of the project is the main factor influencing the success of the entire event before the construction starts.

The beginning of an airplane project can be ranked in importance with a marriage proposal, an important deal, and even the choice of a pet. As in all previous cases, here you need to think through all the subtleties before making a final decision.

Most of those who do not reach the finish line burn out because of trifles. The grace of the Falco, the aerial acrobatics on the Pitts 12, and the mischievous flight of the Glastar: all of these can fuel a future builder's interest in making a decision based on looks alone. The simplicity of this solution can be deceiving. The essence of the right decision is not in external attributes, but in the purpose of construction.

Making the right decision requires completely honest and sincere introspection. Of course, many people dream of flying like Viktor Chmal or Svetlana Kapanina, but is it true or is it? Each person has his own individuality and his own style of piloting, and it is impossible to live on someone else's experience. You can build a plane for air tourism and long cross-country flights, but then you find that a country picnic on a green lawn with friends is closer to you 60 kilometers from the flying club. It is important to resolve all your doubts and sincerely think through the dream of a “home plane”. After all, the main thing is to improve your life and do more of what you really like.

Once you decide on your dream, choosing a plane is not difficult. After choosing an aircraft model, it will be time for an examination. A quick look at the 15 year issue of Modelist-Constructor magazine will have a slightly sobering effect - perhaps because most of the aircraft models offered there have already gone out of fashion. The world of home cockpit builders has its niche in the market, but even with a strong motivation to do business in such a territory, it will not be an easy task from the economic side, because the market is very individualized, and trends follow each other like swimwear fashion. Before you start building, you should do the preparatory work: analyze the design of the aircraft in detail, call the people who were already involved in this project and review the list of accidents. Starting work on an outdated project, in which parts and assemblies are difficult to obtain, in principle, is an expensive and costly undertaking.

Step 2. Time planning

There are hardly a few people who have managed a project that requires the same attention, effort and time as building an airplane from scratch. This activity is not for amateurs. It requires constant and measured efforts over a long period of time.

In order for there to be fewer delays along the way, and progress on the project does not stand in one place, you can break all the work into many small tasks. Working on each task will not seem so difficult, and success will come gradually as you complete each task. The average builder will need 15 to 20 hours a week to complete a simple aircraft project in a reasonable amount of time.

For passionate builders, most aeronautical projects take two to four years to complete. On average, the construction of an aircraft can take five or even ten years. That is why experienced aircraft builders will never set an exact date for the first flight, despite the constant inquiring glances of friends. As an excuse, you can say "it's not worth it" or "as soon as possible."

Idealists have no place here

Not all builders realize the importance of proper timing. Aircraft building is not a social activity and in fact it can be pretty damn lonely at work. Sociable natures may find this activity more difficult than one might imagine. Therefore, everyone who has devoted himself to this work should find pleasure in working alone.

The next aircraft to be built without mismatches in the holes will be the first ever. Robert Piercing, in his cult novel Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, talks about drilling mistakes. These mistakes can discourage a builder from working on a project for a long time. Such mistakes often accompany aviation projects and if the builder does not have the personal qualities that would push him to cope with such difficulties, the project may be closed.

Perfectionists who strive for perfection in everything should look elsewhere. If all aircraft had to perfectly comply with the laws of aerodynamics, hardly anyone would dare to take off. Perfectionism is often mistaken for a craft, but they are very different things. It doesn't matter how good a thing is: you can always improve something, make it brighter and better. The task is not to make the best aircraft - the task is to make a practical aircraft so that the builder will not be ashamed of him, and he will not be afraid to fly on it.

Step 3. Workshop Equipment

The next important point is the place of construction. Not everyone can afford to have a workshop like Cessna production hangars. Size, in fact, does not play a decisive role in this case.

Light aircraft are built in basements, trailers, shipping containers, village sheds, and adobe huts. In most cases, a two-car garage is sufficient. A single garage can also suffice if you have a dedicated storage area for the wing assemblies.

Most people believe that the best place to build an airplane is in the city airport hangar. In fact, hangars are the least suitable for aviation projects. Most often, hangars are much warmer in summer and colder in winter than outside. They are poorly lit everywhere and are rarely near your home.

Regardless of where the aircraft is being assembled, amenities should be considered. An investment in comfort, some sort of climate control, good lighting and a work desk at a comfortable height, rubber mats on the concrete floor will more than pay for itself.

Here is how Martin and Claudia Sutter describe their experience building an RV-6 in the living room: “In Texas, where there are always too many temperature changes, the air conditioning system in the hangar would cost us more than the construction of the aircraft itself. We thought about working in a garage, but as it turned out, our cars couldn't stand exposure to the open sun for long. Therefore, breakfast in the bar, accommodation in the bedroom, and construction in the living room - this is how our work was organized. Amenities included domestic air conditioning, heating, and large sliding doors that allowed the plane to be rolled out. The most important thing was that everything was always at hand"

Step 4. Where can I get money for the plane?

In second place after time is the question of money. How much will it cost to build an aircraft? There is no one-size-fits-all answer here: on average, such projects cost between $50,000 and $65,000, and the actual cost can be much lower or much higher. The construction of an aircraft is like a phased payment of a loan, it is important to correctly assess the entire amount of required resources, both financial and temporary, before the start of the active phase of investment.

The allocation of costs for the project begins with the definition of the tasks that the aircraft will solve. Modern aircraft manufacturers are ready to install anything you can wish for on their products. Home aircraft builders, on the other hand, know exactly what they want. If the aircraft will not fly according to instruments, then there is no need to put equipment for instrument flight on it. No need to fly at night - why put $1,000 runway lights. A constant pitch propeller costs three times less than a constant speed propeller, and in most cases does not lose much to the constant speed propeller in terms of flight efficiency.

The right question is where to get the money from? The rich aunt Praskovya will not leave a will in time to finance the construction, so you will have to postpone your trip to the south, or increase your income.

Van's Air Force website owner Doug Reeves suggests the first approach. His book, Ten Steps to Getting an Airplane, includes shelving a new car purchase, cutting out cable TV, switching to light, healthy foods made from fruits and vegetables, and ditching unlimited phone calls in favor of economy plans. All in all, Doug estimated that taking and following these steps saved him about $570 each month. He conscientiously saved this amount in a piggy bank every month and now flies an RV-6.

Bob Collins, an RV builder, took a different path (not everyone who builds an airplane builds an RV). His work as an editor for public radio provided for him and his family, but it was not enough to buy an airplane. In general, he became "the oldest paperboy." Seven days a week, from two to six in the afternoon, he delivered the local press. This activity, combined with his regular job, family life, and plane plans, left him little time to sleep, but he eventually became the proud owner of an RV-7A.

Step 5. Where to get smart?

“I have never riveted, boiled, or painted anything, and in general I am not a master of golden hands,” an inexperienced builder may object. Can I even build something as complex as an airplane?

Actually, it's not that difficult. Home built aircraft are ordinary mechanical devices. Mechanical control units, a simple and understandable electrician, almost no hydraulics - everything can be studied and assembled by yourself. A typical aircraft engine, for example, consists of four hoses, three cables, and two wires. Well, if knowledge is not enough, you can always draw the missing gaps from textbooks and manuals.

The technique of aircraft construction is simple and obvious. Riveting can be mastered in one day, welding will take more time, but it's fun and almost for nothing. In everyday life, a lot of things are made of wood, wood processing techniques and tools have been brought to perfection, and everything can be mastered via the Internet and Youtube.

If a structured presentation of the material suits you best when learning new information, then you can take lessons in aircraft engineering skills. Similar events are held by kit kit manufacturers and some private builders.

Comprehensive support needed

If the dream of flying your own plane does not leave you, and enthusiasm overwhelms you to the very top, then support from like-minded pilots will help speed up the work on the project.

• First of all, it is worth enlisting the support of the family. Working hours in the workshop can be long and tiring, including for the rest of your family. Spousal and family support in such cases is essential. Any aircraft projects that get in the way of a relationship are doomed: “He spends all his time on this fucking plane. She nags me all the time about my project,” is it worth starting a project in this state of affairs. Mitch Locke has a simple tactic: “Before I start building a new plane, I go to my wife and ask her for a list of all the benefits that she wants her life to get better while I spend less time on her." And it works: Mitch built seven planes on his own. At the same time, there are many projects that are run by family teams: parents with children, spouses. When teamwork brings people together, assembling an aircraft becomes an additional opportunity to spend time with loved ones.
• Support outside the family circle is also important.
  When choosing a solution in favor of a particular project, it is also important to take into account the service support and experience of previous builders. Is it possible to change the thickness of the ribs without compromising the safety of the structure? Can the aircraft model company answer this question? How quickly will the answers come? Is there an aircraft builders forum that can help newbies?

Tips on how to speed up the work on the project - help from professionals and KIT kits

One of the reasons for the growth in the number of home aircraft builders is the emergence of KIT kits. Most aircraft in the past were built from scratch. The builders purchased a set of drawings for the aircraft of their choice (or designed it themselves at their own peril and risk), and then ordered materials for the manufacture of parts and assemblies.

Here are some tips for those who decide to go this route:

• You can use virtual design programs such as X-Plane: Aircraft designer David Rose uses this program to design his models, supplementing it with the Airplane PDQ package (total cost - $198). The cost of the package is low, and the capabilities are at the level of industrial systems for $30,000.
• The design can be designed: To do this, you can study the book by Martin Hollman "Modern Aircraft Design" (Modern Aircraft Design) or Gorbenko K. S. "We build aircraft ourselves."

If you are not ready to make a plane from scratch, then it makes sense to think about buying a KIT kit. A kit maker can provide accurate, ready-to-assemble aircraft parts at a significant cost and material savings compared to building from scratch. Assembly instructions, unlike engineering drawings, can save you countless hours of thinking about how parts fit together. Such time savings will lead to the fact that it will be in your power to assemble more complex and high-tech aircraft. Today's KIT kits cover an astoundingly wide range of models, ranging from wooden and fabric models like the Piper Cub to composite models at prices comparable to the Citation.

Here is a list of kit manufacturers that aircraft manufacturers may find useful:

KIT - sets of Piper Cub PA-18 and its replicas

SKB Vulkan-Avia

ZAO Interavia

KIT - RV aircraft kits

KIT - sets of aircraft C.C.C.P.

Your plane.ru

KIT - Ultra Pup aircraft sets

KIT - sets of aircraft CH-701, as well as Zenith, Zodiac and Bearhawk

Avia-comp company

In order to legalize flights on a home-built aircraft, you will have to go through the procedure for obtaining a certificate of a single copy of an aircraft (EEAS, more details).

The building may not be for everyone. If you like to work with your hands and head, know who to turn to for support, have enough money to buy a pickup truck and have space to store it, you should be able to make your own plane. Of course, this activity is not for everyone, but those who do it consider this experience one of the most exciting and joyful moments in their lives.

useful links

Websites dedicated to the construction of aircraft:

• www.stroimsamolet.ru
• www.reaa.ru
• www.avia-master.ru
• vk.com/club4449615 - VKontakte group with a lot of useful information
• www.avialibrary.com - library of aircraft designers