Chickadee Indoor Electric RC Plane Plan
Chickadee electric RC plane build log, page 3/3
Chickadee electric RC plane front view
At this time you can complete construction of the Chickadee electric RC plane fuselage. Add formers F-1 and F-3 to the front of the fuselage frame. Ensure you have made the necessary cut outs to F-1 to allow your electric RC plane motor to fit properly. Use whatever electric RC plane motor you like that will power a 9-10 ounce model. I am very happy with the Axi outrunner motors described on the plan. Install the 1/16” balsa floor to the fuselage frame. Add the top 3/16” square balsa to form the forward upper fuselage, as well as the 1/8” square balsa for the rear electric RC plane fuselage behind the rear wing post. Add 3/16” square balsa cross members as required to the forward fuselage to allow installation of your servos. Install F-2, and add a 1/32” balsa cowl, trimmed to fit your specific electric RC plane motor.
Bamboo tail skid
The 3/32” bamboo tail skid can be installed at this time. The tail skid is shaped by using pliers to crimp the bamboo into a curve. Install the two tail skid parts with CA glue into the electric RC plane fuselage. Use thin CA to strengthen the final curved portion of the bamboo skid assembly.
Chickadee electric RC plane landing gear
The landing gear is formed out of 1/16” music wire. Bend to shape as shown on the electric RC plane plan. Use F-5 to install the L-1 and L-2 1/16” music wire gear legs to the fuselage. Apply balsa fill on the underside of the fuselage, along with some thin CA, to reinforce the L-1 and L-2 landing gear attachment area. Install the spreader bar L-3 near the bottom of L-1. Bind landing gear attachment areas with light wire and some epoxy glue. The Chickadee electric RC plane is not heavy, and the landing gear does not have to be too robust to support flight operations. As always with an indoor electric RC plane, lightness is goodness. Use lightweight wheels of your choice. Just ensure that your chosen electric RC plane prop will have the necessary ground clearance with whatever wheel size you will be using.
Chickadee wings are covered on top to save weight
Finish covering the top surface only of the wings, to save weight, as well as the top surface of the elevator and rudder. Use clear hinge tape to mount the elevator, followed by the rudder. Dubro micro control horns worked well for the electric RC plane elevator and rudder. Install your servos, receiver and electronic speed control. Use Velcro to ensure the battery, receiver and ESC stay in place during flight. You can locate the servos further forward if you wish. Just check that you have adequate clearance of the servo control arms with the rear wing post. Connect the servos to the elevator and rudder with lightweight wire in a control rod sheath, anchoring the outer rod to the fuselage as needed to prevent flexing. I did not apply any covering to the Chickadee electric RC plane fuselage. You may wish to cover portions of the fuselage on your model, depending on how you want the final look of your electric RC plane to be.
Wing balsa dowel insert
Add some thin CA to the wing leading and trailing edge ¼” balsa dowel wing tube inserts, to strengthen the balsa wood at this critical location. The 1/16” ply inserts are crucial for overall wing integrity, but the CA reinforcement can prevent crushing of the ¼” balsa dowel that is actually inserted into the wing mount tube. Sand the electric RC plane wing leading and trailing edge ¼” balsa dowels as necessary to have a firm fit into the wing mounting tubes.
Chickadee electric RC plane in flight
Connect all your electric RC plane electronics and charge your flight batteries. Ensure the rudder and elevator move freely and in the correct direction. Control throws are shown on the plan, and 2” left/right for the rudder, and plus/minus 1” for the elevator seem to work fine. Be certain the electric RC plane balances correctly at the center of gravity.
Chickadee electric RC plane on a close fly by
Flying the Chickadee electric RC plane is pretty much a non-event. The positive incidence of the wing allows for graceful takeoffs at a slow airspeed, with the large wing area providing plenty of lift. With full power, the Chickadee will climb; either reduce power or lower the nose to maintain level flight. The large rudder and elevator provide smooth and positive control, and the Chickadee’s electric RC plane design resists over control. The Chickadee is a relaxing, well mannered airplane that is just fun to fly. I hope you have as much enjoyment building and flying the Chickadee as I have had.
Chickadee Electric RC Plane Bill of Materials
¼” square balsa: 4 x 36”
3/16” square balsa: 3 x 36”
1/8” square balsa: 5 x 36”
1/8” balsa sheet: 4 x 36”
1/16” balsa sheet: 2” x 12”
1/32” balsa sheet: 3” x 8”
3/32” bamboo skewer: 10”
1/16” plywood: 3” x 12”
1/32” plywood: 1” x 2”
1/16” music wire: 36”
¼” inside diameter metal tube: 4 x 1”
2 ½” wheels: 2
Chickadee page 1 2 3 FREE Plans
RC Airplane Plans