Their story, in their words…
We decided that we wanted to build an RC model aeroplane that would be electrically powered and capable of sustained flight. It started very well, we already had our design for the plane, which we had improved with the help of the Mark Evison assessor. We first designed the wings, then we moved on to the fuselage, where we encountered the first major issue. Since we were using stiff insulation foam, it would not bend at all, but simply snap off. This meant that we were forced to glue the four sides of the fuselage together, but after finishing it, we were not happy with how it turned out. Thus, we decided to find a better way of doing it.
After a few research and brainstorming sessions, we found out that if we tape one side of the foamboard with packing tape, then it gives the foam the strength it needs to be able to bend properly. This allowed us to build a much better fuselage that was nicely aerodynamic and strong. We then moved on to the tail, which was also built without any issues. We actually used a gift card to reinforce the rudder. After that came the electronics, calibrating both servos and then making sure they were properly connected to the radio receiver at the front of the plane was a challenge, but after a couple of days, we had nailed it.
Then, we faced the biggest challenge on our project, finding a place where we could fly the plane, and hoping that the weather would be calm enough that we could fly it. This, ironically, was the part that took us the longest, as we had to research and then send emails to different parks and commons to find out if we were allowed to fly our plane there. After we had found a place, the Richmond Park Flying Field, we got our flying license through CAA, and then signed up to BMFA, the British Model Flying Association, which gave us insurance and made it legal for us to fly in Richmond Park.
Next was the maiden flight. The first flight went well; we managed to make one round of the field before an errant gust of air made the plane land in a slightly bumpy landing. After checking the plane for damage, we went on the second run. Unfortunately, this time, the weather had suddenly gone quite bad, which resulted in a huge crash for our plane.
We tried some on-field repairs, but the damage was too much, so we returned home to fix and improve the plane, and now the plane is much stronger and better than before.
Throughout this project, we learned how to solve a problem – build a plane – in small and successive steps. It taught us to think on our feet, especially when flying the plane, and it also taught us how to think outside the box to find solutions to problems with the materials we already had. It also taught us how much joy an engineering challenge brings, and that translating an idea from your brain to a real-world item is a very special feeling.
