Getting a plane up and running from scratch requires a bit of experience. The most difficult parts of an airplane scratch build are the mounting of servos and hooking up control rods. The Scratch-One servos are located on the top of the fuselage, aft of the wing’s trailing edge. Control rods are run externally from servo output arms, so you can easily adjust the throw and center the controls.
Build an electric-powered trainer sailplane from scratch
There are a few different ways to build an electric-powered trainer sailplane. The Scratch-One design is one of the easiest to build and fly for a beginner. This model requires you to assemble and cover all of the parts yourself. There is no pre-assembled hardware, which makes this design perfect for a beginner. However, you should keep in mind that some RC planes don’t come with pre-assembled parts.
You can build an electric-powered trainer sailplane from a scaled-down model airplane. This size will fit the electric components and is easy to transport. If you don’t want to break the bank, you can borrow a design that someone else has already built. For example, Quarter Midgets were popular in the 1970s, and they are still available as plans from many magazine plan services.
Avoid scratches on aircraft windows
When you fly on an aircraft, you have to be particularly careful not to scratch the aircraft’s windows. Although the glass is usually acrylic plastic, scratching it can still be difficult. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to minimize the chance of this happening. First, avoid using Windex on aircraft windows. This product contains acrylic and will scratch the glass. Secondly, do not use paper towels on aircraft windows. Exposure to the propeller blast can also damage the windscreen.
Plastics are more durable than glass for aircraft windows, but they do not have the hard surface of glass. Because of this, care is needed when cleaning plastic surfaces. The most effective way to clean plastic surfaces is with water and a mild soap. Afterwards, use a soft cloth or grit-free sponge to clean the surface. You can also use your hands, but do not use chemical cleaners on plastic surfaces.
Make a scratch pane to protect the middle and outer panes
A plane window is usually made of three separate panes: the inner pane, the scratch/breather hole, and the outer pane. The outer pane protects passengers from pressure differences between the outside air and the plane’s interior, and the inner pane serves a safety purpose. The scratch/breather hole is the closest to the passenger, and is designed to minimize outside noise.
When an airplane window is made of acrylic, it has 3 layers: the scratch pane (the innermost layer) and the middle or bleed hole. The outer layer is the strongest and is subjected to the most pressure. If the outer layer fails, the middle layer would still hold, and the bleed hole would make the pressure change slowly. This way, a pilot can focus on the cockpit instead of worrying about their plane’s safety.
Repair scratches with Scratch-Off
When you want to restore your plane’s glass windows, using a terrycloth or paper towel isn’t the best option. While they don’t get rid of deep scratches, they can act as an impromptu sanding block. Microfiber cloths, which are sold in marine and auto supply stores, can work well for removing fine scratches from the windows.
This patented system is designed to repair aircraft windows, windshields, and side windows. It can also be used to restore the lens covers of landing lights. Scratch-Off works by restoring the surface’s clarity. The kit includes an instruction booklet that walks you through four steps. Using this product will restore most 4 and six-place aircraft windows. It also provides a high gloss finish.