How Can I Build a Plane From Cheap Materials?

Question

How can I build a small plane from stuff with a budget of 109 US dollars? It doesn't have to be any high quality, just something that can go maybe 50 feet up and hold it. I got a lawnmower engine, a 4' by 8' sheet of 1 inch ply, and nothing else. The "nothing else" part, that's what the 109 bucks are for.

Answer 1

you cant do it.  

Answer 2

You have two options:

1. Go to the local airport and use the 109 dollars to buy a flight.  That amount should be enough for a 45 minute flight.

2. Get more money.  

The only possible way you could fly with that budget is to use rocket motors, but I don't think that is enough money to buy a powerful enough motor.  Besides, you would probably die attempting to fly with a rocket strapped to some ply wood.

Answer 3

Fortunately for you, this is one of those cases in which the law will protect you from yourself.

The only legal way to build and fly your own airplane is with a certificate from the FAA and a series of inspections by a government engineer as construction progresses.  If you are caught or somebody turns you in, you could be put in jail, or, in your case, more likely just sent back to school.

It is not practical to build a real airplane the way you describe.  A lawnmower engine is not nearly powerful enough, and the sum you mention is not enough to even get started on materials.  Also, anyone who builds his or her own airplane must have a pilot's license to fly it.

If I were you, I would take the $109 and start a savings account toward college and/or flight training.  Don't buy any securities derived from sub-prime mortgages.

Sorry to pop all your bubbles, but at least you won't get killed.

Answer 4

uhh... I really think these gas prices are really affecting us, not only economically but also mentally!

Answer 5

That's going to be pretty difficult.  A lawnmower engine is pretty heavy and not powerful enough to fly anything without some serious mods.  Plywood is a terrible wood to make an aircraft out of.  It's too heavy.  You're going to have a hard time getting that in the air for $109.

Answer 6

40 years ago I flew a home built aircraft made from sticks and cardboard. The flight lasted for only a second or two, and covered 20 feet "vertically". The power source was my big brother pushing me out of the hay loft of the barn. I wouldn't recommend trying to repeat this flight.