The key to getting started well is to gather a lot of reference data and facts to ensure credibility in the design process. Here are some of the things that are essential.

3-Views: High quality graphics are essential to construct accurate models. There are many sites that carry these 3-views, some are free and the best are payware.

This site is a great resource with a lot of links to available 3-views:

Airfoil Data: As a minimum if you can get the wing root/tip airfoil NACA numbers you have a source to construct the wing shape accurately. If the 3-view does not have the shapes to copy, there are sites that can help.

Type Certificate Data Sheets: The Type Certificate Data Sheets (TCDS) database is an official FAA repository of Make and Model information.

Official Pilots Operating Handbook (POH) and PIREPS: There are several sites around where original publications can be found.

Other References: Simply searching the web for aircraft information will yield many resources that will be helpful. Vary your search arguments and try different search engines to get the most information about your target aircraft. Keep your eyes open for information about props, tire sizes, sounds, clubs, support groups, etc.

Asking for help collecting data resources will often yield excellent results. Visit your favorite forums and get others involved. Occasionally, you might even interest a real world pilot to join the team and that is always helpful.

Good luck with your adventure and project.

Milton Shupe

8/8/2008

Web page updated July 25, 2008 by Milton Shupe