Designing a plane...where do I start?

[mrlight]

Hi all

I want to design a build a two seat, 3 axis aircraft.

I have no experience but have an engineering pal to help.

Where do I start in terms of drawing it and getting the spec right?

I'm then thinking build a decent sized scaled flyable model?

Then onto an actual build and testing.

Hit me with it... I know its nearly impossible and expensive and time consuming
and that I need experience and all that, so just looking for technical advice.

Cheers

[tnowak]

Andrew,
I suggest you contact LAA Engineering for advice.

Regards

Tony

[TRAZZELL]

There are a lot of good text books that can help you. I'd recommend starting with Dan Raymer's book "Simplified Aircraft Design for Homebuilders" and Bud Evans "Lightplane Designer's Handbook", plus the spreadsheets on the LAA Engineering pages.

Tony Razzell

[Ian Melville]

Have you seen the articles in the last two magazines by Mike Roberts?

I will be following this closely as it has been my wish to scratch design something. I am enjoying Mikes approach and hope he is able to keep up regular articles.
I have read many of the suggested books and are able to follow them to a point, but then comes a point where everything rushes over my head.

Cheers
Ian