Control Surfaces, How Big?

[Delta3]

I'm building a manned plane for a project, but I can't figure out how big the control surfaces have to be.

There will be ailerons, elevators, and a rudder but no flaps.

Does anybody know how big these have to be,as in length and width?

 

[banned username 2]

No offense, but you are building a "manned plane" for a project and have no idea how to calculate how big these surfaces should be?

Who is going to be the test pilot??? I hope you are paying him a LOT of money! (Like $100,000,000.00+)

 

[WrightAvia]

why would a ding dong post that?

Must be a terrorist looking to build a terror plane. Maybe he should call that poberezny guy. He'd know.

 

[Delta3]

Yeah, it's for a college class project and the guy who is going to fly it is spending his money to help us build it. There are 8 of us including the guy flying, and none of us know how to make the control surfaces.

The flight itself seems pretty easy to us. We are going to ask the tower to block off the runway and he will take off, climb a few dozen feet and then land back on the runway. Most of us have our PPLs and it doesn't seem that hard.

Or will it be

 

[WrightAvia]

contact the EAA...they will help you.

If you're here asking how to build a dude made plane, you're in the wrong place. Contact the EAA. They do that stuff.

 

[banned username 2]

Most of us have our PPLs and it doesn't seem that hard.

Or will it be

Can I have the name of the pilot???

I'd like to buy him a nice big life insurance policy! (with me being the beneficiary of course!)

 

[flywithastick]

This a real project, or just a design project?

Gotta agree with some of the other comments here... you sure seem a little lean on the basics to be tearing into an actual project. You an undergrad Aero Engr student? You have any text references? If not, there are all kinds of good internet references. You want a good book, start with Aerodynamics for Naval Aviators, Airplane Design & A Practical Guide to Airplane Performance and Design By Donald R. Crawford, Bede on Design By Jim Bede. Last, borrow some ratios and dims from something that already works.

 

[Loafman]

Make them large enough to control the airplane, yet small enough to be able to sweep up after the crash.

 

[CatYaaak]

Control Surfaces? You don't need no stinking control surfaces!!!

 

[lahso]

I've spent a lot of time studying and learning the physics of flight, etc, including much of the math and calculations for various parts of the airfoils. I am also very handy with tools, machine work, welding, riveting, etc. I still would not even attempt to build a manned plane. Think about it.

 

[flywithastick]

I still would not even attempt to build a manned plane. Think about it.

reputable kits are not too bad. scratch built takes time, craftsmanship and muy grande huevos to fly.

 

[firstthird]

I graduated with a BS in aeronautical engineering and wouldn't even consider building a plane from scratch without some SERIOUSLY COMPETENT assistance. In fact, one of my aerospace professors in school built a kit (homebuilt) and ended up never flying it. His comment was that when you build a plane yourself you have to have the confidence to fly it that first time and after glueing and warping all that stuff, he didn't. Now, that being said, I'm sure lots of people that don't know better probably did have the confidence. Definitely a case of what you don't know can hurt you, or the 'pilot' in this case who is considering getting his test pilot spurs.

 

[Draginass]

You guys are interfering with the natural selection process and a future winner of the Darwin Award. Just hope they don't breed before the process completes itself.

 

[banned username 2]

You guys are interfering with the natural selection process and a future winner of the Darwin Award. Just hope they don't breed before the process completes itself.

HAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not THAT was a direct hit!

 

[flywithastick]

You guys are interfering with the natural selection process and a future winner of the Darwin Award. Just hope they don't breed before the process completes itself.

Easy there draginass... not all fit in this category. But you are right in a way. It's a lot like trying to overthrow a government. You win, you're a hero for the day. Loose, you'll probably end up a dead "idiot".

I've test flown three. All unmodified kits. I knew the builders and saw the construction. With the more popular kits (proven one's like RV's), it's not too tricky. Actually, with the 2nd & 3rd, I was not very nervous at all. Makes the process more safe, IMO, when you can operate with a reasonably low level of anxiety. Just stick to the plan and don't get too far out on the limb (i.e., far from flat ground)! The Nomex, helmet and chute aren't a bad idea either.

 

[freeflyer14]

Where is said event project taking place?

 

[MDPilot]

I'm waiting to hear what happens when an FAA tower controller is asked if an unliscenced, uninspected homebuilt acft can use a runway under his control. First phone call is to the fire dept, second call is to the FSDO, third to airport security.

 

[100LL... Again!]

___________________

...takes time, craftsmanship and muy grande huevos to fly.
__________________

S'cuse me..

Aren't huevos 'eggs'?

"Sorry son, you're not woman enough to fly this bird..."

 

[dmspilot00]

Aren't huevos 'eggs'?

Sí.

 

[Deftone45075]

How can you expect to get an answer in terms of L x W, when you didn't state the size, weight, type, and construction of the airplane in mind?

How about 2ft by 2ft, that ought to work!

Some other questions of my own,

Is a PPL similar to a degree in aeronautical engineering?

Has anyone thought about what kind of airfoil you will use? (or were you just gonna guess on that one?)

Are you all on crack?

 

[Deftone45075]

The flight itself seems pretty easy to us. We are going to ask the tower to block off the runway and he will take off, climb a few dozen feet and then land back on the runway

Okay, either call the EAA and find out what you really need to do. Or tape the response from the tower when you ask them the above and let us all hear it. Should be amusing.