How to Attach the Aileron to the RC Plane Wing

Callum. W

The ailerons of an RC plane attach to the rear edges of the wings. When the plane is in the air, adjustments to the ailerons make the plane roll from side to side or tilt on a central angle, like standing up on a wing. Attaching the aileron to the plane wing requires that you use a flexible but sturdy material that will bend as needed without tearing due to the force of the wind. Using fiberglass hinge tape is the common attachment method for foam wings, but the wing must be properly prepared beforehand for the attachment to work

Instructions

Use the hobby knife to cut the aileron out of the foam wing according to the airplane manufacturer’s instructions.

Bevel the edge of the aileron using the hobby knife. Place a straightedge along the edge of the aileron that connects with the wing and angle the knife at a 45-degree angle. Drag the knife through the foam of the aileron, cutting a strip from the edge at the required angle. The angle is necessary to allow the aileron to smoothly flex against the wing.

Turn the aileron upside down and place it onto the wing with the long side of the bevelled angle against the wing. Place a one-inch portion of a two-inch piece of fiberglass tape onto the aileron at each tip. Fold the tape over the edge onto the wing, connecting the two pieces.

Fold the aileron over so that it lies flat to the side of the wing with the bevel side downward. There should be a gap between the two pieces. Place a strip of tape along the gap, maintaining the even spacing between the two pieces created by the folding process. The gap along with the bevelled angle allows the aileron to flex to a 45-degree angle along the hinge.

Tips & Warnings

The same process is possible for balsa wood airplanes, but no bevelling is required as the angle needed already exists with the built aileron.