Aspiring to build working scale models

[gebrial]

I will be entering university in an aerospace engineering program next year but I want to get a head start on it right now. What I mean by that is start building basic rockets and planes, or even more basic than that, I don't know. Why I am here is to ask for guidance on where to start. I recently saw a video of an 18 y/o kid flying a very large scale model of a jet fighter. Now obviously I can't start with that, but something in that general direction is what I'm looking for. I've tried using google to find other forums more suited to my request, but there were none more helpful than this.

Where should I start? What should I expect? I really just want to be able to build model airplanes that can fly, hopefully from scratch but I am willing to take the time to learn if I can find the right resources which I haven't been able to do thus far.

 

[Travis_King]

I can tell you this: That 18y/o kid did not build that plane by himself. He had money, resources, and almost certainly the mentoring of an experienced engineer. What you can do is a matter of resources and dedication. If you want to build model planes or rockets, there are countless forums, websites, clubs, etc that are dedicated to that. It's a good idea, but make sure that you are learning the principles of flight, power, control, etc while you are doing this, otherwise it is just a hobby. Not that that is a bad thing mind you, but it won't really help you with your degree.

 

[gebrial]

Yes, of course he did. What I am asking for is the forums, websites and clubs that you speak of b/c I could not find anything very reliable on my own. I am sure that someone here would know of a good one through experience?

 

[RandomGuy88]

Google + "rc airplane forums"

RC airplanes are a great hobby that you can really learn a lot from. The only problem is that it is pretty expensive. You will probably start with a foam trainer airplane because they are pretty hard to break. Not hard to crash just hard to break :-)

There are plenty of forums if you search and they will be able to recommend good products to start with.