Rubber Powered Model Airplanes: Comprehensive Building & Flying Basics, Plus Advanced Design-Your-Own Instruction

I was pleasantly surprised at the completness of this book. I will be able to use this book in my 9th grade technology class for basic flight information. The advanced information will also be used by the students entering the science olympiad.

I haven't built a model plane in 40 years, but have begun to do so again as a result of my daughter's interest in paper-and-stick models. Looking for guidance, I came across this book by Don Ross. It is an ideal place for a neophyte to start. Mr. Ross builds a foundation for understanding models by taking the reader through building a simple rubber powered stick model, progresses to an R.O.G., and finally, built-up models. That's just the beginning. Detailed discussions of rubber motors, propellers, trimming the aircraft for flight, model design, etc. complete a very fascinating introduction to rubber powered flying machines. I have read this book twice so far. And still I have not absorbed all that Mr. Ross has to tell me.Two minor criticism: 1-There are a couple rough spots in the writing--things the editor should have caught. (But with careful re-reading I believe I understood what was being said.)2- More drawings and pictures would be welcome, though there are many excellent drawings in the book already. (May be that's why I would like more!) It would be great to see additional examples of the planes Mr. Ross designed. If you want to build rubber powered planes, or even only think you do, this book by Don Ross provides a launching pad for your aspirations.

I would rate this book as one of my top picks for someone wanting to get a complete understanding of rubber powered free flight. It not only covers the basics to allow a beginner a good start, but has sufficient content to teach the seasoned fligher a trick or two.

very good book on the subject. i've been building models for almost fifty years and i learned things about building rubber powered models i didn't know. very good section on props and rubber powered model design. if i had this book when i started building i believe my modeling career would have been much easier. a great book for beginners and old timers alike.