Check out This Tiny Classic Biplane You Can Build

I think it's fair to say that DIY aviation is something we're quite passionate about here at Flite Test. Personally, one day, I'd love to build a classic looking light aircraft and I think I've found the one: this is the Flitzer biplane. Hopefully you'll see from this article that full-scale aircraft don't have to be all that different to models!

The Flitzer is a 1920's styled aircraft that anyone can build (as long as you have the right tools and skills!).

Originally, it was designed to accept a whole bunch of engine options but is primarily designed to run a Volks Wagen Beatle engine! However, some builders have decided to use small radial engines. This is quite similar to the Pietenpol. Some builders of that classic looking airplane have also used radials to power their projects.

With the basic powerplant, the Flitzer can take off from rough unprepared fields and climb at a rate of 750ft per minute. Here's a short video of a Flitzer in action.

The airframe of this biplane is made almost entirely of wood. This is great for homebuilders as it means you don't need a whole load of precision metal working tools. The fuselage, for example, is all spruce with birch plywood used as the skin. Apparently, if you've built a large scale balsa model, you'll be able to build a Flitzer.

So how do you get started building one of these cute little airplanes? Well, you can firstly send off for plans. These are used to build the aircraft from. Essentially, you'd be building the plane from scratch, cutting out components and assembling them as you go.

You can buy wood packs for the Flitzer that provide all of the material you'll need to a high quality grade. It really does seem like a very large model plane the more you find out about it!

The Flitzer, as mentioned, is a very small aircraft. This is great for keeping it in tight spaces like a car garage. The wings can also be made to be detachable.

This plane is definitely on my list of 'If I Ever Get the Opportunity Projects'. It's small, lightweight, relatively simple to build and looks fantastic! What's not to love? If you'd like to find out more about this aircraft, visit this website on the Flitzer biplane.