In this module, you’ll learn how moments, lift distribution, and center of gravity placement determine whether a fixed-wing aircraft is stable, controllable, and easy to fly—or unpredictable and difficult to manage.

We’ll begin by clearly distinguishing between forces and moments, and show how pitching moments arise on real aircraft. You’ll then explore how wing sweep and lift distribution affect stall behavior, stability, and handling qualities—especially in small, low-speed fixed-wing drones.

From there, you’ll learn how to correctly place the center of gravity relative to the wing and tail, and how to balance lift and pitching moments to achieve stable, predictable flight. These principles allow you to design aircraft that naturally return to trimmed flight and are forgiving to fly, rather than requiring constant pilot correction.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand how aerodynamic moments affect aircraft behavior

• Predict how wing sweep influences stall patterns and handling

• Place the center of gravity for stable, controllable flight

• Balance lift, CG, and tail forces to achieve longitudinal stability

• Design fixed-wing aircraft that are easier and safer to fly

This module provides the critical stability and balance knowledge that turns an aerodynamic design into a flyable, well-behaved aircraft.

n this module, you’ll learn how aircraft control surfaces work—and how to design and size them so your fixed-wing drone is responsive, stable, and predictable to fly.

We’ll begin by clearly explaining the function of the primary control surfaces—ailerons, elevators, and the rudder—and how each one affects roll, pitch, and yaw. You’ll then learn how flaps are used to increase lift and drag for takeoff, landing, and low-speed flight.

From there, we’ll focus on control authority and effectiveness, showing how control surface size, deflection, and placement influence how an aircraft responds to pilot inputs. You’ll learn practical methods for sizing control surfaces to achieve the desired balance between stability and maneuverability.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand the role of ailerons, elevators, rudder, and flaps

• Predict how control surfaces affect aircraft motion and handling

• Size control surfaces for adequate control authority

• Balance responsiveness with stability and safety

• Avoid common control surface design mistakes

This module gives you the tools to design fixed-wing aircraft that not only fly—but fly well and respond exactly as intended.

In this module, you’ll learn how landing gear configuration and geometry affect takeoff performance, ground handling, and overall flight reliability in fixed-wing drones.

We’ll begin by comparing common landing gear layouts, including tricycle and taildragger configurations, and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each. You’ll learn how wheel placement, gear height, and track width influence stability on the ground and how easily an aircraft can rotate and lift off.

From there, we’ll explore how landing gear design impacts steering, directional control, and propeller clearance, as well as the structural loads experienced during takeoff and landing. These considerations are critical for designing aircraft that consistently leave the ground smoothly and survive repeated operations.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand different landing gear configurations and their tradeoffs

• Design landing gear that promotes smooth, predictable takeoff

• Improve ground handling and directional stability

• Ensure adequate propeller clearance and structural robustness

• Avoid common landing gear design mistakes

This module helps ensure that your aircraft performs reliably on the ground—so it can successfully get into the air where it belongs.

In this module, you’ll walk through a complete, end-to-end example of designing a fixed-wing aircraft—from initial concept to validated aerodynamic performance.

We’ll begin by defining a realistic mission and design requirements, then apply the sizing, aerodynamics, stability, and control principles developed throughout the course to create an initial aircraft configuration.

Step by step, you’ll build a conceptual aircraft model and use aerodynamic simulation tools to evaluate lift, drag, and pitching moment behavior. You’ll learn how to interpret the results, identify performance or stability issues, and make informed design changes.

Most importantly, this module focuses on the iterative design process—showing how real aircraft are refined through repeated analysis, comparison, and improvement rather than a single “perfect” design pass.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Apply the full fixed-wing design workflow to a real aircraft example

• Run and interpret aerodynamic simulations

• Identify performance and stability shortcomings

• Iterate and refine a design based on simulation results

• Understand how professional aircraft designers approach trade studies

This module ties together the entire course and demonstrates how theory, analysis, and simulation combine to produce a flyable fixed-wing aircraft.

In this module, you’ll learn how to select, integrate, and package the electronic systems that bring a fixed-wing aircraft to life.

We’ll begin with an overview of the core onboard systems, including radios, receivers, servos, motors, and electronic speed controllers. You’ll learn how each component functions and how they work together to control and power the aircraft.

From there, we’ll focus on power systems and energy storage, covering battery selection, voltage regulation, and power distribution to ensure reliable operation without unnecessary weight. You’ll also learn best practices for wiring, layout, and noise management to avoid common reliability issues.

Throughout the module, we’ll emphasize system integration—how electronics placement affects weight, balance, accessibility, and maintenance—and how to make design choices that lead to robust, repeatable performance.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand the role of each major electronic subsystem

• Select appropriate radios, servos, and power components

• Integrate electronics into an aircraft safely and efficiently

• Manage power distribution and voltage regulation

• Avoid common electronics and wiring mistakes

This module ensures that your aircraft’s electronic systems are reliable, lightweight, and ready for flight testing.

In this module, you’ll learn how to correctly select and match motors and propellers to achieve the thrust, efficiency, and endurance required for your fixed-wing aircraft.

We’ll begin by breaking down how electric propulsion systems work, explaining key motor parameters such as KV, torque, and power. You’ll then learn how propeller geometry—diameter, pitch, and blade count—affects thrust, airspeed, and power consumption.

From there, we’ll focus on how motors and propellers interact as a system, and how to match them to your aircraft’s size, weight, and mission requirements.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand how motors and propellers generate thrust

• Interpret key motor and propeller specifications

• Match motors and propellers for fixed-wing aircraft

• Balance thrust, efficiency, and endurance

• Avoid common propulsion system mistakes

This module ensures that your aircraft’s propulsion system delivers reliable, efficient performance in real flight conditions.

In this module, you’ll learn how remote control systems work—and how to configure them so your fixed-wing aircraft is smooth, and predictable to fly.

We’ll begin by explaining the fundamentals of radio control systems, including channels, signal flow, and how pilot inputs are translated into control surface motion. You’ll then learn how to correctly set up a transmitter, verify control directions, and configure rates, limits, and exponential response.

Finally, you’ll be introduced to a free flight simulation tool that allows you to practice flying, test control setups, and build muscle memory—without risking your aircraft.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand how radio control systems operate

• Configure transmitter settings correctly

• Use rates, limits, and expo to tune aircraft response

• Train effectively using a flight simulator

This module prepares you to fly the aircraft you’ve designed and built.

Please note, as the pilot you are responsible for following the rules and regulations of the district you are in.

In this module, you’ll learn how to design and manufacture a fixed-wing aircraft specifically for 3D printing—balancing strength, weight, printability, and aerodynamic performance.

We’ll begin by exploring how 3D printing changes traditional aircraft design assumptions, and how to take advantage of additive manufacturing while avoiding its common pitfalls. You’ll learn how material choice, print orientation, wall thickness, and internal structure affect strength and durability.

From there, we’ll focus on practical design strategies for printing wings, fuselages, and control surfaces, including how to split parts for assembly and how to integrate electronics, propulsion, and landing gear into the printed structure.

Throughout the module, the emphasis is on design for manufacturing—ensuring that the aircraft you design can be printed reliably, assembled efficiently, and survive real flight loads.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Design aircraft structures specifically for 3D printing

• Select appropriate materials and print settings

• Create lightweight yet strong airframes

• Design printable wings and fuselages

• Avoid common 3D-printed aircraft failures

This module bridges aerodynamic design and real-world manufacturing, enabling you to turn your digital aircraft into a flyable, physical airplane.