Free Downloadable Glider Airplane Plans

Model glider planes, like their full-size counterparts, do not have a form of motorized propulsion. Instead, enthusiasts fly them by remotely controlling, via a handheld radio transmitter, the lift that comes from slopes and thermals.

Remote-control (RC) glider enthusiasts have become interested in building their own planes. Plans abound, and these mini-aircraft can be made from any kind of material—foam, wood, and plastic are the most common. While they are typically built to be extremely light, some are surprisingly heavy for this type of plane.

For RC glider enthusiasts, these are some of the best free plans that are available for download.

Outerzone's Classy Class C Glider

The Classy Class C was designed in 1939 by airplane modeler Elbert Weathers for Flying Aces magazine, an American periodical of avionics-centered short stories, which was popular in the 1920s and 1930s. With a 28-inch wingspan, it is available from the Outerzone website.

The Fighter Glider

Designed by Aeromodeller in 1944 to mimic the classic Hawker Tempest fighter plane, this glider has a 42-inch wingspan, one of the larger planes of its kind. With its camo-colored body, it looks cool in the sky, too.

Pocket Rocket Glider

At 12 inches, the Pocket Rocket is indeed a smaller glider. Available on the F4B Scale website, it is for training and warm-up and is not for beginners.

Baby Jazz

The Baby Jazz is a great plane for kids or for those just starting out in the RC glider world. With a 13-inch wingspan, this sleek little glider is easy to build and fly.

Glider No. 1

Don't be intimidated by the 33-inch wingspan. The Glider No. 1, designed by RH Warring for Elite Model Airplane Supplies in 1943, is relatively easy to build and fly.

Terraplane 22

Once you've mastered smaller and simpler planes, you might want to check out the Terraplane 22, available on the F4B Scale website. It has a 22-inch wingspan and it a competition model that is best built and flown by experienced fliers.

Aquila

Now we're getting into serious hobbyist territory. The Aquila, available for download at Outerzone, was designed in 1975 by Lee Renaud for Airtronics, for many years a highly reputable U.S.-based electronics company. It has a 99-inch wingspan and is for experienced builders.