"Crash net" for flying paper model aircraft

[ReynoldsSlumber]

I'm starting to build a fleet of flying scale paper model aircraft as indoor gliders. When trying them out, I'd like to not have them be destroyed running into walls or furniture. Here's an idea to address that problem: a crash net.



You could re-purpose a badminton or volleyball net, or if you're cheap like me, you can get some jute gardening nets. I tied three 6 x 6' nets together side-by-side (one segment shown here), suspended them from ceiling hooks, and weighted down the bottom. I found that tying the suspending lines with about 4" of extra length compared to if the weights were to just touch the floor was about right for having the net drape around furniture and not leave a big gap at the bottom. You can use key rings or the like for the ends of the lines to go onto the ceiling hooks, and use a separate stick with a wire hook on the end to hoist up the key rings for rigging/de-rigging. (Don't use too small of a key ring, or it'll be a chore to catch the ceiling hook.)

Appropriately, I first tested it out on a carrier-based plane, a 1/80 F7F Tigercat. Smaller or swept-wing models can sneak through, though at least the net slows them down. Obviously a badminton net would stop everything. Here's a freshly-caught 1/72 F-117:



The net has the ancillary advantage of preventing the planes from damaging or toppling fragile things on the table, like my plants there.

[mbauer]

Awesome idea!

Have a friend who gave me some fishing Gill net that was unusable for fishing anymore.

Big chunk in my emergency airplane survival bag.

Now I know what to do with the rest!

Weather in Alaska this summer has everyone counting the sunny days on one hand. Sure wish the rain would leave. Will be able to do some flight testing indoors now.

Mike

[ReynoldsSlumber]

Excellent idea on the fishing net. Enjoy flying!

[Mike1158]

Either the fishing net or somthing like the netting used on fruit/veg patches which might be cheaper.

[ReynoldsSlumber]

Hi Mike, good ideas. mbauer also recommended deer netting, super cheap.