Week 3: Control Line Airplane Engineering (6/29–7/3)

Campers will design and build a custom control line airplane, a classic style of aircraft that flies in a controlled circle while connected to the pilot by two thin control lines. Unlike RC planes, control line aircraft use pure mechanical control, giving students a direct, hands-on understanding of lift, balance, thrust, and control surfaces.

Students construct their planes using laser-cut balsa wood, foam, and custom parts, learning how lightweight structures are engineered for real flight. Older campers will assemble and fly planes powered by a real glow (gas) engine, gaining experience with fuel engines and mechanical systems. Younger campers will build an electric-powered version, focusing on the same flight principles with a simplified power system.

Campers take their completed airplanes to the park to fly, test, and refine their designs — and every student takes their airplane home at the end of the week.

Materials Fee: $145
This fee covers high-quality aircraft materials, custom laser-cut components, motors or glow engines, fuel or batteries, and all flight hardware. Campers leave with a fully functional airplane built from real aviation materials, making this one of the most hands-on and memorable projects of the summer.