Building the Colibri RC glider is a rewarding and accessible project for both beginners and experienced modelers. Follow these steps to bring your model to life using the included DXF laser cut files and PDF plan.

1. Prepare the Materials and Tools

• Download and review the PDF construction plan.
• Use a laser cutter or CNC machine to cut the balsa wood parts using the provided DXF files.
• Gather additional materials: adhesives (CA or wood glue), sanding tools, covering film or tissue, and optional motor or launch gear.

2. Build the Wing

• Start by assembling the wing spars and ribs according to the plan.
• Ensure all parts are aligned properly and glue them in place.
• Install the dihedral braces and allow the glue to cure completely.
• Sand the wing to achieve smooth contours, especially leading and trailing edges.

3. Assemble the Fuselage

• Align the laser-cut fuselage sides, bulkheads, and formers.
• Glue them together, checking alignment frequently to avoid warping.
• Add the wing saddle, servo tray, and internal supports as needed.

4. Tail Section Construction

• Build the horizontal and vertical stabilizers from the laser-cut parts.
• Sand the edges to airfoil shape for better aerodynamics.
• Attach the stabilizers to the fuselage, ensuring they are square and aligned.

5. Install Electronics

• Mount servos for rudder and elevator control.
• Route the pushrods through the fuselage.
• Install the receiver and battery if flying electric.

6. Cover the Model

• Apply a lightweight covering material (film or tissue) to all surfaces.
• Shrink and tighten the covering carefully to maintain the model’s low weight.

7. Final Assembly and Balancing

• Attach the wing and tail securely to the fuselage.
• Check the center of gravity (CG) as per the plan and add ballast if needed.
• Perform control surface checks and adjust trims.

8. Launch and Fly

• Choose your launch method: hand-launch, electric-powered takeoff, or bungee.
• Test-fly in calm conditions and fine-tune trims for smooth flight.

FUSELAGE

WING