Model Aircraft
Model planes have been popular since very shortly after the first full scale models flew.
People make model planes from lots of different materials including
Paper Aircraft
paper models can be downloaded from the web, printed out and glued together for free or very low cost. There are lots of free paper models aircraft to download.
Plastic Models
Plastic model airplanes (such as the famous airfix range) were incredibly popular worldwide from the 1940s to the 1990s.
Recycled drinks cans
balsa wood and tissue paper
Balsa planes, covered with tissue paper are light enought to be flown with a rubber band providing the 'engine'. Alternatively small electric motors can be used. Combine these with radio controlled servo motors to control flaps and rudder and you can build and fly your own hand made aircraft.