There are two basic concerns here:

1. DO NOT cut the antenna. It is at the optimal length for the frequency you are using (72MHz for most of us). Cutting the antenna, even an inch, can severely reduce the antenna effeciency and receiver range.

2. DO NOT double the antenna back on itself. That is like cutting it. Run the antenna the length of the fuselage, either inside (through straws to keep it straight, as mentioned above is a good method then at the rear, drill a hole and run the antenna through and let it dangle out the rear) or on the outside by passing it through the fuselage behind the wing then on up to the rudder, hold it in place with a rubber band and allow the remainder to dangle beyond the rudder.

The antenna does not have any weight that will cause it to damage itself when hanging out the back. I've seen some real old aircraft flying with the original receiver and antenna hanging out the back and none of them are frayed.

If you are that concerned about fraying by dragging on the ground, go to Radio Shack, buy some heat shrink tubing and cover the antenna with heat shrink (use your heat gun that you use for the covering material and shrink the tubing on the antenna). That will provide an extra "skin" on the antenna and protect it from the ground.

DS.