ORIGINAL: firstplaceaviator

Hi MV,
First of all, the Funtana airframe probably weighs 5-6 Lbs. By the time it is packaged, it will weigh 20+ Lbs.
Having shipped hundreds of R/C airplanes (from 1/2A to a 36 Ft B-36) I can tell you the best and cheapest way.

Heres the deal:

1. Find a packaging suppy wholesaler.
Buy (2) wardrobe boxes (they are 48"x24"x22" )
and (1) 3'x250' roll of bubble wrap and a high quality roll of tape.

2. Remove landing gear and prop
Wrap parts w/ bubble wrap
Put the parts in one box
Cut the 2nd box in half
slide box end over 1st box.
fill voids w/more bubble wrap.
Tape boxes together w/ plenty of tape.
Spray paint FRAGILE all over box in huge letters.
Label boxes with both his and your names, addresses and phone numbers.

3. Take boxed plane to Greyhound ( http://www.shipgreyhound.com )
Ship plane to Greyhound station nearest to you.

4. You go pick up your new plane!

I have shipped over a hundred planes this way. total cost is will be about $110.00 including materials.
I have also shipped over a hundred planes by other carriers. Greyhoud is about 1/3 the cost of UPS, Fedex, DHL and Forward Air.

Greyhound has never damaged one of my planes. I cannot say that for ANY other carrier PERIOD.....

Good Luck!
Doug