The 'poor mans' copyright is to registered mail a copy of teh plans, pctures, etc.. to yourself, and save it. If you need to proove you had it first, the judge will surely look at the registerd mail closely, as you actaully open teh envelope. it's dated material and a registered with a reputable & reliable agency, US post!

Don't post the plans on eh web!!

Ensure there is a written statement on eh plans taht states no reproduction for and by any means, and not to issue to a third party without express written concent. "These plans are the property of XX and may not in any way be reporoduced.. yadd yadda yadda...."

Do you intend a kit or an ARF? What do you excpect as your market? Sport? 3D? Sale? etc... taht will help you make a plan, and come up with an idea of what your forcast will be. With your forcast, you can then approach kit cutters and suppliers for parts. Usually you will get a discount (w-a-a-y cheaper than what you'd expect from the hobby shop) and some parts, like screws 7 such can be gotten from places like McMAster Carr & Microfastens a lot cheaper than, say, Du-bro. make a parts lsit 7 sprad sheet. Don't forget to include the 'silly stuff' like packing tape, and time to pack a kit.

Make a complete manual, and redo it. It's not easy to create a good manual. Make sure your plans are legible, and offer the details one requires to build what you intend. Give out (or sell at a very low price) a few kits to others [you can trust!!] for a 'pre productin build' to have others evaluate your intentins. Have them come to you with their constructive critisms. Get novice and experninece bulders / flyers for it. This may take a few trials to get right, so don't be discouraged!

Translating it all into antoher language will also open up a few markets, and give you an edge... Spanish and / or French woud be a good bet. Covers most of the Americas and Europe..