Welcome, that sounds like a great class project. Its not all about theory and classroom instruction. get yourself and the class to a local club field and learn there. become a pilot and learn to fly a r/c plane. you will learn more on common sence and other design issues. then bring it all back to the class room and put it together but keep going to the club to learn and try your designs. I wish I had been in your class back in school. good luck