Here's an idea, a non-flying plane on gimbal so that you can get a feel for the controls while sitting on the ground. These days you could easily see using an electric motor and rechargeable batteries for power, maybe put a guard on the prop for to keep the lawyers at bay.

https://www.facebook.com/FilmImages....4694061564805/

http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/0...fayette-paris/