RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

For those starting out in this hobby it's sometimes overwhelming as to which plane they should start out with. So to try and help I've put together this list of planes that can be used as trainers. There are a few things that need to be understood with this list:
1. This list is by no means complete. If there is a trainer that I have missed I am sorry. Let me know what I missed and I'll add it to the list
2. There are no "favorites" on this list. I list these alphabetical order to avoid the appearance of any "favorites".
3. I list only glow powered planes here.
4. I list only "real" planes. There are tons of cheap "toys" out there on the market that IMHO aren't worth a plug nickle for learning to fly.
5. Prices. I have not listed any prices on these planes. Prices change too often for me to try and keep up. Please check the provided links for the current price on the planes.
6. Availability. Even though I provide links to where the plane is available and I am in no way promoting any one vendor over another.

Beginning or "Trainer" Planes

Beginning or "Trainer" Planes

List updated on 8-20-2011

Kits - These are complete kits. You start with a "box of sticks" and will have a complete plane when finished. There is usually a list of items you will have to purchase seperately in order to finish the plane, such as (but not limited to) covering materials, wheels, props, fuel tank, etc. Kits do not include an engine or a radio.

[link=http://shop.balsausa.com/product_p/426.htm]Balsa USA Student Trainer Kit, .40-46 2-stroke/.50-.60 4-stroke,72"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYXF4&P=7]Goldberg Eagle 2 Trainer Kit, .29-.45,63"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ555&P=7]Great Planes PT-20 MKII Trainer Kit, .15-.25,52.75"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ557&P=7]Great Planes PT-40 MKII Trainer Kit, .35-.46,60"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ558&P=7]Great Planes PT-60 Trainer Kit, .45-.60,71"[/link]
[link=http://http://www.hobby-lobby.com/telemaster40.htm]Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 Kit[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetSenior_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02Non e_01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers _01]Sig Kadet Senior Trainer Kit, .29-.40,78"[/link] - Note: These are older kits for the craftsman-class modeler. The stick frames and many other parts need to be cut by the builder.
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetSenita_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02Non e_01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers _01]Sig Kadet Seniorita Trainer Kit, .15-.25,63"[/link] - Note: These are older kits for the craftsman-class modeler. The stick frames and many other parts need to be cut by the builder.
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetII_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_01 Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers_01]Sig Kadet Mark II Trainer Kit, .25-.40,57.25"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCKadetLT25_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_01M enu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers_01]Sig Kadet LT-25 Trainer Kit, .25-.32,63"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetLt40_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_ 01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers_0 1]Sig Kadet LT-40 Trainer Kit, .30-.40,70"[/link]

ARF's (Almost Read to Fly) These come 80%-90% complete. Normally all of the major assemblies (i.e. wings halves, fuselage, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, etc...) are complete and covered. They need final assembly, engine, and radio installed for flight. They may or may not contain items such as wheels, propeller, fuel tank, etc... so please check the "required" items list when considering one on this list.

[link=http://www.americanpioneerhobbies.com/excel.html]Black Horse Models Excel 2000[/link]
[link=http://www.americanpioneerhobbies.com/eagle.html]Black Horse Models Eagle 40[/link]
[link=http://www.americanpioneerhobbies.com/travelair_dragger.html]Black Horse Models Travel Air[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYXG4&P=7]Goldberg Eagle 2 ARF, .40-.45,63"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYXG3&P=7]Goldberg Falcon 56 MKII ARF[/link]

[link=http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2625]Hanger 9 Arrow .40 Semi-Sym Trainer ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2845]Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang PTS ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2450]Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer, ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2065]Hanger 9 Solo Sport Trainer ARF,Value Series[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2055]Hanger 9 Solo Star Trainer ARF,Value Series[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2725]Hanger 9 Alpha .60 Trainer, ARF[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJDH3&P=ML]Hobbico NexSTAR 46 Trainer ARF .46,68.75"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPY56&P=ML]Hobbico Avistar 40 II MonoKote ARF .40,59"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJDH3&P=7]Hobbico SuperStar 40 MonoKote ARF .35-.46,60"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCSY9&P=7]Hobbico Hobbistar 60 MK.III ARF .61,71"[/link]
[link=http://www.kangkeusa.com/Super_Kraft/astro_trainer_h40.htm]Kangke Astro H-40 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.mecoa.com/flyingdragon/index.htm]MECOA K&B Flying Dragon 40 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=MID159]Midwest Aero Star 40,.32-.45[/link]
[link=http://www.pacaeromodel.com/AeroShark/Aeroshark.htm]Pacific Aeromodel Aeroshark .40 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEDN6&P=0]Phoenix Models Sonic 25 High Wing ARF .25-.32,52.3"[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SEA1000]Seagull Arising Star 40 ARF Trainer[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV6.html?L+Sig+bjsj8296+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCARFSigKadetS_01Search_02Index_01Menu_02CatProd_ 01Thumb_02ARF_27s_20_2d_20Trainers_01]Sig Giant Kadet Senior ARF Blue .40-.46,80"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV6.html?L+Sig+bjsj8296+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCARFSigKadetLT40_01Search_02Index_01Menu_02CatPr od_01Thumb_02ARF_27s_20_2d_20Trainers_01]Sig Kadet LT-40 ARF .40-.46,70"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKF82&P=7]Thunder Tiger Tiger Trainer 60 ARF .50-.61,73"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS2&P=ML]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MKII ARF .40-.46,62"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS1&P=7]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 60 MKII ARF .46-.61,69.5"[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_a140x.htm]VMAR Apache III ARF Trainer[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_c034.htm]VMAR Challenger 40 ARF Trainer[/link][link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_d014.htm]VMAR Discovery 40 ARF Trainer[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_s240x.htm]VMAR Stinger 40-52 ARF ECS Sport Trainer (Blue or Red)[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_h240x.htm]VMAR Hornet 40-52 ARF ECS Sport Trainer (Blue or Red)[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=50]World Models World Star - 40F - ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=38]World Models Super Frontier 40[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=39]World Models Super Frontier Senior 46[/link]

RTF's( Ready To Fly) These come with everything you need to fly (except the fuel) in the box. They include the engine and radio with the plane. They usually require only a few minor steps, and charging the radio batteries, to have the plane ready for flight.

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN3825]Hanger 9 F-22 Raptor PTS[/link]

Intermediate or "Second" planes.

This is kind of a "fuzzy" area. For some pilots these planes will be second planes, meaning that they will move on to them after they have soloed on their trainers. While other pilots that have more "natural" talent may be able to use these planes to learn to fly on.

Whichever category you fall into please be aware that these planes are more of handfull to fly than the basic trainers listed above. While these planes my be very docile to fly many of them lack the "self righting" properties of the traditional trainer. Use of these planes as a trainer should be a matter that you take up with your instructor, as he will be the one to best judge your talents and abilities.

Kits

[link=http://www.btemodels.com/venture.html]Bruce Thorpe EngineeringVenture 60 [/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV6.html?L+Sig+jrnb6980+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigFourStar40_01Search_02Index_01Menu_02CatProd _01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Sport_20Models_01]Sig Four-Star 40 Kit .30-.40,59.75"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV6.html?L+Sig+jrnb6980+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigFourStar60_01Search_02Index_01Menu_02CatProd _01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Sport_20Models_01]Sig Four-Star 60 Kit 60-.75 in, 71"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV6.html?L+Sig+jrnb6980+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigMidStar40_01Search_02Index_01Menu_02CatProd_ 01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Sport_20Models_01]Sig Mid Star 40 Kit .30-.40,64.5" [/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYXF9&P=ML]Goldberg Tiger 60 Kit .45-.65,70"][/link]

ARF's

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2625]Hanger 9 Arrow .40 Semi-Sym Trainer ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2845]Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang PTS ARF[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCARFSigFourS40_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None _01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02ARF_27s_20_2d_20Sport_ 20Models_01] Sig Four-Star 40 ARF 40-.53 in. 59.75"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCARFSigFourS60_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None _01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02ARF_27s_20_2d_20Sport_ 20Models_01]Sig Four-Star 60 ARF Red .60-.75,71"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTXE1&P=ML]Great Planes Cherokee GP/EP ARF 60"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVXN8&P=ML]Great Planes Escapade Sport GP/EP ARF 52.5"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAMXN&P=ML]Great Planes Escapade Sport/Aerobatic GP/EP ARF 68"[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN4100]Hanger 9 Pulse XT[/link]

RTF

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN3825]Hanger 9F-22 Raptor PTS[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2475]Hanger 9 Alpha 40 Trainer, RTF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2550]Hanger 9 Arrow 40 Semi-Symmetrical Trainer RTF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2600]Hanger 9 Alpha 60 Trainer, RTF[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEXK2**&P=ML]Hobbico NexSTAR 46 Select RTF 68.75"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGHD4**&P=ML]Hobbico Hobbistar 60 Select RTF 71"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCXF4**&P=ML]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MKII 4-Channel RTF 62"[/link]

piper_chuck

My Feedback: (12)

Wow, great list! Thanks for pulling this together. I'm going to recommend that they double your RCU moderators salary!

izzy-israel-73

Nice work' that should help out a lot of people . I like the Vios 3D for a trainer I found this to be the easiest plane to fly i think it's a black horse model very easy to land can fly nice and slow and also when you advance and step up you just increase ya throws and if you want you can put the ailerons flaps to try out some sports, 3D flying and don't have to go out and buy another plane it really is a great plain

xjqkz

Any recommendation on electric planes for beginners?

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXCKWL&P=ML


Yes I highly recommend this one. It is the most popular of the electric trainers at our club, I currently have two students using this one and beleive there around 13 of them floating around the club.

John

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

My son learned on a E-flight Apprentice and it is a good trainer with some extra power to help you get out of trouble plus can handle some wind also . Its one of the bigger electric trainers so you can see it better .Nice thread Ken keep up the great work.BTW i buy and sell all kinds of stuff but as i look for things i run across deals like this . A Kadet sr ARF is around 299 without the motor and i found this forsale the other day on CL http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tag/4717483168.html Alot of swap meets this time of year also and if you hunt around there ar some good deals on used planes . This one looks and is said to be new and never flown and cheap with the motor included . To big to ship but there are deals in your states also. Yep iam on the cheap side also ! lol Good luck guys and enjoy the hobby like i have . joe

AllModesR/C

I'm just wondering do people even buy kits anymore considering you can often get the same trainer in ARF or even RTF versions?

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

This thread is somewhat dated but still useful for the fellows, By the way joebahl the airplane you posted a link for in Craigs List is not a Senior Cadet but actually is an LT-40 Arf a much smaller airplane not with the 80 inch wing but 70 inch instead . A fine trainer but not quite up to the senior (opinion). Buying used is something I actually as well as our club actually promotes for new folks but only on a local basis. Since shipping on already assembled trainers can be backbreaking. Ever try to ship an assembled eighty inch Senior Cadet wing? Oh and never trust a Senior wing that has not been glued together (opinion).

The Senior Cadet is arguably the most successful full house trainer since the beginning and of course it is my absolute favorite for Glow powered training. Now for the fellows who just have to start out electric, The Sensai that I linked to above is my favorite and I also have trained a few with the Apprentice.. Only a few inchs smaller the Sensai is not intimidated by out doors or winds any more than most glow trainers. I like it so much I purchased a used one (local of course) To use as my personal trainer just as I also use a Senior Cadet as a working airplane (traner) for certain of my students.

AllModesR/C Yes of course some do and more than you might think. For example Just this afternoon a gentleman followed me home from the field and while he was originally some months back was one of those who preferred the solitary route flying and learning alone with all electric . Well he somehow found us and I have been mentoring him in glow flying and found he loves it now as well as the new friends at the field. Any way I bartered a new Senor Cadet kit not arf to him and he has been doing a wonderful job on his new ship He is nearing completion of the fuselage and wanted a little more guidance today. As he mentioned while he was here he is finding this extremely rewarding. Heck he has even taken on kit bashing his new Senior to a low wing.

Did I mention The Senior Cadet is arguably he most kit bashed RC airplane ever


John

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

Yep the LT40 is not as good as a floater as rthe Kadet SR but still not a bad trainer and a great deal at that price since a ARF one sells for $199.95 without the motor. . Just trying to show there are great deals out there on many sites if you look around. joe

hobbychina2010

High wing airplane is ok, e.g : Cessna 182 plane model.

The trainer plane must cheap price.

Usually,it is use balsa wood and main plywood.

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

Iam starting a build thread for new builders on Wattflyers in the next few days and showing them how to build a new trainer .I have chosen the Cloud Kitten with a 48 inch wing span . I have most parts cut out and it will be converted to electric . Here is what one looks like and the plans are free . joe

TomCrump

I have a Kadet Senior build going on, here. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/kit-...ior-sport.html

Although I am modifying the design, the thread may give the aspiring builder some insight on what is involved in building the Kadet Senior or the Seniorita.

I like the Cloud Kitten, Joe !

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

Iam following your kadet build and it looks great plus the mods your doing make it look alot slicker :-) Here is my Cloud Kitten build . joe http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...908#post960908

TomCrump

Hey, Joe. Living in Joliet, do you know Mike Ufkin ?

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

No cant say i do but i know most around here who flys rc . I was president of SAC club for a couple terms .

TomCrump

I think Mike flies out by the race track. He likes WWII German aircraft, if that any help.

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

Yes thats the joliet club field put by the track . I fly at other sites and do water funflys all summer long . I bowed out of that club because of their not helping to get new flyers interested or help and 0 funflys NONE every year , not my kind of fun anymore. lol joe

Craigoob

Hi guys, im new to the forum and this is my first post. I was recommended the DeltaRay electric plane as a beginner with 'Safe Technology'
Can I just say this is a fantastic starter plane and has given me hours of flight even in strong winds. I have never had any problems and the plane is basically pick up and fly. The safe Tech has gotten me out of trouble once when i lost my bearings from a far distance. I bought a Mobius HD camera - this is my 3rd flight. Working on them crosswind landings! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6QwUkTGXhY

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

Nice flights but try flying over where you want to land but higher in the air then set up your ladings with 90 degree turns slow lazy ones till you can turn 90 degrees and be set up to where you need to be.. Its hard to judge where your at by looking up and trying to look at the field at the same time so getting use to 90 degree turns will help you line your landings up without loosing sight of your plane by looking down . BTW i see its a tri gear but what does the rest of the plane look like ? Congrats on the nice flights Craig ! joe

Craigoob

Ahh Cheers Joe, that is the reason I joined this forum! http://www.bmmracing.co.uk/images/ai...hbz7900-00.jpg a picture for you. I'll be posting more practice videos.

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

I kinda thought it was a delta desighn ,the on board (thing.of.a.bob) sounds great to help get you out of trouble and joinging a club is great . With out a rudder its going to be tuff getting use to crosswind landings and it also wont help you to fly a tail dragger either. A tail dragger has totaly different transmitter inputs for a take off and landing that your delta has . Soooo get use to flying and good at it then get a tail dragger or a trike plane with a rudder and have a club mate help you take off and landings with it till you get the feel of using a plane that has a rudder . joe My beast seaplane has Elevons but old school ones with a sliding tray and no mixing on the transmitter because there was no mixing back then.Rudder works but mostly to use as a water rudder .lol

joebahl

My Feedback: (2)

I have heard the name Tom but i quite the club last year . I fly off of water mostly now and not worth 80 bucks a year if i dont use the field . joe

johnstoninia

I am totally new to all this RC stuff. Been interested all my life, just never tried. Last week the local RC club had a little show at our mall. They let me try the RealFlight simulator. I was hooked. I purchased RealFlight 7.5 that day and have been flying the heck out of it. My question is where in the heck are all the nitro rtf planes? I am going to build my own, but I want to do it in my own time. I want one to learn on in the meantime. I cannot find a rtf .40 or .60 anywhere. They are all over the internet on the big boy sites like Tower, Horizon, etc. When you click to purchase they all say unavailable or discontinued. It is becoming very discouraging. I am looking at the Sensei or Apprentice right now. I really don't want electric, but there seems to be no choice. What happened to nitro planes? Am I missing something?

TomCrump

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCNSW&P=0

If you're willing to do some assembly, and add your own gear, the Sig LT-40 and Kadet Senior Sport are excellent models, and would make good trainers.

http://www.sigplanes.com/SIG-Kadet-L...ARF_p_231.html

http://www.sigplanes.com/SIG-Kadet-S...ARF_p_209.html

johnstoninia

Thank you Tom C. Those both look pretty nice. They are going to cost way more than I had planned to start, but oh well. Going to head to my hobby shop tomorrow and see what they have or can get. I hope they can also hook me up with all the supplies and tools also. I am sure the first one will be rough, but then I can look forward to having the second being nice. LOL