ugpdfw

Ok, I know there are a few threads about this plane. I read the reviews but I need advice from people who are currently flying this or know the plane. It bills itself as a 1st and 2nd plane. Could this really be possible? I have never flown, as in my other posts I am buying a plane and system setup this upcomming weekend. Is this plane really a good 1st plane to get? I know my 1st plane will not be my last but was really curious if this would be recommended to be my first plane.


Thanks everyone for all your help, I know I have alot of questions. Though I am in the learning and researching stages and cant get enough informatoin.

Be safe this weekend, and remember those who didnt come home.


ugpdfw_

jentzsch

I do not have one, yet, but and a war bird fan.

I am going to get the PTS ARF and use the training systems until I get better with a low wing plane.

Again, I do not have one, yet, but I have reed that they do very well as a first.

Plus, after I get better with flying it, I plane on doing retracts.....

Steve Steinbring

There are several of the P-51's (Hanger 9) flying at our field.

I'd say if you have a good instructor then go for it!

If not I'd go for a more traditional high wing trainer which is more docile in its behavior overall. The idea is to learn to fly without having all the problems of repeated crashes often turning off many folks from the hobby/sport.

Its all about having fun, you'll advance soon enough once you've got the basics down.

Have Fun

broke_n_bummin

It's a progressive trainer meaning that after you get the basics down, you can start removing the training grear like the "wheel brakes" , prop and wing droops. Without the brakes and droops, it's a pretty fun and somewhat aerobatic plane. You can keep the .46 that was on it and just change to a 10X8 prop and it will act much more like a sport plane than a trainer. I've got 2 of them. I keep one with all the gear on it for my youngest son, the other has a K&B .61 on it with a 11X9 prop.
In my opinion, it's just as good a trainer as the old box shaped high wing trainers. I trained my oldest on it 2 years ago, and he learned faster than I did. He was flying my bipe within a month.

patzane

Ugpdfw if you are talking about the Hanger 9 PTS P-51, it's great flying model. I started out with this plane and never flown before. It did take me longer to solo than if I got a Alpha. My teacher\trainer say I was a very quick learner as I solo on the P-51 in 4 months where it take other about 7-8 months depending on your flying ability. I have a friend who started the same time I did (3 year ago) and he is still flying this on a buddy box. What help me is I purchase an electric plane to pratice on my own.

To answer your question, the Hanger 9 PTS P-51 is a trainer but does not fly all like a trainer. Stock it come with air break which I would not recommed putting on. (to much drag with the air break and flap in the down position) You can also set the flaps in a down position to slow the plane down some. and later buy a servo and have operating flap. There is also droops on the wings which have is more stable than not normal P-51. Once you take off all the training gear and change to a 2 blade prop, you will see a much more sport aerobatic P-51 and you will have a blast flying. I would recommeded finding a very GOOD Trainer with lots of EXPERIENCE as this will save you lots of money. If you have a field in your area just hanger day for a few days and you will find out who the good trainer are. I have seem lots of people who called them self trainer but their flying ability does not match. Hope this help.

oldvet70

My Feedback: (10)

My wife has had one since they first came out, she now has 2 as a matter of fact. I was our clubs chief flight instructor for years and my opinion after having flown the plane extensively is that it can be used as a basic trainer and as a first low wing plane. You will need to find an instructor who is not prejudiced against it, there are still people instructing who think you need a 3 channel plane to start with because that's what they used. The plane is properly advertised as a progressive training system. If you like the plane then by all means get it. Just be certain your instructor understands how and why this is truly a trainer.

f_shawn68

This was my first plane and trainer. I had never flown anything before. I spent alot of time on the sim that it came with. I flew the plane 5 times with someone taking it off and landing it for me. They would just hand off the remote when it was in the air and let me fly it. I flew it plenty high that I could give the control back before it came close to the ground. Before I joined a club, the guys who I was relying on to train me seemed put out and not interested in teaching a new guy. I went out and on flight 6 and 7, flew it on my own telling myself "if it crashes, I will just buy a new one". I will say, take off's were harder than landings. The sim that came with the plane didnt require near as much rudder as the real thing did. I have the hang of it now and have 5 successful solo flights on it. From the beginning, I took all but the wing droops off of the plane as advised by guys who had also learned on the plane. Im not saying its something someone should do, but it worked well for me. I also learned with a 2 blade prop. If you dont want much speed, throttle back. I love the plane. I now have 2 more waiting in line for when I feel comfortable making the move to the next level. The guys at the club, who are also trainers, really like the way it flies. They are of the old fashion and still dont think a low wing is a trainer, but have been proven wrong as many people have learned to fly with one. I may buy a tripod landing gear plane some day, but most of the planes I like are all tail draggers. If its what you like, get one, but read through the thread on some things you want to inspect or modify before you take it out. LIke the muffler, landing gear, etc. simple beginner fixes that will make the plane more enjoyable. Get a sim too. It really does help. All the club trainers I have spoken with can tell who has spent time on a sim.
Good luck in your decision.

2HI2C

Go For it, Use a Instructor to help. I trained my son on one when he was 9, He is now 11 & still flying it. Great Plane.