antsb

iam thinking of getting an aircraft but ive never flown before and am not sure what to get as a starter plane ive had rc cars for a while now so iam used to rc gear any ideas greatfuly receved i would like it to look like a plane though

Sir Raleigh

A few questions first:

How much money are you willing to spend?
Do you have a place picked out to fly?
If so, how big is it?
Is it grass, dirt, paved or a combination of those?
Do you want a plane that's ready to fly right out of the box, or, would you be willing to put something together that's not too complicated?
If you are willing to put something together, you'll have to buy all the component parts such as; transmitter, receiver, servos, motor, ESC (Electronic Speed Control), and other sundry items to put it together. Would this be a problem? This would actually be more beneficial in the long run if you plan to stay in the hobby.

antsb

around £200 ive got a huge wide open grass area and i would quite like to put something together

Sir Raleigh

For starters I'd recommend the Slow Stick.

You can get it either with a motor: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHCJ1&P=0
or without a motor (called a Slope Glider) and add your own: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHCJ3&P=SM

This is a very fun plane to build and fly and doesn't cost a whole lot.

I have one to just go out and putter around with. Here's my Build Log: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=784314

Get the plane, brushless motor/ESC combo, a couple of 1300 or 2200 mAh Lipo batteries and Lipo charger and you'll have hours of fun flying. And the nice thing is if you totally distroy the plane I'd suggest you just buy another plane for $19.00 US instead of buying replacement parts. These things are cheap.

I already had a transmitter so I needed a receiver, but if you are buying the radio you will get the receiver and probably the servos, so those won't cost extra.

Below are some images of my Slow Stick. I've also added a bomb drop module I made. I'm also going to drop a parachute guy and some gliders I found at Wal*Mart. This plane also makes a wonderful camera platform for capturing videos. Check out YouTube for Slow Stick videos and see what others have done.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Getting your first plane? What should you get

If you have an instructor, follow his/her advice as to what to get as your
plane. Getting info here is good, but
discuss it with the instructor before you buy.

If you are going to be helping a new flyer learn to fly,
this thread might be helpful. Here is the method I use to
teach:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=499281
Helping people Learn to Fly
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5767

RTF, ARF or KIT? What does this mean?

An RTF, Ready-To-Fly, typically requires virtually no building. Everything
is built. You attach the wing and perhaps the tail and you are done.
Typical investment of time is 15 minutes to 2 hours. The Aerobird
Challenger is a good example of an RTF plane.
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=HBZ3500
RTFs ALWAYS include an installed radio system an may also
include the battery and charger.

ARF vs kit. How are they different? Depends on your definition.

ARFs and kits always require you to buy and install the electronics.
However some of the makers, such as Mountain Models and GWS,
offer select packages that include the kit and the electronics. You still
have to assemble/build, but all the guess work is taken out of what
electronics to buy. This makes it very easy for the first time builder
to get it right. The radio itself is usually not included in these
"complete packages"

Most wood KITS are a box of sticks and sheet parts that are cut from larger
sheets. You glue them together to form the structure then you cover it with
heat shrink film, some other covering, or paint the finished structure.
Build time could run 10-30 hours including gluing, covering and fitting out
with the electronics. The Mountain Models Switchback would be an example.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/switchback.php

As an example, Mountain Models wood kits, are typically very complete and
often include the motor, the hardware and the covering material. For some
people, kit building is as much or more fun than flying the planes. If you
want to try your first wood kit, Mountain kits have an outstanding
reputation for ease and completeness. This thread talks about their planes:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295225

Wood ARFs are typically kits that are already built and covered into major
structures such as fuselage, wings, tail, etc. Here you are doing final
assembly. The Ascent is a good example.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=EFL1075
Typical build time is in the 3-10 hour range. Much less time and
much less skill is required. Then you install the electronics.

All foam kits, in my opinion, are more similar to ARFs than they are to wood
kits. They typically consist of large molded pieces that glue or friction
fit together. Typical is 3-10 hours to complete. The Graupner Tipsey is a
good example.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/tipsy.htm
Some foam kits call for covering but the Tipsy, for example, does not.
When required, covering can often be done with tape which can be very easy
for the new builder. So I consider most foam kits to be more ARF than kit.
Multiplex and GWS kits fall into this kit/ARF class and are usually very
complete. As a first step from an RTF, these can be very good choices.

Foam/wood kits are likely to require some stick and sheet assembly, but
typically much less work than an all wood kit. The Mountain Models
SmoothE is a good example.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
The fuselage is wood but the wing is foam. Very easy for the first time
builder to be successful.

There are many other brands that provide very high quality products. I use
these companies as examples because I often recommend their planes.


SPACE

How much space do you have for flying? If you have totally
clear space of at least 600'X600', about 9 square acres, approx
4-6 squarefootball/soccer fields, then I can recommend one
class o plane.

If your space is more like 200X200 (one square acre or one
soccer field ) then a different plane is in order. If it is
ess than that, different again.

These are my own designations and are based on my subjective
ranking of the sace a new flyer should have when learning on
his own. An experienced fyer can fly faster planes in smaller spaces,
but a new flyer wants to have more space so you are not in a constant
state of panic trying to turn. Now, you
can get above the edges of the field and expand your space,
but if you lose control, you drop in woods, on top of kids or smash
someone's windshield. If that windshield is in a car is traveling
down a road when you hit the windshield, you could cause an
accident or worse.

So much for space. You get the idea.

I don't recommend most pretty planes as first planes. They
are too easy to break, too hard to fix and look bad in short
order. There is only one semi-scale plane that has a reputation of being
super tough that I do recommend, the HobbyZone Super Cub.

I don't recommend two channel R/T or differential thrust
planes, the ones with two motors, so you won't find any on
the list. If you want one of these, I would suggest the Firebird Commander 2
from HobbyZone or the AeroAce from Air Hogs. They can be very
easy to fly and can be a lot of fun, but they can also be very easy to lose. You
should plan to fly them in calm air when you are first starting or the
wind can just carry them away.

I feel a high wing three channel R/E/T plane is your best choice for a first
plane. R/E/T will require a little more learning than the two channel R/E
planes but is a better choice as a first plane, in my opinion. These use
the same control inputs as more advanced planes and can be flown in
more wind once you have mastered them in calm conditions.

Below I list electric planes for beginners. Some come ready to fly, some are
almost ready to fly (add your own radio gear) and some are kits. All of them are
electric. If you are looking for your
first plane, you should find something here to peak your interest.

If you are totally new to RC Flying, this article may be
helpful.


Six Keys to Success for new e-flyers
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355208
http://www.*********.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8492


READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box. These also
glide well so you can thermal soar with them under the right conditions.

SMALL SPACE FLYER
Can fly in 200X200 or even a large gym

Slow-V from Parkzone - $110 -
I have flown the slo-V.
Best flown in still to 3 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/tm.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...240x180_nb.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8


LARGE SPACE - AT LEAST 600x600
That's about 4 Football/soccer fields

Shown in order or recommendation

Easy Star - RTF - $175
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Super tough foam. Good parkflyer and a good glider
In the US the RTF package comes with a 72 MHz radio
system that can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Add Ailerons - Start at post 195
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&page=13&pp=15
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...5&goto=newpost


HobbyZone Super Cub - $159
This is the only semi-scale plane on my list. I have
flown this one several times. There are many excellent reports too
If you REALLY need a plane that looks
like something people would be in, this is the one I would recommend.
It also takes the same Xport accessories as other HobbyZone and ParkZone
planes so you can drop bombs, parachutes and attach
other accessories to extend your fun. It has a steerable tail
wheel so you can effectively taxi the plane. Great for ROG launches.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ7100
Photos and Videos
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ7100
Other Excellent Video - Hi res for high speed connect users
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...25#post6040744
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showa...mentid=1051938
manual
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...ualCropped.pdf
Discussions on the Forums
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12218
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/s...21#post2130521
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...44#post6385310
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=550899


T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $160-170
This company is really putting together some outstanding
packages. I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Get the Extreme value package. It comes with an extra wing,
tail and battery. This plane stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Buddy Box 72 MHz trainer system - $279
This is really unique!
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/t72rtfpatrpa.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html


Aerobird 3 - RTF Electric - $110 -
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have hundreds of flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane.
Flies well and stands up to hard landings. Their add on fun accessories for
night flying,
air to air combat and drop module add to the fun! The combat module makes a
great lost
plane locator, even if you don't plan to fly combat. Great keep in the car
plane - take off the wing and it goes back
in the box fully assembled. Most can't do that!
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Produ...ProdID=HBZ3600
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ3600
AB3 Manual
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/ProdI...nual_LoRes.pdf
AB3 Review with video
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=884


ESSENTIAL ADD-ONS AND POINTS TO CONSIDER

When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.

For the Aerobird, buy 1 Spare wing
and tail ($15-25) and an extra battery pack (about $20 each)

The T-Hawk comes with spare wing, tail and two battery
packs, so factor that into the price and you will see it is
closer in price to the Aerobird than it first appears.

For the Slo-V, two extra props and 1 gearbox seem to come in
handy as this is a front motor plane and these parts really
take the damage of nose in crashes. Don't know about other
parts. The others are pushers so props are less at risk. Add that
extra battery pack.

For the Super Cub, get an extra 7 cell battery and a couple
of spare props. (about $30-35 total). No need for a spare
wing right away and you may never need one.

The Easy Star - add-on battery packs should be at least 7
cell 900 MAh 2/3A or 4/5A battery packs, about $25 each.
Be sure to check the balance with the different battery packs.

ron_van_sommeren

Also do a bit of reading in this e-flight FAQ:
www.ezonemag.com -> FAQ

Vriendelijke groeten Ron v

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Everything you want to know about electric flight
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_7100376/tm.htm