SWAMBA

Looking for advise...looking for a beginner plane (Stepped into an EDF F-18 for 1st plane...not a good idea). Everyone keeps saying the Piper cub is the way to go, but I stumbled across the Hobbico Flyzone Diablo EDF Jet Trainer. Has anyone flown this plane? Any good? I'm leaning towards this one due to the fact that I already have an EDF and the Diablo is EDF and is upgradable from 3 channel to four channel and has motor and wing upgrades! What do you think??????

hdpartman

My Feedback: (35)

The plane does not fly as stated. Most RTF planes are built on minimums. Perfect day blah blah. I have nitro planes and electric. When the wind gets to high for an expensive plane, I fly a parkzone T-28. I think a perfect plane. Do a search and see what you find. Many forums dedicated to just that. Jets of any style forget about there claims, thay may just mean what they say. A jet Trainer, meaning a pilot that can fly now want to fly jets.

When starting you need time to develop coordination, in a jet it happens to fast for you to respond. The t-28, also may be more than you can handle.

Luck to you,
Al

HEMICUDA

Stay away from anything from Flyzone! They're all too heavy and too underpowered and not worth
your time. Go for a Hobbyzone Supercub, most here would suggest the same for a first plane or
an Easystar.

TedMo

I just don't get it There have been loads of answers on all of these questions dealing with first planes, equipment, getting help,etc. As well as money wasted buying cheap junk.Doesn't any buddy read this? Get same questions asked over and over and same answers given. What does it take to get the message across? These forums are here to provide assitance, all that one needs do is read them. Call me whatever you like for being cynical but do some research yourself. Who knows you may learn something. This is a great hobby that provides a great deal of knowledge and satisfaction but does require a fair amount of effort on everyones part. All the experienced knowldgeable folks here want to help but it's only fair those that seek advise should also put some effort into obtaining it

twoslick2

Most people I talk to say a super cub is a good starter..........................I have one myself! I am learning on it.

---RC PiNYoT---

The problem with it is that this is a public forum and as such, you will always read these kinds of posts no matter which thread or site you go to. I have never seen or heard of a site or forum that don't have these kinds of posts .....ever. So just chill out and next time you see another one like this, just ignore it and move on to the next one.

-pkh-

My Feedback: (2)

Cut the guy some slack, he's new to the hobby and new to this forum, and he may not know how to use the search function to find any meaningful answers. If there's no recent posts on the first page that are related, sometimes the quickest/easiest way is to just ask in a new thread.

If there are existing threads/posts that answer his specific questions and you don't want to repeat the info, post links to them.

I've been cruising this forum for a few years, and I still have a hard time searching for some specific topics without getting a bunch of unrelated posts/threads to sift through.

Swapadog

The 2 most recommended planes are the Hobbyzone Supercub and the Multiplex EasyStar !
Personally I learnt with the SuperCub and it was great !
If I were to do it again now I'd probably go with the EasyStar which whilst it costs more for the initial set up you can get better more transferable bits that can then be used in your next plane like Servo's, TX, RX and batteries.
Also very worthwhile getting a Simulator, even if it's a cheap one and spending a week or so practising on that before you try your 1st maiden.

Willit Run 353

do it properly and get a seagull innovator. no foam there so its a little less forgiving

Belemnoid

Currently learning on a SuperCub. Love this plane. Very easy to fly and very easy to repair.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

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://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ3600
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 Dandy would be an example.
http://www.mountainmodels.com/produc...roducts_id=229

As an example, Mountain Models wood kits, are typically very complete and
often include the motor, the hardware and the covering material or they
provide a list of recommended parts to make it easy for you. 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 Vista-EP is a good example.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXMUY1&P=ML

Typical build time is in the 3-6 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 Multiplex Easy Star
is a good example.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/easystar.htm

Some foam kits call for covering but the Easy Star 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.
>
> Remember 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 be very careful about how you plan your flying area.
>
> 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

>
> READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers and Park Gliders
> 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 - $100 -
> 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 - $185
> 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
> 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

Parkzone Radian - RTF $250
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=PKZ4700
http://www.parkzone.com/Search/Defau...erm=pkz_radian
Discussion
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...6&goto=newpost
Video
http://www.parkzone.com/ProdInfo/Files/PKZ4700_hi.wmv
Larger than the typical parkflyer, but easy to fly due to its glider style
slow flying when the motor is off. Yet it has plenty of power to climb high
where you can learn to fly and have room to make mistakes. The radio is a
high quality Spektrum 2.4 GHz type so there is no chance of channel
conflict.

Discussion on the Radian
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39041



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. It 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. It is also a 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


Sky Fly 2 - $110
Similar to the Aerobird 3 in some respects, but with better landing gear and
ground handling
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=891351
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXUVS3**&P=ML
Video
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXUVS3**&P=ML


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)

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 7or 8 cell battery and a couple
of spare props. (about $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. The Aerobird or Sky Fly packs will work but you might need to change
a connector.
Be sure to check the balance with the different battery packs.

edmoor

My Feedback: (1)

im not so sure hobbico makes the electric version anymore or not....but i have had a hobbico electra star select for 6 years.....its a stable airplane.....flies slow....handles winds....i haul a battery pack in mine for strobes.....and even a digital camera for photos.....it still handles well. wish i had bought several of these when they were available. only change i made was i went to lipos....instead of the nimha packs. this airplane will almost float.....yet....it will fly fast and manuever very well.....it has a very thick airfoil. i have 12 models ranging from a 108 inch piper cub to a extra 330L. the hobbico is still my favorite airplane to fly. its so forgiving.....yet its very agile. thought i would give my 2 cents worth here.....good luck. ed