slidemasterx

Hello, I’m new to this forum and I’m also new to the world of rc planes. I’m thinking of buying an electric RC plane preferably RTF. Due to my location, I would have to purchase the RC plane online. I don’t plan on buying a 2 channel then after that, 3 channel then 4 channel after I grow out of a 2 channel plane because I don’t really have much money to spend but I want to spend enough for 1 good model rather than buying another one if I grow out of it. I want a model that will keep me occupied for at least 2 years. The ones that I saw on websites that appealed to me the most were planes that were designed after real aircraft. I like the look of warplanes but I don’t know if I, as a beginner should be trying them. Is it ok? I would also prefer models that can take off by themselves rather than being hand thrown and a model that won’t break easily considering the fact that I’ll be learning to fly it by myself. I’m not sure what price range these are but since I’m looking for a beginner plane, it should be that expensive. What are my options here? I also had a hard time looking for online stores that shipped internationally. Any suggestions? Thanks.

TenTen

Although not a beginner's plane, the Parkzone F-27 Stryker will keep you occupied for more than 2 years, if it survives the first flights...

It is not impossible for a beginner to fly (my opinion) and it is easy to fix if you break it. Its price is about $170 with everything included (plane+radio+battery+charger).

Check http://www.modelflight.com.au/ they have it and they also ship internationally, I have bought from them several times with no problems at all.

slidemasterx

It seems that the parkzone f-27 striker cannot takeoff from the ground. I would prefer a model that can take off from the ground.

stockdaddy

Without any SIM training or help from someone, it will be very hard to fly for the first time. You probably have 50% odds you make 2 laps around the field before you crash.

slidemasterx

I haven't seen anyone else with an rc plane in my area so no one can teach me. In that case, are there models that are really safe that you recommend like slow flyers?

slidemasterx

Oh another question. Is it possible to learn by myself? what model should I start on?

under_par_00

I learned completly by myself...with no MAJOR crashes.

I learned on the ParkZone Super Decathlon, but I would not reccomend this plane to you as it will not keep you occupied for too long.

I would suggest the 4 ch Cessna from Parkflyers.com, just make it a 3 channel to start and add the ailerons when you are ready, but buy the 4 channel version. They are all over ebay as the Art-Tech Cessna...check it out.

slidemasterx

Is it possible to fly these things without getting crashes? I'm scared if I make mistakes because there are no hobby stores around here and I don't want to keep on buying spare parts. I really want to play it safe and avoid crashes. I think I'd be ok with slow flyers. Any suggestions?

highpines

Hello....First off welcome to R/C flying! Also , these are my opinion only but it's how I got started. My first plan was a ""Parkzone Slow V" it is a RTF large wing span (47") plane that comes with everything you need to fly out of the box. I would suggest buying a 8.4 7 cell batt for more power and longer flights. the plane is a 3 channel for throttel, and left and right and elevater for up and down and has a V type tail. (You dont want a 2 channel plane, they are more like a toy than anything else) Granted it does not look like a real plane but I love it and it's a great trainer...even if you learn by yourself. Alot of people will say you cant use the electronics in other planes but to me thats O.K cause I moved on and bought other planes anyway. all you do is charge the batt and put the wing on and your ready to go. for $139.00 I thought it was a GREAT trainer. It takes off from the ground with ease and fly's slow! Also .... you will crash! don't worry... just get some 5 minute epoxy and some CA glue and your all set.
One more thing....I also have a "Slow Stick" and just bought a "pico Tiger Moth" both set up with outrunner motors and lipo's....The "Tiger Moth is a real looking plane with a smaller wing span and I still can't fly it yet (lot's of epoxy so far) but I'm getting better. Hope this helps.....Let me know if I can give you anymore info, and forget the "Stryker" man..................................

slidemasterx

what about this?
http://raidentech.com/3rarecoaiwis1.html

I'm interested in it because of the cam. Is it good for a first time flyer? Can I use the parts for a different plane in the future? Can I add landing gears to it?

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.

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 inclued 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 electroncis. 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 Mountaion 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 tackle 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.
Here are some examples from Great Planes:

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 Mountian 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 6 square football/soccer fields,
then I
can recommend one class of plane. Call this class 1 - CL1

If your space is more like 200X200 (one square acre) then a different plane is
in order. Call this class 2 - CL2

If it is less than that, different again. This we will call this class 3 -
CL3

These are my own designations and are based on my subjective ranking of the
space a new flyer should have when learning on his own. An experienced flyer
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 pretty planes as first planes. They are too easy to break,
too hard to fix and look bad in short order. So you won't see any especially
pretty or true scale planes. Make one of those your second or third plane. I
also don't recommend two channel R/T electrics, so you won't find any on the
list. If you want one of these, I would suggest the Firebird series from
HobbyZone. 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 dead calm air when
you are first starting.

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, these articles may be helpful.


RC Planes Are not like RC Cars
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=17

Stall
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=31

Launch into the wind
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=43

Parts of the plane and how they work
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=54

The RC Pilots Cockpit
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=59

Flying the Plane
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=64

New Electric Flyer FAQs
http://www.ezonemag.com/pages/faq/a105.shtml

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

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

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.


Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 - Space CL2/3
Best flown in still to under 5 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 gym or
similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_20...tm.htm#2089493
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://users.cwnet.com/dhsc19/Slo_V_Aerobatics.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8


T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $170 - space CL1
Comes with extra wing, tail and battery
Flies well and stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.toytx.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html


Easy Star - RTF - $180 - Space CL1
Believe this goes easily back in the box to keep in the car
Super tough foam. Comes with 72 MHz radio in the US.
Good parkflyer and a good glider
Radio in RTF package 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
Discussion Thread on Easy Star
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258656
Video - touch and gos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
Video - Testing the plane's behavior
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv


Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $150 - Space CL1
Great keep in the car plane - take off the wing and it goes back in the box!
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 350 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!
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=HBZ3500
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html

stockdaddy

Those planes aeajr posted were some great ones.

I learned to fly on my own and think anyone can learn by themselves providing the right circumstances. The first planes I flew were the Parkflyers Cessna and Beginair. Also flying my little super sonic is a lot of fun. Just recently flew my edge 540 and did ok. Didn't try anything too fancy. Was just happy to get it up, trimmed and back down safely.

I did a lot of sim training on the G2 before hand mostly on the Cessna and Cap 232. The FMS Sim is a free one to use.

Also the FMA co-pilot for $89 can be used to help in training with planes that don't have self correcting wing.

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

No Crashes? Sure, but that is 100% dependant on the pilot, not the plane.

The more I read of your posts, the more I would direct you to the Easy Star RTF. Second choice would be the T-Hawk RTF.

BTW, you have not given us a budget. How much do you have to spend? That does matter, you know.

slidemasterx

I only have $150 to spend including shipping. I don't know if that amount is enough. Is it?[]

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

OK Slide, it would have helped a lot if we had known that up front as many of the planes recommended are over your budget.

For RTF packages, the only one that I recommend at this time is the HobbyZone Slo-V which I don't believe is what you are looking for. I am sure others will have recommendations.

The all inclusive T-Hawk and Easy Star would typically be about $190 with shipping.

The Aerobird Challenger can be able to be found on e-bay for about $150 with shipping.

slidemasterx

I recently found Toyeast.com which might be a better choice than ordering from austrailia. There are a lot of RC planes there that aren't that popular but they look good and some look almost like the easystar:

http://toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail.asp?pdt_id=A02090106

With its cheaper price I may be able to buy a lot of spare parts together with the plane incase I destroy it or I can buy 2 or 3 planes or 1 plane and together with a micro plane. What do you think?

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Examples of Aerobird on e-bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/AEROBIRD-CHALLEN...QQcmdZViewItem - $149 including extras

http://cgi.ebay.com/AEROBIRD-CHALLEN...QQcmdZViewItem - $110

slidemasterx

The one that costs $110 doesn't seem to ship outside the US. What about the ones from toyeast.com? Could you recommend a plane from there? Shipping from HongKong to the Philippines will be a lot cheaper and I could buy spare parts with the extra cash..

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Sorry, I did not notice you are in the Phillipines? I guess that changes a lot as $ conversions and availability come into play.

I have no idea what is available in the Phillipines, what sources would be available to you or what it would cost ot ship it. Sorry.

slidemasterx

I will be ordering from Toyeast.com which is in Hongkong. Shipping will be a lot cheaper. Check out the site and tell me what you think of their planes.. thanks

slidemasterx

Their website doesn't say which planes are 3 channel..

aeajr

My Feedback: (2)

Aceptor Badis
This is the only plane I have heard of. Read a few good things, but can't say I would recommend it.
http://toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail.asp?pdt_id=A03000409

looks interesting but I can't tell how many channels
http://toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail.asp?pdt_id=A02007019

I looked thorugh the site. These are all 2 channel VERY low end planes primarily intended for children. That does not mean they can't be flow successfully, but I don't typically recommend 2 channel planes for someone who really wants to learn to fly. But they could be fun.

slidemasterx

Well I really want a 3 channel plane so I guess I better save up some more to get maybe an Aerobird Challenger. Thank you all for your suggestions.

ElectricFlyer_17

I agree with the Aerobird Challenger. Includes everything you need to fly, including batteries. Best thing about it is if you nose-dive into the ground, the prop wont break. I learned to fly well with it and I still love it. The X-Port lets you add cool accessories to broaden your flying experence. The 2 modes are also helpful for learning. Sport mode flys nice and smooth and Pro mode lets you fly more aggressivly. I say you should deffently go with the Aerobird Challenger.