Ashmanarion

I'm brand new to flying RC planes or any flight at all and I'm looking at getting the Hobbyzone Challenger for a first one because I can get a decent deal on it, I think. I can probably get one for around $100-$115 new. A friend and I are both looking at these and we're both totally new to the RC scene. I was wondering what most of you guys think of the Challenger, if that price is a good deal, and any other newbie advice you could give? We both want to use the modules that HObbyzone provides because they honestly seem very fun and a cool way to get into the RC Plane environment. Thanks in advance!

Bevo

The Hobbyzone Challenger is a great airplane to learn the three basic controls of flying. Parts are available for them so they can be fixed and I like the fact that you can charge the battery up in 20-40 minutes. If you can buy that plane for $100 to $115 that's a steal because horizon sells them for $140.

Bevo

Ashmanarion

I'm worried about my first flights. I had the impression that I wouldn't crash as much, but after reading some threads, I think I was very wrong in that impression. Will the Challenger be a good plane for those crashes that I'm now expecting to happen at first? Also, do most people hand launch the Challengers? One more: Regarding the radio transmitter, with the one provided with the Challenger, can that one only be used for my Challenger or how does that work.

I thank you Bevo for the response and hope I don't seem too ignorant, I'm reading as fast as I can at the moment heh.

bigB

I bought a Challenger for my 1st plane and I was satisfied with it. As a beginner it is very likely that you will crash, but the Challenger is very durable. Do a search in the forums for Aerobird tail boom fix and motor mount fix. The motor mount needs a little reinfrocement, and so does the tail boom. After those fixes, the Challenger is very durable.

Leo L

The Challenger is OK to start with, but it is a little more difficult to fly than Firebird Commander or the Slow-V. However, if you research the advise for new flyers, you should have no problems.

You need plenty of room for the Challenger (as well as any of the pushers) so make sure that you have a field that is at least 600ft.x600ft. The manual recommends initial hand launching and most flyers seem to prefer this method for beginners. I disagree. I found that I had much better control of the plane when launched from the ground. Asphalt and concrete are fine for take-offs, but I prefer the dirt of a baseball field's infield. As long as the field isn't too muddy, the plane takes off just fine, and you have the benefit of a softer surface if something goes wrong and the plane crashes. One of the keys is not to try to steer the plane while it is taxing for take-off. Always take off into the wind. Once you start to taxi, the plane will likely veer to one side or the other. As long as it doesn't start heading for the fance or a tree, let it go in the direction that it selects. When the plane reaches a decent speed, pull slightly back on the control stick and it will take off. Using the control stick, keep the plane in a very shallow rise. If you allow it to rise too steeply it will slow down, stall and crash! Let the plane rise to 50ft. before making any turns. Keep the turns very gentle and make them in small increments. You should not move the control stick any more than 1/4 of its throw. When you get to a decent altitude (at least 200ft.), cut the throttle to 50% and enjoy flying. The plane should be good for about 11-12 minutes of flying, so when you get to the 9 minute mark, start your landing approach. Start circling the entire field and slowly reduce throttle so that the plane looses 10-15 ft. on each pass. On your last circle, when the plane is about 20 ft. above the ground, line it up with the landing area and cut the throttle completely. As the plane glides in, pull slightly back on the stick to lift the nose when it is only a few feet up. It will set down gently. If you are not comfortable with the way the plane is approaching, give it full throttle and slightly pull back on the stick to bring it back up to 20 ft., then repeat your final landing approach. Remember: NO WIND; stay away from trees; altitude is your friend while the ground is your enemy.

mn5503

ashmanarion,

Read my post about the T-Hawk. I had never flown an rc plane before this either. This plane is a breeze to fly and comes with two of everything if you do break something. I have not broken anything yet (have had all successful flights so far) and from what I've read it takes a pretty good beating if you do crash. It's also talked about on the "good first planes" thread.

Starmoon

I'm thinking Firebird freedom. You get RTF and you get 3 channel control.

I'm wondering though...can you GET an AC charger for the plane?