Suggested starter planes?
 

Hey, I am thinking of picking up a plane to start and learn to fly. And am just wonderign what would be a good one. I liek the look of regualr planes such as the beaver and cessna styles. Also since i would be flying at my cabin the most likely place would be to take off from the lake. a plane that can take off from grass could also work but not sure of thats possible.
I have already ordered the Hitec Eclipse 7 radio beacuse I do plan on upgrading my planes to gas soemday. anysuggestions for the rest? also need a godd charger and batts, don't need lipos just a 1hr cahrger and 3 batts in nimh

RE: Suggested starter planes?
 

Chovy-

I'm a self-taught flyer, and I started with the GWS Pico Tiger Moth, which worked out great for me.

I've never flown a Beaver, but it is supposed to be fairly easy to fly. Something like a Slow Stick is even easier and might be a good choice. I realize you'd prefer a plane the looks like a "regular" one. But ask yourself what's more important: the look of the plane or starting with one that is easy to fly?

For your first flights, you want a large open field and a perfectly calm day. The large open area is absolutely essential. After you have mastered the basics of flying, you will be able to fly in smaller areas, but while you are learning, plenty of open space is the key. I speak from experience. I tried to learn in a parking lot that seemed large. That is, until I tried to fly there! I had little success until I found a big grassy field. Then it was much, much easier.

An ideal location is a big grassy field with a nearby paved area for takeoffs and landings. If there is no paved area, you can hand launch the plane.

There are many planes that can take off from grass, but they are mostly the larger ones.

Forget about flying off the water until much later. It's not for beginners.

- Jeff

RE: Suggested starter planes?
 

The part about no wind is absolutely essential too, with something like a Beaver or Slow Stick.

AND, before you get there...

You need to build/assemble/set up the plane so that it is "staight" and balanced right ... and everything works correctly.

A Simulator might reduce the chance of you crashing within a few seconds of your first flight.

Getting some hands-on help from an experienced flyer would be the best way.

RE: Suggested starter planes?
 

Since you will have a radio already, let's look at ARFs, kits and receiver ready planes. Depending on what receiver and servos come with your radio you may be able to use them but, as I recall, the servos and receiver that come with the Eclipse 7 are big and heavy. For typical parkflyer you want light equipment.

I would NOT recommend water take-off for a new flyer unless you want to lose the plane to a watery grave very early. Many small electrics can be hand launched so you really don't need a runway for the first ones. In fact all of mine are hand launched.

Listed in no particluar order

Multiplex Easy Star
Foam kit but more like an ARF
Great flyer - Super rugged
Will fly well in wind wih 7 or 8 cell battery pack
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFRU7&P=ML

Slow Stick 400
Easy to build kit
Great trainer but requires fairly calm conditions
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHCJ2&P=ML

T-Hawk - Get the receiver ready package without the radio
Nothing to build. Easy to learn, very rugged
Will stand up to wind, once you get used to it.
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html

GWS eStarter
Easy to build kit
This sounds like what you wanted
You can get floats for this
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHCL2&P=7

Mountain Models Smooth-e
Easy to build kit
Available with a slowfly trainer wing and an sport wing
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php

These should give you something to consider

This flight pack should work with any of these planes
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKYK5&P=ML
Batteries and ESC will depend on which plane you get.

This charger will charge anything
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKSY1&P=ML


If you want something larger:

Magister - ARF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV2&P=7
Motor, battery, electroncis
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJCJ6&P=7
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJCJ7&P=7
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKYL6&P=7

Or get this RTF package and just use your radio
Order it on the channel of your Eclipse
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGZV3&P=ML

RE: Suggested starter planes?
 

Two words........SLOW STICK! easyest plane i every flew, and its a blast to fly. Also, it comes with the moter for 30 bucks!
lulubelle

RE: Suggested starter planes?
 

I started on an E-Starter, after LOTS of practice on a simulator. It worked out well, although it seemed frighteningly fast during the first few flights :) Beavers and Slow Sticks fly more slowly, which might be an advantage, as long as the conditions are calm.

RE: Suggested starter planes?
 

I taught myself to fly and learned on a Pico stick. they repair pretty easy and are a load of fun to fly. I still have mine and still love it but it needs to be REALLY calm.