ExtraMkto

My Feedback: (12)

Have been flying glow and gas planes for several years and want to try a glider. Am looking for something in the +100 inch wingspan. Along with rudder and elevator, would like ailerons and possibly flaps or spoilers. I want it to be towed up so not looking for something designed with an electric engine in the front (would hate to have to add weight to balance). Would mainly use for thermals and not for slope soaring. Would like to keep the plane only cost below $225.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

Can you build or are you looking for ARF?

ExtraMkto

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Would prefer an ARF.

TIA

235 is pretty low for an ARF but if you can swing it take a look at the Passat.

http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=1451

ExtraMkto

My Feedback: (12)

Thanks, for the advice. I can go higher on the price.

Ranfred Radius

My Feedback: (8)

When you say "towed up" are you referring to a winch/hi start? Or do you want to be towed aloft with a tug?

Randy

ExtraMkto

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A tug plane.

Ranfred Radius

My Feedback: (8)

http://icare-rc.com/dg1000_2_6mch.htm

BMatthews

I'd suggest you cut your teeth on the winch or high start option first for a while. Towing behind a plane requires a different set of skills where you want to be at least somewhat familiar with the model and soaring in general first. Also if you're comfy and confident with moderate aerobatics and flying full house models in general then I'd be looking at going ailerons if you want to try aerotowing at some point. But a rudder and elevator poly design is more relaxing. Just depends on what you want.

Oh, and aero vs winch/highstart requires a nose attachment rather than a belly hook. If you're thinking aero tow at some point then you'll need to modify your ARF to include such a hook system that is releasable by radio function.

Very few sailplane clubs will have aero towing other than at special events. The standard model launch method is winch or high start.

Ranfred Radius

My Feedback: (8)

Different yes. But certainly not more difficult. I know many pilots that fly scale sailplanes(aileron equipped) that have never been on a winch. I have also witnessed just as many(if not more)accidents on a winch than behind a tug! Winches and hi-starts are harder on a glider's airframe. Plus with a hi-start, you have absolutely no way of aborting the launch if something goes wrong during your accent. However, you can install a releasable towhook on the bottom of a model to lessen that chance.

Randy

ExtraMkto

My Feedback: (12)

I have a friend who is excited about towing the glider up so a tug plane will not be an issue.

ExtraMkto

My Feedback: (12)

I could still use some additional suggestions. I have two suggestions (one from a dealer) but would like suggestions from people that have flown some gliders.

RogerParrett

Might I suggest that you take a look at Paul Naton's videos from www.radiocarbonart.com. Especially if you are coming from powered flight.

I got the videos (Radio Clinic, Thermaling, etc) and I can only say that I'd wish I had gotten them sooner. I made the mistake that - as a glow/gas flyer - gliders would be a cinch. Well, maybe for others, but not for me. There are a LOT of subtle things about gliders that just don't exist in power flight (except for dead-stick landings..lol). Ditto for the radio. I don't know what kind of radio you have, but if you have a realitively high-end model and wondered what all those extra features and functions are there for - they're for sailplanes...lol.

Those videos are probably the best money I've spend on sailplanes yet.

Good luck, and welcome to the addiction!

Best... Roger