Kevin_W

My Feedback: (1)

My first turbine was a Interceptor. I chose it because I had already been flying a ducted fan Interceptor for about a year. I flew the ducted fan version with the throttle servo slowed to 10 seconds for several months before the turbine was ready, so I at least had some idea of what to expect.
I put the first flight on the turbine at Florida Jets (1996 or 1997). I was terrified!
The next year at Florida Jets I put the 100th flight on that model, and won best sport jet (much to Bob Violett's dismay).

ravill

My Feedback: (11)

I'd say flying your first turbine at a jet meet is a bad idea. Too much going on.

Rushing at the pits, rushing to take off, rushing to land, etc...

Yes, there is more concentration of seasoned pilots and trouble shooters, but it's just too much IMHO.

Regarding skipping a trainer, just know that you will hurt and scratch up your first jet. Its just going to happen.

I'm happy I got a trainer when I started both just regular ole R/C AND jets.

Here's how I started:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-j...ne-newbie.html

I'm not sure I'd follow MY exact same path though!

Kevin_W

My Feedback: (1)

I waited til very late on Saturday. Most everyone had already packed up, and there were very few flights going on at the time.

c131frdave

You guys are awesome. Feedback is great. Thanks so much.

Joe Westrich

My Feedback: (95)

I don't think it was mentioned yet, but your flying field may have some influence on what to buy. I know some guys have flown the F-15 off of grass but it won't take the abuse like a twin boom jet with trailing link gear. I would pick the F-15 if my local club was 600ft of paved runway but if I had grass, I would pick the trainer.

c131frdave

Good point. I fly at Waco Field, a full scale grass runway 3000 feet long (approx.), but it is a bit bumpy. There are two jet pilots at our club, and they have several jets. F-22, Bandit, Boomerang, etc. We've had a Eurofighter flying at the field too. I don't think they've had any gear issues, but I'll ask.

dionysusbacchus

My Feedback: (25)

My first jet and my trainer for turbines is the BVM Bobcat, it is my turn and burn jet. I trust that plane completely and I can fly it however I want, very cool! I also recently purchased and have been flying a Yellow F-15 with a Jetcat P-120. The one thing I don't like about the F-15 is the difficulty with flying in crosswind conditions, I will fly the Bobcat in any kind of wind however. Having an exposed engine with no tail pipe is a huge advantage also for getting used to turbine operation.

I love scale planes, but my recommendation is to get a sport jet and learn about turbines, then get the F-15. You will always want to keep the sport jet around for practice and flying in less than perfect conditions.

Below is my Yellow F-15 and my BVM Bobcat with my 1940 Comet Sailplane for comparison of the old and new!

Good luck with whatever you decide,

Luke

jetster81

Get an Excalibur, its a bit like a Falcon with the bugs ironed out, flies so well , can be assembled easily at the field and will be fine with your 100. its a great confidence booster and is well made, and not expensive. you can get the experience you need on this whilst building your next scale jet.

cigartoyz

My first turbine was a carf ultra flash. Great all around jet. It flies fast and really slow. It has a nice long glide and you can get one rtf anywhere from 5-6.6k. Awesome jet. I have a JC cheetah in mine but you can fly it on a rabbit or similar thrust.

jzuniga

My Feedback: (7)

Dave,

Mine fits in the back of my Tundra (diagonally) no problem, with all my field accesories..

Z

c131frdave

Thanks.