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Old 05-18-2012 | 06:17 AM
  #9  
jester_s1
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Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Fort Worth, TX
Default RE: Next plane / First plane

Not all tail draggers require the same landing skills. A stick is the easiest plane to takeoff and land that you can get, trainers included. That big tail is pretty effective at preventing ground loops and the straight symmetrical wing doesn't get tossed around by the wind. If you have the skills to pass the flying test you mentioned above, you have the skills to fly a stick with the rates on the mild side. IMO, the Ugly Stick or Ultra Stick is the perfect second plane. It's forgiving, lands slowly, glides well (nice when you have a deadstick) has a very broad speed envelope, can go from mild to wild with a simple servo linkage change, is tough and easy to fix, and handles the wind better than anything else I've ever flown.

I'll also second Gray beard's advice to look beyond the RTF electric planes. If you can afford it, a .40 size Ugly Stick with an appropriate electric power system will handle the wind better and will let you spread out and fly bigger maneuvers than the little park flyer types will. That will make it easier to develop your flying skills and take on new challenges.