Let's create a resource for new pilots.

One of the first things that goes though people's minds is, "what plane should I get?"

They get lots of answers, but I am surprised at how few questions the experienced pilotsask before making a recommendation. Well I am going to list out some of the questions I would ask and why I would ask them.

If you want help selecting your first plane, jump in and comment. Ask questions! Tell us about your environment.


Ed's Questions:

1) What is your budget? Do you have a spending limit or is the sky the limit?

2) How big is your flying area? This can influence my recommendations as larger planes typically need larger areas.

3) What are your typical wind conditions? If you can fly in calm conditions, I may provide a different recommendation than if it is always windy by you. Smaller planes tend to be less wind tollerent. See this discussion:

Six Keys to Success<div>http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2840882/tm.htm


4) Are you trying to learn on your own or do you have a friend/instructor/coach helping you?What has your coach advised?

5) How committed are you? Are you testing the water or are you sure you are going to stay in the hobby. This will influence what I suggest as things to buy. There is spending on "this plane", and there is "investing in the hobby". In some ways this ties back to question one.

6) Are you a builder or a flyer? Are you both?


That is enough for now. Hopefully you find the idea of this discussion interesting and will post your questions. I, and other members of RCU are here to help you be successful.


<u>Here is the first tidbit of information for you.

</u>Electric planes generally come packaged in one of 4 ways, each of which requires more and more effort on your part. RTF requires the least and kit requires the most.

RTF - Package includes everything you need to get this plane into the air.

BNF/TX-R or H2Go or similar - Like RTF, plane is ready to fly but the package does not include a radio. May include charger and battery. Assumes you have a radio already that can match up to the receiver in this plane. Maybe your friend gave it to you. Or maybe you bought a radio and are not trying to pick a plane.

PnP/receiver ready/P2Go - Similar to BNF/TX-/H2Go except now there is no receiver in the plane. You add your own. If someone gave you a radio and receiver, or if you already bought a package, this might be the way for you to go.

Kits that you build and add your own components. - You get a box of sticks and precut pieces with plans. Or you get foam parts and instructions that you assemble/glue together to form a plane. Then you add the electroncis, battery, charger, radio, receiver and all. If you are a builder at heart, this may be your preferred path. In the olden days, this was the only path.
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