I started flying in March of 2003. I had no interest in build models, so I
went the R-T-F route. I think this is such a great way to get started.
I am a first timer. However I am also one of these guys that goes into intense
research when I get interested in something. After several months of research,
talking to people, flyers I decided to start with an electric parkflyer. I
looked at lots of planes and packages and selected the Aerobird. It is a
super value and very easy to fly. The new version, the Aerobird Challenger
looks to be an eaven better performer. Also, it has two flight modes - Sport
for the beginner or relaxed flyer and Expert for the more advanced or agressive
flyer.
HobbyZone AEROBIRD THREE CHANNEL ELECTRIC PARKFLYER
Very inexpensive and rugged for a three channel starter - $120-$150
The plane comes complete and fully assembled. Charge the flight battery, put
on the wing, put the batteries in the transmitter and up you go! Even the
batteries for the transmitter are included.
New flyers like me are going to crash, especially if you are teaching yourself
to fly. You don't want something that will be costly to fix. The plane is
very rugged, but there is a full line of parts available at reasonable cost.
You can replace the whole main fuselage for $49 including the motor and all
the flight electronics. A wing is $15 and the tail is $9. So, if you crash
badly you can get everything for under $75 and you are back in the with a
three channel plane.
If you are interested I have written up a tips sheet on how to fix the
Aerobird.
Here is a review of the Aerobird ( pre new challenger version)
http://www1.wildhobbies.com/news/def...&articleid=853
On these pages you will find Videos of the Aerobird in flight
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.modelflight.com.au/model_flight_videos.htm
With 100+ flights on the Aerobird, I fly in 15 MPH winds and fly with great
confidence. Personally, after all the bad landings I am amazed that the plane
still flies, I love it and have recommended it to many friends who fly them
now as well. They all learned very quickly!
A good alernative RTF Electric is the Sky Scooter Pro II. You can get it as an ARF or as a RTF package with a 72 MHZ Hitec 3 channel radio for about $160. When I bought the Aerobird, this package was $260, now it is $160 and well worth your consideration.
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Funtec/Pro2.htm
Videos
http://www.hitecrcd.com/Funtec/videos.htm
From Electric Park Flyer to Sailplane - My second plane
THE GREAT PLANES SPRIT SELECT 2 METER
If you are interested in sailplanes the Spirit Select is completely assembled with all the electronics installed. It includes a 72 MHZ single stick radio. This is very easy to use and is very similar in look and fell similar to the Aerobird's radio so I picked it right up and flew. It is branded Hobbico, but it is really a Hitec radio.
Here is a link to the site where I purchased it for $139 complete!
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXVK55**&P=7
Here is a link to the ARF version where you can find links to two product
reviews. If you want to do some building, the ARF is the route, but for an
extra $40, I got the radio and the plane ready to fly. For me that was
perfect.
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma1045.html
Video
http://www.greatplanes.com/gallery/gpma16.mov
The plane has spoilers built in the wings that are not set-up when you get the
plane, but you don't have to enable them if you don't want to. Makes a good
project for later, and but the instructions tell you how to do it. I will do
that soon.
I started flying the Spirit in Mid July and have about 60 flights on it. In
the begining I focused on hi-start launching and landing practice. I now have
that down pretty well. However, this plane has a reputation of being a great
thermalling plane. I have had flights of 15-20 mintues and had the plane so
high it was a dot in the sky. I would definitely recommend it.
SPECTRA MOTOR GLIDER
I don't have one of these, but if you are more likely to buy a motor glider
than a pure sailplane, there is a verison of the Spirit called the Spectra.
Essentially the same plane, but with a motor. Again, tower has it for $199
RTF - Add $10 for everreadys and you are set.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXVJ51**&P=7
Both the Aerobird and the Spirit have been a pleasure. I would recommend them
to anyone starting out in electrics or gliders who would like to go the
ready-to-fly route rather then building.