Wow.... makes me laugh. There is some good advice up there, and some silly. (I won't get into it)


OK... as some of the guys above said... the Reaction 54 is a great kit. I want one in a BAD WAY... but I don't have the time to build one. I have a buddy with one, and I'm sure I will get him to sell it to me eventually. (LOL) They fly great on a 60N engine... and are built like a tank. They are relatively fast, and slow to a crawl. That would be #1 on my list of you want to build.

Next... the guy who said... "If you want to save $$$... don't start flying jets"... well... he hit the nail on the head. I'm not your typical "Jet Jock". I'm not really into speed, and I don't like to build scale models. But I LOVE the sound and smell of these little things. And, the majority of our jet community are friendly and helpful. And because of that, I have 4 flying, and 2 on the bench. (all budget builds)

I was in the same position as you about 6 years ago. I wanted to get into it... but I wanted to do it on a budget. (So I didn't have to get a divorce) My first model was the Nitro Planes Falcon 120. Back in the day... you could get it for under $100 shipped !!! Since then... they got popular, and a couple companies bought the rights to it... beefed it up... and raised the price. But, you can still find them. FYI... my first Jet was in the air for less than $1100. (less my radio Tx) These jets also fly very well. If you can find one... I would recommend it. I see them used all the time.


The next thing is any of the Jet Mach models. You can still buy the kits, and build them. There is a high wing, a low wing, and they go from a "44" sized up to a "100" size. You can find them here... Jetmach Aircraft by LDS : Laser Design Services I know a lot of people who have started with them. The nice thing is... they don't have retracts. That makes some people say it's not a real jet... but to me... it makes it a lot cheaper to build, and easier to rig. Oh... FYI... they also sell the Turbinator kits.

Lastly... keep an eye on the used section. I've found some KILLER deals on jets. I've seen some nice jets go for 25% of what the original price would have been. But, generally... the best deals happen at the jet rallies. Someone may ding up a model, and just not want to drag it home... or they are just tired of it being in the trailer. Either way... it's a good place to get started.


I see you are west of Altoona... you may want to try to get up to the OC Turbo Fest in Tittusville. I think this year, it's early October.

Good luck... as questions.... and honestly... just run away. LOL.