ORIGINAL: walkercr
... I might be able to get some help on my first flight but will basically be on my own. ...... I would like a good first plane that is easy to fly and can take some abuse ( I am planning to crash many times). I would like to be able to land on wheels if possible for the practice...... Take offs from the wheels would also be nice. .....
Thanks, Craig
PS: I am an Aerospace Engineer and have worked on several aircraft programs at Boeing and Lockheed so I have pretty good knowlege of aerodynamics.
Hi Craig. Welcome aboard.
Won't the Lockeed Martin RC Modelers club assist? Or another local club? That's usually the first recommendation, find a friendly club and go with their recommendation.
If that doesn't suit you, hey, no need to start out crashing & fixing. Planning to crash a lot is not necessary. Get an RC Flight Simulator and you can learn tons about the stick movements, making the model do what you want, and details like that reversal when the plane is coming at you. Plus, with the simulator, you can fly 3 channel, 4 channel, Wingo, Extra, whatever you wish.
My buddy pretty much taught himself all the motions with a SoarStar. It fixes really easy, has a geared 380 (I understand that's a bit better than the Wingo motor....) I know he recommends it, and I saw the results.
My recommendation would be the Flight Sim first (It'll save you more than it costs, in crashed planes) and my second recommendation would be the Soarstar.
Go for it!
Dave Olson