ORIGINAL: pnc024
HI Everyone 
Im brand new to this hobby, I have a couple questions for you guys, if you have the time.
1.) I am planning on buying one of the Hobbico 60" or 70" or the (Thunder Tiger version) ARF trainers. Any one have any bad experiences with these??? Bigger is better??? I would like a semi-symetrical wing if possible but really I have no idea how different they are flying(never flown R/C), most likely getting ahead of myself.
2.) I hear that the 4 stroke is more realistic sounding. A plane that sounds like a weedwacker will REALLY REALLY REALLY bother me.
3.) Should I get a 6 channel Fubata? 6 channel because I'd like something later on with flaps and/or retracts.
These same questions come daily and there are as many different approaches as there are questions.
Equipment wise -- satisfy yourself. I keep a Tower Trainer 40 ARF with a Super Tigre 40 and Airtronics 6 channel radio that is just fine to help newbies. The Avistar, if not overpowered, makes for a great trainer if you want a semi sym. wing. Great little flier. I have trained using about everything advertised as the newbies come and go. They're all good.
I will most likely NOT have an instructor (isolated in Upstate NY), any advice other than "get an instructor"?
I am a pilot so I have a love for aviation and a fundamental knowledge of the subject but I think I have the idea that I can fly a real plane so I should be able to fly a RC one, I dont think thats a good idea. But I can't imagine its too hard for some taxing and takeoff and landings straight ahead (again I have no idea what Im talking about)
Thanks for reading my post, I appreciate it and hope to hear from you!
As one that was also a pilot when I learned RC, I do advise "Get an instructor".
When I built my first RC, I had years of heavy CL and FF experience. I knew models, engine, and was well versed in modeling.
I went out and taxied and played around, being an airline pilot I had weekdays off. At one of those "outlaw' fields, no one around, I rationalized as you even though I knew better. Heck as an AF jock I had been supersonic straight down and straight up. I could fly that thing.
Well when I got it all rebuilt, I went to an active field, no buddy boxes back then (1971) and with some help for a couple flights I was on my own forever more. I still used instructors or other fliers for advice for some time to come.
Pilots have a GREAT advantage in RC. A pilot should know pitch, power, and bank. Armed with that info. a pilot is eons ahead of the newbie off the street. Still a pilot needs to reach up and get that chip off EACH shoulder (
) and he is on his way to a great time. Enjoy.