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Old 05-21-2005 | 11:55 AM
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FiveO
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From: Daphne, AL
Default RE: U-Can-Do as a beginner aircraft?


ORIGINAL: bubbagates

FiveO

I am going to skip the normal "you need to start on a trainer" speech. You already know that.

Now, I actually do not own the UCD but II have flown both the 60 and now the new Giant size (that's what GP calls it). On low rates for me, it's very docile. For a new pilot is can be a handful. "Easy to fly" is a relative term and is based on what you know.

So ask yourself the following questions which are based on your trainer time that you mentioned.

Were you completely comfortable with the glow plane to the point that you were able to do everything you wanted with ease?

You did not mention it but did you land and takeoff (glow engines have engine/prop torque tendencies which make the plane turn left as power is increased?

Are you able to do inverted flight for at least 3 full "laps" around the field?

IS you orientation good, meaning you have very little to no problem telling which way the plane is going.

Flight SIMS are a great help but do not emulate the plane totally. I takes a lot of adjustments on the sims to get a plane close. They also do not teach the proper way to start, tune, charge, trim and a whole lot more.

So, I'll go out on a limb here and say that yes, the UCD is a great plane and very easy to fly with the proper skills. I would suggest that if at all possible you get some more time on a glow plane and when you are comfortable with the above list and anything else someone may add then and only then get the UCD. If you go the UCD route right away, get an experienced pilot to do the maiden and buddy box you for the first few flights. Remember, it is a point and fly plane and will not try to recover to level flight should something go wrong. The UCD can last you a good long time if you approach it correctly.

Keep us informed and welcome to the madness of RC flight
Thanks for the advice!

Yes I literally had NO problems with the trainer but only flew big racetrack patterns and figure 8s. I was able to keep the turns nice and coordinated with little to no altitude loss. I have not done a take off or landing with the trainer yet but plan to tomorrow. I have not flown inverted and don't think I will on this trainer, I think it wants to stay upright too bad...

My orientation is good (at least in upright flight) because of all of my parkflyer time. THAT I am confident of.

The guys reccommend that I be able to solo a few flights on the trainer before trying the UCD and yes I would certainly let someone else maiden and trim it for me as well as do the take off and landings for me the first few times.

Is there another plane that would have longer legs than a straight trainer that may be a bit easier than the UCD?

Thanks very much for the input!