RCU Forums - View Single Post - Exactly how much does a plane cost?

11-05-2002 | 10:10 PM

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SwampFlier-RCU

Joined: Jan 2002

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From: San José, Costa Rica

Exactly how much does a plane cost?

C'mon everybody let's get objective for a minute, and let's help a 15 y old kid who at least has the curiosity to ask a lot and also has (so far) the drive to build something!!!! we always complain on how everybody doesn't want to build from scratch and that ARF's are king.. along comes this guy who wants to BUILD and has mention it often enough that he wants to do it and we slam him on the head and scare him with how expensive this is SHHHEEESSHH!!! :boxing: it is as expensive as we want i to be.
Also, this days going with the significant other to the movies and to eat would run $30 to $50 per outing so 4 or 5 weekends worth will buy you a a plane with radio and engines... that in my book is not expensive...

Flyboy: I wouldn't clasify a 4 channel entry level radio like a focus 5, a futaba skysport, a JR4XX or an airtronics RD4000 as JUNK!!! they serve their purpose and do it well, as mentioned in other threads the scary thing about Chip and Quique and CFLR is how good they are even with a trainer......

PAPA as mentioned before the best thing for you right now is to look for your nearest hoby shop AND RC Club and see for yourself what you're getting into. After that , I believe your choices are:

A. Buy an ARF (Trainer with a good .46 cu. in. engine and a radio) that the guys at the club use for training, and then look into building a 2nd plane from a kit... .if after you do this you succeed then you'll be ready to get into serious construction and build hte plane of your dreams (beware the dream changes constantly as you build more and more planes :bananahea)

B. Enlist the help of those at the field and buy a kit and start building it, his route is easier on the wallet, since it'll take you a couple of months at least to build the plane and hence the radio and engine can be purchased later.

C. Check the posts in the airplanes for sale forum as well as ask the members of your club, you might find a good setup (albeit used) for about $200.00, it would be better if somebody in your neck of the woods is selling it since you'll be able to check it out.

As far as size: the standard is a .40 cu in size plane since it is farily good to see and handles ok in slow winds. However, there are smaller planes that you could use for example teh Goldberg eaglet, a Li'l rascal s mentioned before , Lanier Indicator Even this, however are 45 to 55 inches wingspan.

Also, a TRAINER is a slow(er) self correcting type of aircraft that is suited for the novice, you can hace trainers both in kit or ARF form, it's just an starter's plane.
The radio (if you don't bang it hard enough while learning) can beused in later planes (hence the suggestion of buying as good equipment as you can afford $$$$).

So Papa, read the threads think which course you want to follow, most people here are well intentioned, just remember that many people come here and ask similar questions, so sometimes the answers are inyour face.

If you have specific questions let me know.
REgards,
Patrick

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