I realize this may sound like a strange question, but I am looking for a plane that with the rates cranked up high, an experianced pilot can have a lot of fun with....but with control throws set low, I novice could learn.
Here is where I'm coming from. I have 20 year experiance on Glow. I can fly most anything. I want to get my 7 year old son interested in flying as well. I bought a GWS slow-stick. I am very disappointed with its three channel performance as well as its overall flight characterists. I flys like a toy, not a plane.

Is there an Electric ARF, that I could teach my son to fly, similar to my Goldberg Eagle of 20 years ago? I saw a E3D flying the other day that could do every manuver in the book, yet was so light, with the transmitter rates on low, it flew like a trainer?
What do you think?
Tim

Tim,

I think that is possible but I cannot really tell you about one that is electric powered. A SIG Something Extra on an OS46Ax is just about right, plenty strong and a blast to play with and they have a roll rate that is fast enough to turn the plane inside out. A H9 Twist but they are not built very strong to take the abuse of teaching a student with. I'm sure others will chime in here with some more ideas

Like many of us...I got bored with the "trainer" very quickly. Although "trainers" can be very forgiving, it also means they are inherently less responsive. That being said...you actually have to be a better pilot to put a "trainer" trhough its paces than someone who can do a few aerobatic maneuvers with a tail-dragger. Let me explain. Performing a roll with a trainer requires coordination of all 3 axis...with a hotter plane ...you just bang the aileron left or right.

I have seen a member of our club take up an Avistar on its maiden flight and perform loops, rolls, inverted flight, spins, rolling circles, and a rolling loop. Many people cannot do those maneuvers or do them well. So there's a vote for an Avistar.

Personally, after a few flights on the trainer I bought a Funtana. On low rates its a *****-cat. Once you can land a trainer and "flare" ...you can land a Funtana. It will not take much abuse....but I learned every trick in the book in about 4 months time with a Funtana. Not a great recommended way probably...but it can be done.

Whatever you decide...mix in lots of simulator time and your son should be successful very quickly

Bill and MWarren, thanks for the response. In particular the comments about how if you can put a trainer through rolling circles, you're better than most pilots. That is very true. Still, I am looking for a light wing loading plane that can fly slow enough to not get ahead of a beginner, but still be fun after he's learned. I'll keep an eye open.

Tim

any diablotin like planes, madness, ripmax bossanova, will fly like a trainer too... there are more but I don`t remember right now; long tail and constant chord is the key

If you can go glow, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better plane that meets what you are asking for than the Ultra Sticks by Hanger 9. They will do almost anything, are very durable (will take many rough landings) and are available in 3 sizes, 40, 60, 120.

I've had all three and presently have the 120 with a YS 110 on it. Wonderful plane and very easy to fly. You can also set them up with flaps for some interesting fun things. Doesn't get boring and super easy to fly and land. Very aerobatic as well.

Thanks
Barry

I second the Ultra Sticks. The US60 is very rugged and easy to fly. Extremely aerobatic as well.

...How about the old ModelTech "MAGIC" with lets say an OS 40la Motor...

Tim
If you plan to keep him with electric and not move to glow, it sounds like the E3D would be a good one. You saw it fly and liked it. With your 20 years using glow, I suspect he may end up with a glow plane. I currently fly a large Mayhem, UCD 46 and Something Extra. Flew an Ultra Stik 46 for about a year. For what you described, the Mayhem gets my vote as I find it to be the most forgiving. It seems to meet your needs - just not electric.

I'll second what Barry said and add that you could also try an OMP Katana profile. They are very forgiving, easy to land, and fly like a butterfly. You can crank up the throws down the road and have a killer 3D plane. And with a 46 OS or Thunder Tiger you'll get lots of flying in on a tank full.
Or go with a Magic as noted above.

Thanks for the input. The reason I am looking for electric is for flying near the house. I live 25 minutes from the flying field (where I fly glow) and really want something I can take a block away and fly in the ball field. I'll check out some of the recommended planes you guys mentioned.
Thx,
Tim