This is quite possibly the number one question about Spads. Can someone get into this hobby by starting with a Spad? The answer is yes. However, this is not a clear cut answer and this has sparked some debate and lengthy conversations in this topic. Very often a beginner to the hobby hears about Spads, and the fact that you can build a plane for less than $10. It sounds awesome, but I would like to make a few things very clear. First of all, if you build a Spad, the end result is an airplane that is very tough. You also end up with an airplane of comparible wing loading and flight performance to many "conventional" trainers. But there are some things that a potential Spad builder, especially beginner, needs to be aware of. I can tell you that there are several companies that sell Spad ARF's...but for the sake of explaining the cheapest way to go, I will stick with building your own.
First of all, it is not a kit. Spads are scratchbuilt by you. Spad is plans and ideas from
http://www.spadtothebone.com
It is up to you to find the materials, and build your plane. In some areas of the country, some of the materials can be hard to find such as 2mm coroplast and square gutterpipe. No problem though because they can be mail ordered. Plenty of links for that on the hints and tips pages.
Second...You cannot expect to shell out less than $10 and have a flyable airplane if you are starting from nothing and just getting into the hobby. You need landing gear, engine mount, pushrods, gas tank etc...etc...These are all things that last from airplane to airplane. When someone tells you that you can build a Spad for less than $10 this means the "airframe"...not the whole airplane.
Third...you cannot expect to shell out less than $10 and build just one "airframe" either. The sizes of the raw materials won't let you do this. Coroplast comes in 4' x 8' sheets and gutterpipe comes in 10' sticks. If you build one with the aluminum rail fuselage, the aluminum comes in 8' sticks. Therefore, I will tell you right off the bat you are going to have to shell out $20-$30 for materials to build your first airframe...but...now you have enough materials to build 3 or 4 more airplanes!
Fourth... Since you are building your own plane, you must have tools. This is another expense if you are getting into the hobby and don't have anything yet. Glue, hobby knife, saws, etc...etc...and even though Spads can be build with hand tools only, things like a table saw and Dremel sure makes it easy.
Fifth...Help. Building from plastic is still considered unconventional, and there is a learning curve to figuring it all out. I can tell you that I can build one in 3 hours...but keep in mind I've built hundreds of them. Your first one will take you 10+ hours to build while you figure everything out. Your next one will take half that time, and after several of them you'll be whipping them out in no time. But, just getting started can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you don't have a lot of hobby or craft experience. The best bet is to find other Spadders in your area. There is also several great Spad forums on the net to help you including the Spad topic right here at RCU.
Is it worth starting with a Spad? Absolutely! Do I recommend it? Absolutely! But I certianly don't want to push someone in that direction unless they are aware of all that's involved (the reason for this post).
Do I think starting with a Spad is better than starting with a wood kit built airplane or wood ARF?
This answer may suprise a lot of people, but all things considered...no.
There is a LOT to learn about this hobby. Many of the beginners kits and ARF's are very good at taking a beginner from knowing very little about airplanes...all the way to soloing. Spads are great, but what I have presented on the Spad web site is basically how to build a trainer. If you try to start with a Debonair, but don't know the difference between an aileron and a doubler...you're going to be confused. A beginner's Kit or Arf will effectively give you a fantastic education from learning the aircraft part through learning how to set up your radio and flight trim and airplane. Another thing that I recognise as a big advantage to guys who start with an ARF...but then decide to try a Spad...is that now they have the stuff they need for the Spad such as landing gear, fuel tank, pushrods, etc...etc..these things give a new Spadder a big head start over someone getting into the hobby with their first plane being a Spad. Another thing is appreciation. Someone who starts with a Spad doesn't really have the appreciation for what they have built and fly because they don't have anything to compare it to. Possibly the largest amount of new Spadders come from the ranks of pilots who have splattered a wood airplane. Especially someone who spend a lot of money and a lot of time building and covering them. They know all about hanger rash, cover wrinkles, soggy wood, fuel proofing, hinging wood control surfaces, and the fear of crashing and repairing airplanes...etc...etc...etc. Some of the most interesting comments I've heard are from new pilots who started with Spads, and then decided to try a wood plane.
So, although I would encourage anyone to get into this hobby with a Spad, and many have done it and there is tons of help out there for your success...I really don't think the fullest educational advantage, plastic appreciation and impact of building Spads is really realized if you start with them as your first airplane. But from your second plane on...ROCK ON Spadders!!!