ORIGINAL: Aviation4kids
I have an 8 years old son and I want to buy him a good RC Plane.He is pretty good in flying a 2 Channel P51 Mustang and a small RC Jet Plane
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He is doing very well with a demo version of RealFlight G3 so I think he is ready for a 4 ch plane.He is using only the keyboard but he has a good understanding of the flight geometry.
I have found three 4 channels RC Planes at very attractive prices (around $83) at NitroPlanes.com:
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Initially I was thinking to by a Super Cub from HobyTown but that much more expensive and it has only 3 channels.I have also read a post in another forum about the dificulty to switch from 3 ch to 4 ch,due to de different design of the radio control.
Is there any difference between digital proportional control and full proportional control?
Thank you for your help,
George
George:
Congratulations for your son's progress and your support to him!
I have been in your shoes three years ago; only that my son started with simple small free flight models, deciding to jump to RC half a year ago.
He started receiving flying instruction in our RC club, and practicing with the FMS simulator (also using only the keyboard!).
Then we moved to a transmitter connected to the computer, and he did transfer the skills from keyboard to sticks in a couple of days.
The capacity that young children have to learn is just amazing!
We tried to be consistent with the field and simulator practices, and his progress was continuous until graduating.
He used my Goldberg Falcon 56 trainer, powered by a glow 0.40 engine, which has survived all the mishaps.
I agree with all the suggestions above; but I would like to add that you must decide if taking the route of electric or fuel power.
I would suggest electric for your son, avoiding the starting and tuning of the engine, which may be somehow dangerous and frustrating at his age; however, that is a personal choice.
As well as for fuel powered models, there are good 4 channel trainers in electric version; just research around.
Check reviews at:
www.sportaviator.com
Join an AMA club, where discounts are offered for the membership of young pilots, and practice much with the right equipment and support.
The best of lucks to both of you.
Regards!