These are basically rudder/throttle planes.

They are very lightly loaded on the wings so they need little airspeed to fly.

Giving them throttle causes the planes to fly and the rudder can cause them to turn.

But that is about all of the control you have.

As a result they do not do very well in winds.

Fly them on a very calm day and you'll do OK.

As with most RC planes, crash the plane and you are looking at a replacement airframe at the least... forget about parts... even when available it is often not worth it... Most RC'ers learn to make their own repairs, hence the preferance for Balsa planes where parts can be easily refrabricated from balsa stock...

Note however that around here we tend to consider planes of this level as "toys".

Why?

Well while they are extremely easy to play with, they do not really teach you how to fly an RC aircraft.

For the latter you normally start out with a 4 channel trainer that provides a full complement of control surfaces.

That's not to say that the planes you listed may not be enjoyable, but an experienced flyer will definitely have an easier time with them.



If your Dad likes RC, take him to a local club meeting.

Most clubs provide training... and often you can start out with a club trainer.

Drag him to a training session and see how he likes it.

Let him talk to the trainers at the field.

THEN decide which way he wants to go...