I have been into RC Cars and Trucks for years now and would like to throw my hat into trying RC Planes.

I would like to try a gas plane first since I have had nitro cars and liked them a lot. Something like the ARROW SEMI-SYMMETRICAL .40 R/C AIRPLANE or something in that kind of plane.

However, I would possibly try something like a Megatech Capital Flyer, Airstrike, or Skyliner or again something that is comperable.

Airplanes are not my expertise and would like some info from you all that have flown planes on which is a good learner plane. I do like this style of plane and have read that they are not a particularly hard plane to fly and learn on.

I am asking you all who are in the know of which these types of planes would be good to learn on and would keep me interested in the hobby for a long time. I want something that will be able to grow with me, that I can buy that is RTF but when I want to step it up a notch I will still be able to use the same transmitter.

I also live in CT and was wondering if anyone in CT would be willing to help me out with possibly picking the right plane for me and maybe even showing me how to fly my new baby!

Thanks and hope to see many replys to this.

steve ct - go to or call your local hobby shop or flying club. get a trainner . dont go for looks . sig lt-40 is good it can take a prity good beating . there are plenty of trainners out there ( caution) don't try to skip the trainner. it your time & money. here a web site for you (www.rcaircraft.net ) rc proving grounds . good info wrc-flyer

Sorry, I don't know any of the planes you mention. But my first piece of advice is, stop in at your local hobby shop and find out what clubs are in your area. Visit the fields on weekends, introduce yourself, talk to the people, find out who the instructors are. Try to meet a few different instructors, find one you think you can learn from.

If there is no local hobby shop, check out the ama website (www.modelaircraft.org). Click buttons till you find the directory of member clubs, sorted by state. Each listing will give contact info for a club officer or two.

Your instructor ought to be a key figure in your RC life. Don't buy anything until you've talked it over with him. Forget sex appeal, forget falling in love with something that looks exciting. Let your instructor steer you into something he knows will be within your capabilities, that he can help you straighten out when difficulties arise. Very possibly he will know of a trainer whose pilot has moved on, engine broken in and available at a good price.

Learning to fly RC is like breaking in a wild mustang, except YOU are the horse. The plane knows how to fly, it just needs a competent rider. After you solo, you will come to love any model that takes off smoothly, doesn't flame out, turns, loops, rolls, handles a crosswind and comes down in one piece within reasonable walking distance.

Next advice is, invest in a simulator. Let all your crashes be virtual! There is a world of valuable resources in a good simulator--not just learning how to move the sticks, but dialing in center of gravity, setting up control throws, modifying any surface, flying in any wind, reacting to in-flight "anomalies"...

Welcome to one of the world's great hobbies!

Steve, Stay away from the Megatech line of planes.....although I've never seen their glow models fly, the electric version of the Airstrike & Capitol Flyer are JUNK. I've actually heard more negative than positive about their glow models too. For the money, there are much better options out there. Check out trainers from Sig, Hangar 9, Hobbico....

Steve, Go see Mark at Branford Hobbies. He's a great guy and can guide you in the right direction. Have you hooked up with a club yet? If not, check out the Salem Propbusters. What a great group of guys! I fly with them when I'm up there on Business. I actually plan on being there next week! Hoping for some nice weather.

Well Steve ,you're on the right track coming to RCUniverse. Ditto on everything the other guys said. Hang around a club or two. Then pick one when you get ready for an instructor. It's possible to get to the solo stage without trashing an airplane. After that ---.
An instructor can save you a LOT of money. If you show them you are really interested they may put you on a buddy box for a little flying to get an idea of the skill needed. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Most clubs enjoy helping new flyers.

If you try to teach yourself the only thing you learn is how to crash!!!!

Steve, there is always a sigh of relief when a student shows up with an Avistar. This plane is proven to be very durable, docile in the early stages of training and agile as you advance. Also with its semi symetrical wing its not a plane that you will be in a hurry to discard once you solo, unlike many of the flat bottom trainers. Sure you will move on to other planes, but if you just want to relax and mess around once you have mastered flight, you may just pull this out of the hanger once in a while. I do. There is valuable info on these posts, good luck and welcome, Joe

Steve, two beginners at our club have the new Hobbico Nextstar which is a complete outfit with most everying needed to fly, san support items. They fly well and look a little like a Cessna. I've seen them fly and wish I had one when I started, that Sturdy Birdy was not nearly as good!! Check it out at towerhobbies.com or check at your LHS---Good luck but get help and have an instructor teach you. Look for an AMA club in your area and you can got to their web site for charted clubs in your area as most have instructors to help. There is a good review of the Nextstar here on RC Universe.



So Many Planes & So Little Time.......................

joe said it. the avistar is a great trainer and later on, is good at most aerobatics. it comes as a ready-to-fly plane now that gets you up in the air faster.