Hi,

I'm returning to R/C after a 10 year hiatus. (My life got busy).

I was about 18 years old when I last flew, and I was starting to get into some aerobatics with a .60 size Astro Hog. (Fun plane)

My question is:

Now that I'm getting back into the game after 10 or so years, should start with a basic trainer again? I know I'm going to get boored with a trainer very quickly. I'd like to get something that is forgiving so I can get back into flying, yet flexible enough to let me ease back into some aerobatics.

I'm definitely looking for an ARF.
I have a saito FA 80 4stroke, and a brat 25. I don't mind buying a new engine if I have to.

Any suggestions?

Cheers!

Nick

Sounds like me ... I stopped for like 20 years! I got myself a trainer and it was sold after 2 flights!!! It was not that I can fly that well but rather I got bored. I then moved to 3D planes and tried to learn on them, it was ok but those planes can land on their own. If you think you can still fly then why not move into a gentle low wing trainer. I flew the World Models Rambler 45 and its gentle enough for someone coming back into the hobby. Look into something like that ...

Hi ya......don't go the "Trainer" way. It's like riding a bike. Buy a low wing aerobatic trainer and you will ok. Just as the person suggested above.

Go to www.goldscallop.com Ask for Terry Wong.....he has low wing aerobatic planes for $120 Cdn. Very nice guy.

Get an ASP .52 at the same time from him.....U won't regret it. Very little break in time and that engine performs without touching the needles.

Good luck Eh!

Cheers.

Have you considered a simulator? If you're just a bit rusty, that would probably "retrain" your thumbs enough to fly whatever you wanted, or give you an idea about where you could restart.

A simulator isn't something you'd outgrow and put on the shelf. It just keeps helping your skills improve.

I would recommend a Hobbico Avistar to put your 80 in.

While you might get bored after a few flights with a trainer, it's better than cracking up a brand new ship because your rusty. I'd suggest perhaps a 2nd hand trainer that you could get for cheep. If you are still set on more for your first plane back, and you are or are going to join a club, they might have an instructor or someone who will buddy-box with you until you get your thumbs up to speed.

I'm with Geist and Backafter. I simulator is a great tool not just for learning/relearning, but also for trying out new maneuvers and retraining those thumbs. I've got RealFlight G2 and it works very well; I'm sure there are other great packages out there, but RealFlight seems to be the biggy with good web support and user groups. The addons are not necessary other than for new eye candy and imaginary thrills (e.g. Osprey). I think landing with RF is harder in some ways than the real thing.

The Avistar is a great intermediate trainer and a "Just Plane Fun" plane even after you become proficient at basic flying and landing. Although it's classified as a high wing plane, its cabin is so low, that it's almost a shoulder wing plane. A Saito 80 may be a bit heavy for an Avistar, although here at my club, they've flown great with Saito 72s, so check the balance closely.

Finally, get in a club and find someone to instruct you with a buddy box setup.

Joel

Yep, gotta get a sim, unless your just flying in circles, then dont bother, get someone to buddy box you on your new plane a bit until your back in the saddle.

Nick,

I'm was in the same boat as you... took a break some 10 - 12 years ago after being somewhat competent with a plane. I picked up a used trainer and radio gear for $175 and dumped another $75 or $100 in basic field gear. It truly was like riding a bike. I buddy boxed the first flight and solo'd the next. I put fewer than 6 flights on the trainer before I was bored and ordered a new plane and radio.

My suggestion to you would be to invest in a good computer radio. I opt'd for the Futaba 7CAP from Tower Hobbies for about $215 on a special sale over Memorial Day. I also ordered the Sky Raider Mach II from ww.Airborne-Models.com for $70. When I was in the hobby before, building was a different beast. I had this plane together in a few hours and popped a Evolution .46 on the front. It's still considered a trainer, but it's low wing, symetrical and should be a hoot to fly. A far stretch from the old flat bottom trainer (which is being passed on to my son now).

Welcome back to the hobby!

I suggest something like the Sig 4*60 ARF. The Saito 80 will fly it around just fine, and it won't take you long to get the "hang of it " again.......

Goldberg Tiger and Tiger2 are good low wing trainers. Could probably do well with that Saito too. Convert it to a tail dragger and go again.

The simulators are good tools though and not to be neglected. It will get your brain and thumbs connected again and in such a way that you are not 'thinking' about it. You can also learn some things about set up and get an idea what kinds of planes you really like after having tried a bunch of them out...