Hi -

After a trainer and a GP Easy Sport 40, I was wondering what a good 3rd plane would be? I'm guessing that I could move to a low-wing taildragger ok.

I saw the Thunder Tiger Cloud Dancer & Champion 45L, but I read here that some of the parts seem kind of flimsy.

I also like the GP Venus, but I'm not sure if that's too far advanced or not.

I know a CAP 232, Extra 300S, & H9 Pizazz are a little more advanced, so maybe I shouldnt consider them.

Maybe a GP Super Sportster or a Goldberg Tiger II (set up as a taildragger).

Any thoughts appreciated.


John

U Can Do 3D would actually make very good 3rd plane. It flies like a trainer w/ low control throw, and it doesn't fly very fast either. It's landing can be really slow and stable too. Then when you are ready, increase the throws and practice on the advanced stuff. The best part, it costs less than most ARF's of the same size.

I agree with Sean - the UCD is a nice plane.

I had a Super Sportster arf - what a great flying plane also. Not 3d capable obviously, but did all the basics and flew slow when you wanted it to.

Jeff

The pizazz is an absolute ***** cat..... but you can set it up to be soooo ferral!! You can't go wrong getting a Pizazz for your first low wing tail dragger....It will land so slowly and easily, handles on the ground like it's on rails, and as your flying skill increases you just got to move the battery pack pack and give the controls more throw to make it do crazy stuff.

My vote is a Pizazz and a Saito .72

My "third" plane is a GP Venus (after my TigerII and GP .40-sized Cap232). I've got about 15 - 20 flights and have seen no bad habits (easier to fly than the Cap, I'm sure). Flys very well slow, but it's difficult to get going slow (especially for landing) because its so slippery!

My best advice is to get the kind of plane you really want. After two planes you should have a pretty good idea of how to fly and the best next step is toward something that you really *want* to fly. Don't go nuts, just have fun. That's what it's all about.

What type of flying would you like to do?

- If you'd like a plane that can flip and flop about while still retaining good low-speed habits I'd steer you to a Sig Somethin' Extra. With tall gear and an appropriate engine there isn't much it can't do.

- If you're partial to smooth, pattern-style aerobatics a Cloud Dancer is a good bet. Its very light for its size but is very smooth in flight due to its long tail moment.

Both planes are fairly light - this gives you a hand in learning to land a taildragger.