hello, what is a good trainer airplane to lean to fly? and what should i look for when buying a ARF kit?

You will get many opinions on the best beginner plane. I started with the PT40 and it served me very well. I also am of the opinion that you should build the first plane from a kit not an ARF. This to give you an understanding of the structure and to assist in future repair of any plane.

Welcome to the fun!

Sig LT 40 with an OS46FX. Build only if you have an experienced builder to help you, otherwise get the ARF. The ARF will be cheaper in the long run. Hitec Flash 5 for the radio (will allow you to grow) and the 46fx will allow for plenty of "Get out of trouble power". These will also allow you to grow into other planes when you are ready. The LT40 has a 73" wing span providing a more stable flyer, yet with the 46fx and dual rates will do most begining aerobatics. I own 3 different trainers and the LT40 is one of the best for beginers. Another excellent kit is the Telemaster 40.

I have to agree with bdtsr on the LT-40 ARF. It was my first trainer and first plane. I flew mine with a OS 46FX and Futaba 4FM. Definitely go a little extra expense with the radio and get a 6 channel or one with a model memory so that you can expand with it. I've also seen the LT-40 flown with a Saito 72 which is another great engine and gives the LT-40 plenty of power to get you out of trouble. The LT-40 is one of the most forgiving trainers I've ever flown and I've owned several. It's of good construction and wood and will give you many enjoyable flights with a skilled instructor. I flew mine till I learned to solo and then some afterwards till I got dumb thumbs while flying inverted and demolished it. Hope this helps!

The RCM Trainer with an Magnum 40 XLS is a fine trainer, and requires little build time and rapid learn to fly time

Steve

thanks for the info. will come in good for X-mas. thaks

The RCM Trainer is a good plane and the Magnum engine is a fine runner. I am currently training someone with this combo. This plane requires less build time the most others and could be had for $140 with the motor directly from Global. The LT 40 and Telemaster 40 have larger wings (73" vs. 61" or 62") which creates a more stable plane. My LT 40 has an ASP .61 on the front for banner towing and messing around.

Just a warning. I am a newbie and haven't flown yet. I purchased the LT-40 ARF from Tower Hobbies. I have had quite a few problems with fit & finish on this plane. The biggest problem was that the wing joiner was screwed up and didn't allow the wing halves to fit properly. Not only the gap, but it introducted a twist in the wings. Quite a bit of work went into straigthening this out.

I am about ready to have my instructor take this plane on its maiden flight. I do have a bit of trepidation about the wing.

If you question the wing, then please have your plane throughly analyzed by your instructor, if you are worried about the wing amke sure to share your fear.

Let him (or her) look it over and make recommendations for improving the integrity of the plane prior to flight.

It sounds to me like you have a bit of work to do before its maiden voyage but if you do them then your plane will still be flying after the first flight

Steve

LT40, the problems with your plane are most likely an isloated case. Many people including myself have had very little problems with the plane or the wing. I just flew mine again today and I have a .61 in mine with no mods to the wing. It sounds like you got a Monday or Friday plane (sucks). But the plane overall is decent quality. If you epoxied the wings together properly (or as best you could with yours) you should be fine, but as steve114 said you need to have your plane checked by an instructor (if you had problems building it or not).

pt

I feel your pain trying to figure out which trainer to start with. I guess it depends on your patience level. I just started flying a few months ago and bought the Hangar 9 alpha RTF. It has been a wonderful experience for me and I was up and flying the day after I got my plane. That said, if you want to take the time to build one, you will end up with a better quality aircraft and perhaps be able to keep your plane longer(not out grow it in skill). Understand that I am NOT a builder, never have and looking at the complexity may never build a kit. There isn't anyone in my club that enjoys building and the thought of spending hundreds of dollars on a scale kit and have to "feel" my way along is NOT appealing.
Anyway, I did a search on these forums for trainers, and I thought the Hangar 9 plane had the least negatives written about it of all the RTF's. But consider, if you are looking to fly NOW, RTF is the way to go. Look into the Hangar 9 Alpha 40 or 60 size, the Nexstar, Hobbico, and if you are looking to get into warbirds, the P51 trainer. If you search you will probably find a lot of information on a lot of trainers both good and bad.
Personally, since I want to get into warbirds eventually I would have loved to try the Hangar 9 P51 trainer, but it just came out [].
Good luck in your search...don't forget to search these forums...it is a great education.
Cheers!

Get the 52" wing version:

www.SpadFlyer.com

After you learn on this platform, you can go to balsa (if you insist)!

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

Find a local hobby shop or two or three. Walk in and ask what they have and suggest. Then ask why. I do believe, though more expensive obtaining your first airplane from a local shop is the best way to go. It gives you direct access to advise, suggestions, and help when needed. This is invaluble in the learning process and unless you know the guy next door will be there for you hold off on the mail order houses untill you get a little knowledge under your belt.

A few good choices...
Sig LT-40 ARF or Kit
Great Planes PT-40 Kit
Hangar 9 Alpha 40 or 60 ARF
Tower Hobbies Trainer 40 or 60 ARF(I would not recommend the RTF due to the Tower Hobbies engine has been known to be troublesome in alot of cases) Buy your own engine if buy this Trainer. O.S or Thunder Tiger would be a good choice.
Lanier Explorer ARF
Hobbico Nexstar Select RTF or ARF
Hobbico Superstar ARF
There are others, but any of these would make a fine Plane to train with.

For something a little more of an advanced Trainer.....
RCM Trainer Kit
Hangar 9 Arrow ARF
A tricycle setup on a Ultra Stick would also be acceptable to train with, but would have a little longer learning time due to the fact that it is not designed to have much self recovery. It is a go where you point it type of Plane, but is a very honest and stable flyer. I would very highly recommend an Instructor and a buddy chord with this one.

Was there a particular reason to bump your thread that was originally posted years ago? With a two character reply?

Dang, I didn't realize that this thread is 3 years old! Now this is what I call making a long thought out descision! LOL

i had a post cpu messed up i dont know what happen
is that ok?