Hello!

My husband loves RC Planes, and while he has a little el cheapo currently, I'd like to get him something a bit more advanced and fun for x-mas. Something he can do more with, faster, tricks, anything really! I'm not looking to spend more than $300 less shipping. Any suggestions? I'd really appreciate any help at all, perhaps some insider ideas for a complete newbie who is trying to obtain a big smile and a thank you on Xmas day.

Also, with the gas models (yes this shows how much I don't know) do they run on a specific gas? One that needs an oil/gas mix at a certain ratio? Any input would be great!

Thank you so much : )

Novator

Your husband would be in the market for a GLOW ENGINE powered plane.

Glow engines run on a specific fuel that we call Glow Fuel. It comes in many brands but the one thing you probably want is to just by glow fuel with 10% nitro. That's the standard one. You will also need a glow igniter with it's own battery and charger or else use AA or C cells from the drug store.

You should be interested in one of .46 size. They are most common.

Look at this site to see what you can get... http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0901p?&U=A

You may need to make an accessment as to what he already has that can be used with the new one. May save you some money.

Here's typical stunt model but they start being more than your budget right away. That's why I think you need to make an evaluation of what you already have?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1p?&I=LZ0329**

Enjoy,

Jim

Novator,
You did not give us much info on your husbands flying ability. Jim sent you in the right direction, Tower Hobbies is a great place to deal with IMO. I would suggest an Avistar RTF (ready to fly) I think they can be had for around $300.00. He will also need a chicken stick (starting stick) for starting the engine, so he don't cut his finger. Props are or can be very sharp. Most importantly, hook him up with a local flying club, they can help him in many ways so he and you can enjoy this hobby alot more. Enjoy and good luck. Merry Christmas.
Larry

IMHO the best thing to do for your hubby would be to give him a gift certificate from a local hobby shop ( if there is one ). I know it's sorta tacky to do it, but at least he will end up with something HE wants. Tell him the hobby shop will not cash out the certificate, and that he MUST get what he wants. If he is truly interested he will get the airplane of his pleasure.

As Larry mentioned the Avistar can be very aerobatic and performs pretty well with the supplied engine. This combo is $279.95. Right within your budget. I have one myself. Here is a link... http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMU53**&P=0

This combo includes....

INCLUDES: Pre-Installed .40LA Engine, Fuel Tank, Fuel Tubing, and Futaba radio, Pre-Covered Wing Halves w/Metal Dowel Rod Joiner and Nylon Straps. Pre-Covered Bolt-Together Tail Sections w/Hardware. Wire Landing Gear w/Mounting Straps, Wheel Collars, Screws and 2-3/4" Wheels. 2-1/4" Spinner and Propeller w/Mounting Screws. Step-By-Step Instructions.

REQUIRES: Misc. Items: Some of this he probably already has?
Glow Fuel,
Phillips Head Screwdriver,
Pliers,
#64 rubber bands, and
Field Equipment - starting stick, glow ignitor, battery testor if desired, etc. This can go on and on....

5/64" allen wrench to tighten the screw in the radio compartment.
You can download the manual here... It will inform you of things needed and pictures of how they look in the front of the manual...
http://www.hobbico.com/manuals/hcaa16-manual.pdf