Rather than spending the money for a simulator, I have decided to spend less on a Ready to Fly (engine, receiver, servos, etc.) formie (foamy?) and use a 6EXA Futaba (Channel 39). I suspect I can learn more with an actual plane (even with some crashing) than playing on the computer.

Any suggestions on a really dirt cheap plane (less than $50-100?) that is really RTF with the Futaba?

Bill

I'm certianly no expert, and have been only flying for about a year. I am a BIG believer in the simulator though, for many reasons. First, they are a TON of fun.. you can experiment with different airplane types, high winds, etc, etc, etc.. Although a dirt cheap foamy will be inexpensive to replace/fix you will have a much easier time getting a firm opinion on which thumb you should be moving with the simulator.. The sim is a great way to get your thumbs into an "instinctual" state without risking your plane..

I've been using Real Flight 3.5 and fly it almost every day.. Good luck with whatever road you take!

Even if you could find a complete plane in that catagory, the title you gave it is self descriptive.

Dirt cheap RTF will get you dirt.

Consider instead getting an inexpensive ARF plane in the same price range, and equipping it on the cheap with servos, RX and motor, etc.

See: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=ACK

With judicious choices you can keep the cost down. There are other vendors that sell compatible ESC & motor combinations that work very well with the lower cost planes...

e.g. bphobbies, np, etc.

But the downside is you need to be more cognizant of how to match things to get reliable operation.

You'd be surprised at how cheaply you can put together say an E-Flite Ultimate 3D FX or an Ultrafly Ultimate ( I'm partial to biplanes... sorry ) and get very good results. You do NOT have to use the recommended motors and servos, but you may have to spend a bit more time researching and adapting less expensive components from other vendors.

Too many beginning rc pilots become disillusioned by starting out with a dirt cheap barely heavier than air electric foamy. It takes the fun out of flying when you have to continually try to correct direction resulting from the last gust of wind. Go to a local club and ask about a student program and learn with a buddy box flying a decent training plane.

All excellent comments and suggestions. I went to the local flying shop yesterday and received similar advice. Yes, I can spent some money and go with a cheap plane, but the simulator is the answer - the only reasonable answer to learn to fly properly. So, I suspect I'll be patient and continue to build my plan, while at the same time, working toward purchasing a simulator to help me learn the proper way.

Thank you all for your great comments and recommendations.

You can fly the simulator when the weather prohibits going outside and flying. I got my first airplane and simulator and joined RCU, all in December, 4 years ago. By springtime, with my work on the simulator, it only took me a handful of flights and I solo'd. I used it to train my son and he learned quicker than me.

Good luck

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What about asking around the club to see if you can borrow an older version of a simulator? Lots of folks probably have a couple revisions back, complete with Tx box that they might be willing to load for a month or two. That's all you would need to get your "thumbs".

I suspect that you will eventually buy a sim anyway. I have bought four or five, even though I taught myself to fly on real models first. They are just good to have around to practice with and try new maneuvers. I'd rather see you invest your money in flying equipment and buy a sim later, but get the use of a sim now to help ease you past the control reversal phenomenon that fouls everyone up at first.

Even the local hobbyshops in some areas have a sim that you can use. Just be sure to buy something in order to keep his doors open.


Ed Cregger

hi R.B.J.

Your reasoning is logical but wrong. A good sim is far better than a model for learning new tricks.
Afterall, if you cock up, you wait three seconds and they give you a new model.

Besides, with a cheap (ie small) foamie, you will spend most of your time waiting for the wind to drop!!
After even minor crashes your repairs will make the model heavier and heavier not to mention warped.

Do yourself a good turn and get a quality sim.

Ok - I give up. Those recommending a simulator win. I just purchased it.

HURRAY! HE WINS!