Let me start by saying the Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer is very much RTF and easy to get into the air. (My first flight was also easy to get out of the air in 3 main pieces after a gust of wind pushed me into a tree!) I have been waiting for over a month to receive a replacement tail assembly, wing, servo, and spinner. Thanks to the dock worker mess out west and the fact that almost every spare part comes from an Asian country the replacement wing is still out of stock. (Presumably sitting on one of several ships waiting to be unloaded.) Just incase anybody has had the same trouble I have had, the Solo replacement wing is available and has the same specs as the Alpha. (Close enough for flight at least.)

Good luck.

I've had good luck with Horizon Hobby in the past so I suppose I shouldn't bad mouth them......however why wouldn't they consider parting out a few full kits to fullfill back-ordered parts orders? Giving good customer service to new R/C pilots only brings them more business......seems logical anyway. It's worth a try.

NCPaul......were you flying with an instructor and buddy box when your Alpha made friends with the tree? If not, finding an R/C club with an instructor program in your area will save you time, money and reduce the frustration factor.

I apologize in advance if you are not new to R/C but most experienced R/C'ers usually don't buy RTF setups....

Jeff Benko
Palm Beach Skyhawks

NCPAUL: I am assuming the "NC" in your handle is North Carolina so here is an offer. I don't know how much you will have to pay for a tail assembly, a wing, a servo and a spinner, but I have an Alpha complete, with only 10 test flights on it. If you are going to the Winston-Salem Swap Shop this Saturday, I'll bring it. You'll have to buy the whole thing, but it'll be about $50.00 less than a new one. I don't want to sell it in pieces.

Let me know

You are right, NC is North Carolina. I would be very happy to buy your Alpha but I'm not going to be anywhere near Winston Salem this weekend. (A 2 week old boy is keeping my travel plans limited to work, home and the diaper/formula store!) I'm in the Raleigh area and have friends up in the Forsythe county area so usually I get there a few times a year. Currently I do have the Solo wing and replacement tail assembly (Alpha) so buying another isn't something I need yet. . . at least not until I get back into the air!

As for the buddy box helping me to stay out of the trees, I think that finding another field with less trees and flying on a calm day will also help! (I'm a do it yourself hard-headed self-teacher, I'll get it in the air and out in one piece soon!)

Thanks for the advice and help.