Best store for the Aurora 9 is [link=http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/61_433/products_id/55080/n/Hitec-Aurora-9-24GHz-Aircraft-Radio-System-w-Optima-7-Receiver-No-Servos]here[/link]. Use discount coupon DPPAN1125 and get $25 off that price. Can't beat it.

I had one with a Saito 100, really a fun ship.... should have never sold it.

Steve

We have a guy at our club with a Big stik 60 and he put one of those RCGF 20cc Gas engines on his. Sounds really nice and seems to pull this along quite nicely. Not a bad combination for this plane either. The Stik would be an awesome choice for a first time gas engine platform to use and experiment with.

I second the Airtronics RDS8000 radio. For the price, ease of programming, and 8 channels available, its a great radio to use. That and the receivers are quite inexpensive compared to the other brands. But going the Futaba or hitec route is not a bad option either. Save up for the radio that YOU want, with the options and features YOU want, and you won't be disappointed. It doesn't hurt to see what others at your field are using so that they can help you out if you have any questions. Thats always a handy bonus there.

Just my $0.02 worth...... after inflation though, only amounts to $0.005, but hey....its the thought that counts......

Have a DLE 20 in my Big Stik 60 and converted to tail dragger. Great combination, can be setup to be either docile or aerobatic by just flicking the dual rates switch. Currently have set up with flaps so on a windy day you can fly in backwards or land vertically from quite a height. Best thing about motor is that it is so cheap to run and starts everytime without have to retune all the time.

can you post some pics of the engine install please? i have one NIB and deciding on the engine, thanks!

I have the GP 60 size stick with a DLE20....it definitely "HONKS"[X(]

Hey, Could anyone give me tips? I have had one plane before a Boomerang 40 that shattered into a million pieces on first maiden. I am new to RC Planes but am certain I wan't to get a Big Stik 40, 60, 1.20 to learn on. Anyone got any advice on a good setup for a newbie?

Nitrowhiz I would recommend the Bigstik 40. Big enough to be seen but not as expensive and easier to store. I don't have one but I have read good reveiws on the Super Tigre 40 now made in China. Hopefully you still have your radio left from your first model.

I have owned several "Stick" models plus designed variations own my own versions of Stik planes. Set up properly they make fine trainers. If you will get good help to learn to fly you will past the trainer phase in 10 hours or so. The stick then becomes an excellent sport plane.

I can't advise too much on the radio if you need one. I have one olded Hi-Tec Prism computer radio and an analog Hi-Tec 6 channel.

This is my favorite youtube vid of the bigstick 60 flown with an LA 65. What more do you want? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1R30U3qpFs

The 40 size will fly just as well as the 60 size. The Big Stick 40. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_lpWh_oO0

If you have the room, I'd recommend the 60 over the 40 size.

The 60 size is even better in winds and a bit easier to repair after a crash.

How is a large plane easier to repair than a plane with a few less inches of wingspan and length?Do you have anyway to support that claim? I have seen 10-15 sized planes take tumbles and cartwheels with almost no to very little damage. I have crashed everything from .049 QTees to quarter scale cubs and the big planes always had more damage from the extra mass.

All planes will eventually crash if flown long enough. More important than repairability is a good instructer and meaningful practice to minimize mistakes. That and a reliable radio.</p>

Bigger is easier to repair because you don't need a microscope and tweezers to fabricate new parts out of balsa. It's also nice not getting road rash on the top of your hands when you're digging around in the fuse.

Yup, and stock is easier to find, you can work it with normal machine shop tools, there is more area for bonds, etc. etc. etc.

The larger Big Stiks are MUCH easier to work on.

Well if you two say so. But I have never needed tweezers or a microscope and have used my normal tools for all airplane building. But like Dirty Harry said, "a mans gotta know his limitations".

Bigger is better