I've logged hours on a simulator and am ready for real flight. But I don't have a job currently and need to be CHEAP!!! Is there a kit rtf (including everything) for under $80 that's of decent quality?

Well, you are ready to move up to a trainer WITH an instructor. You can "fly" with the simulator until you are blue in the face, and it prepares you to move up to something "real".

As far as a plane is concerned, RTF for under $80.00? There might be, but if they are something that anyone here would recommend is doubtful. Keep in mind you need a plane with power and a receiver plus a matching transmitter.

Since your bucks are that limited, perhaps you can find a club in your local area that has a club trainer that they are willing take you on as a student and work with you until you can save enough to get something of your own.

Welcome to the hobby, and best of luck to you.

CGr.

I figured it was a stretch with the price but doesn't hurt to ask. My lhs has a starter kit, including everything to fly, even lipo charger for $300. Can't do that quite yet. Maybe I'll keep an eye out on craigslist. Thanks for the info!

There you go.. good way to go. Before you buy, though, do get what info you can and ask here to see if what you are getting will suite your needs before you buy.

Forget war-birds or jets.. EDF, Ducted Fan, or otherwise. They are not for a beginner. In other words, try to keep it simple and try to get something with four channels.. throttle, rudder, elevator, and ailerons. If you go further, you will need to learn all four inputs.

CGr.

Yeah I just want a nice prop electric plane. Nothing to fancy. I'm mainly into cars and trucks but when it's hot like it is here now (already topping 100F) I want to just stand under a tree or something and fly around. I have a large green belt running along my property. I'll make sure you post here before I buy. Thanks again.

Once you get into planes, you will forget the cars... Jeeeeech... hey car guys, I'm just kidding here !!! [X(]

lol I can love both! My first enjoyment is finding obstacles to overcome and all my buddies have cars or trucks so that's where I play.

I understand.. you being a car guy, I just had to bust your butt a bit..

CGr.

Not *under* $80 but the Hobbyzone Champ is more fun than a barrel of monkeys and will be enough to let you know if you like flying or not.  I got mine at my LHS for $85 plus tax and it has everything you need to fly.  You'll want more batteries, a better charger and a better radio later, but like I said, it'll at least let you know if you want to invest more or not.  http://www.parkzone.com/Articles/Art...ArticleID=2129<div>
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Craigslist

Checked. None in my area.

Take a look at these link, some of the planes are may be in your range.

http://www.nitroplanes.com/4ch.html

http://www.nitroplanes.com/4trgl.html

I hope it would help you

Oh I like some of those. Thanks for the links!

honestly save your money and spend it on a plane from a more reconized manufacture (aka towerhobbies or horizion hobbies)
i have nothing adginst nitroplanes ive ordered from them, problem is the quality on certain parts isnt perfect and unless you know which parts these are you could easily loose your plane because a servo horn broke or a ca hinge came undone.
if your really looking to learn to fly i would save up, problem with cheap planes is parts are hard to find, so that 80 dollar plane lands hard in the grass and breaks a prop? then what? a new prop has to be orderes so 10 more dollars and before you know it you have dropped 100+ bucks on a plane to get it into the air. if you were to have 300 bucks i would set you up with a cheap airframe (gws slowstick) and quality motors and esc's so when something breaks parts are easy to get, or if the plane crashes you can still use the parts from it and i would give you a list of stuff to buy extra so when you did nose over and a prop broke you would have spares

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHCJ3&P=0

To get to specifics I am new to flying. Been around it for a bit but never have flown. I have been looking at the Wilga 2000. It comes ALMOST universally recommended for beginners. Available from several suppliers - google it and see what you think. Many good planes out there and I think the ready to fly version goes for about $160. US... I also think you can find several decent planes in that price range but personally have been warned away from the J3 Cub as being difficult to fly for a first plane by fliers who have been around a while...I am in Canada so I am faced with average $30. to $40 US in freight on most models - probably a lot cheaper for shipping in the US.
I would also be interested in some opinions on the Wilga from the more experienced in this forum.

What does everyone think of:

http://www.nitroplanes.com/69a703-j3...w-rtf-24g.html

or

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXZAD3&P=0

The first one is cheaper. Pro's/con's ???

Here you go, in your area. SuperStar 40 complete with controller and field equipment. $160 obo. Take $125 with ya and get your cheap plane. Even if you have to go as high as $140, its a good deal in my option. You will need to buy new battery's for both the TX and plane. Get a gal of fuel while your at the hobby shop.

SuperStar 40 is a PERFECT first plane.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tag/2373688364.html

I got this plane as a gift and assembled it. It's never been flown
New Futaba SkySport T4YF transmitter with servos, all installed.
1 gallon of fuel
Fuel pump
Battery charger
2 extra propellers
Prop balancer
Glow plug igniter
Instructions
I also have the original box.

If only it wasn't gas...

It's not. It's glow fuel powered.

Glow trainer is great to start on. Buy it, join a club, and your off to a great start in the hobby.

If you want cheap, eazy and electric, you could go Wally Mart and get a Air Hog.

Trust me: Glow isn't any harder than electric. I would be willing to bet you will find it easier because of the larger size and the fact you won't be tempted to try flying it without assistance from an instructor. It will handle wind much better than a foamie and certainly be a better long term investment as you can transfer the engine and radio to another model when you are ready. Most RTF electrics come with appaling quality servos, transmitters, etc.

Either way, good luck and happy flying!

Thanks ALL for your help!