Hi Everyone,

A friend is looking for a plane he can go fly with his son in a park. He's not interested in joining a club, just wants something durable that they can enjoy together. His price point was around $350 for an RTF setup. He isn't pulled toward electric or glow - said he doesn't care for the 'real feel of an engine' but doesn't want to be too limited with flying time. I fly both but think electric is really the way to go, especially if for those not interested in seeking experienced help the first few times (ok years) out.

My new job and living situation really limits my time online, so I just don't have time to search the forums or Tower or wherever else. My experience is also in clubs and larger fields, so Tower Trainer RTF is probably not the right choice, let alone available from Tower right now.

My uncle started rc flight on his own, think he started with a 3ch plane with a pusher prop, and really liked it. He's away though, and I thought I'd see what else was out there as I personally liked a more scale look to my first plane.

Thanks in advance,
Joe

a guy in our club has one of these, nice little flier and has a blast flying it
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=EFL2725

For the best flight times to allow to two pilots to take turns on the sticks, a small glider will allow more in-air time without requiring a sack full of batteries. Maybe even a Radian if there is room to land it. Some of the little planes that use the 150mah batteries might work if the wind isn't too bad. The batteries aren't too costly.

They could get two Champs and each have a plane to fly or something along those lines.

I'll second the Radian - it's a very easy plane to fly. But look for the original 3-channel one, not the Radian Pro. The original is less complicated since it lacks ailerons/flaps.

hogflyer

My two suggestions would be the  Apprentice 15e or the Parkzone J-3 cub. 

The Radian is certainly a nice airplane I certainly enjoy mine, as others have stated easy to fly. The Radian thermals well with plenty of power to get the bird airborne quickly to an altitude where mistakes can be made for the beginner w/time to recover. The Apprentice is also a good choice which will fly nicely in smaller park areas. Both airplanes are pretty tough and fairly easy to repair.

Joe,

If you've got the time to give these folks a helping hand in getting started on the flying part it will go a long way in their success in the hobby.


Steve

Thanks for the advice. Steve, unfortunately I've moved to the mid-west, and this friend is back in NJ (friend of Mom's actually). I would love to help out if I could.

The hobbyzone supercub  is very nice I trained on it and it is a nice flyer with no real vices that I have found.

JM

Thanks Pitts. I suggested the Apprentice, the Hobbyzone Supercub, and Horizon's version of the Supercub. Also told him to hear what my Uncle has to say, he started with some funny-looking pusher prop plane that was really durable and easy to fly. Made sure to remind him that this is outside of my own experience - like the hobby too much to give a bad suggestion or steer someone down the wrong path. Will try to do what I can though.

Joe, if you go to the wattflyer forum at the bottom of the header bar you will find all the up to date packages and be able to talk to a lot of folks that do nothing but fly electrics. I get all my electric info from there. Park flyer type of planes come out new on the market about every day or two and you can find reviews from users over there. The choices are limitless.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1266418/tm.htm

I really like the EasyStar or anything similar to it for super beginners. Couldnt be any easier.