Hello,

I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction. I have a 10 year old son that has wanted a RC airplane for for quite some time and I told him that once he reached 10, I would get him started.

I have never gotten involved in RC vehicles, but have be intrigued for years. It would be fun to do it together, but I thought I would start with him first.

What would be a good starting plane for a 10 year old. I don't believe he has the patience to spend much time building at this point, so the RTF seems like the best option. Would an electric plane be the best route. Prices seem to range anywhere between $50 - $350.

Thanks

First, welcome to RC Universe. This site's members and most people involved in RC flying are pretty terrific. And the folks here will provide answers to just about any possible question. Take the advice you receive here, it will serve you well.

If you've "been intrigued for years", and your son has been expressing interest for a while, then I'd advise you to go the 40 size glow trainer route.

This WILL entail finding a local club and an instructor, but the trainer would work great for both of you. (I'm currently instructing a father and son on the same trainer.)

Don't be surprised if your son does better than you from the get go though. Kids typically have better hand/eye coordination from playing video games, and if he's ever had an RC car, he has a leg up already. (Turning while the plane's coming toward you is counter-intuitive and takes a lot of practice before it becomes natural.)

You can get RTF trainers for about $300, and will need to spend about another $100 to get all the support equipment necessary to get going.

I'd recommend finding the club first, and speaking with one of their instructors in order to get his input on radio equipment. In order to use a buddy box, your radio gear will need to be compatible.

Below is a link to the AMA's website. (A national organization that provides liability insurance and a lot of other benefits.) Most clubs require AMA membership in order to join, and for instructional purposes.

The site also has a page where you can look up all the clubs in your area (by zip code).

http://modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/

Please don't try to go this alone. It will prove to be costly and extremely frustrating for both you and your son.

Good Luck,
Dennis-

ditto everything he said!! absolutely get help!! looks easy but it isn't! tryust me i am learning and havew crashed 2 with a trainer!! my fault.
again welcome to the wonderful world of r/c!

john

Thanks for the quick replies.

It looks as though this is a little more expensive to get started than I thought it was going to be. I was hoping for the $100 range. A few more questions:

1. Is 10 year of age too you to start with this? That seems like a lot of money to put in a 10 year old's hands. Maybe not .... with the right instruction.

2. Pardon my ignorance, but what is a "40 size glow trainer"?

Thanks Again.

I agree that a .40 sized glow trainer is the best way to go if you are both seriously interested. It will cost you about $400 between the $300 or so for the plane plus AMA and club memberships and such though.

If you think it might be a passing fancy, try some of the small electric park fliers. There are several good ones, and some odd ones that still fly well. The firebird line is really easy for someone with no experience and no help to get to fly, but they don't fly at all like many other RC planes. One of the guys at my local hobby shop took 3 Firebird Outlaws to a family picnic. He had an 8yr old flying it around by himself after about 5min of instructions. These small electrics don't handle wind very well at all, but on the plus side they are much safer (though nothing is totally "safe" of course). One of the best more conventional electric trainers is the Slow Stick. There is a lot of good info in the electrics forums for more specifics on electric power.

A ".40 size glow trainer" refers to the engine size. A .40 (or 40) has a .40cuin displacement. It turns a 10"=11" prop in the 10k-18k rpm range. The plane will weigh 5-7lbs, have a wingspan around 50-70", and travel around 50-70mph in a straight line (top speed, they can fly slower).

It's the most recommended way to learn because the larger size means the plane is less bothered by small gusts of wind and such, and the plane is easy to see for most people. However, you do need a dedicated flying site to fly one of these, getting hit by it can be fatal, and getting a finger in the propeller can cause serious injury.

I wouldn't give a 10yr old a .40 trainer by himself. If you are also learning to fly, and you do it together as a father-son thing, then you're fine. I have a student who I just signed off as "soloed" who is only 11 (I think). His father doesn't fly, but is always there and always helps with engine starting. I didn't let the kid start the engine for a while, until I had time to walk him slowly though all the safety stuff with his father, so they both know what they are doing. It didn't hurt the lesson that another guy went in to the prop the other day, and really woke up my students that I'm not kidding about how much of a mess they can make.

So, respect the engine and prop, never rush, always be careful, and you'll be fine. Go at it with out knowing what you are doing or in a sloppy way, and you can get hurt.

Oh, I was 14 when I started to fly. My Dad would drop me at the field, but I had some good instructors, and I always respected that engine. Personally, I've never had an engine draw blood on me.

Thanks again for the long and thorough explanations. They are very helpful. What is your perspective on the electric engines? Would one be disappointed going that route for a starting?

For a trainer I would highly suggest one of these Hobbico SuperStar 40 select RTF airplane http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXK967**&P=0

Or for number 2 a bit more expencive in cost would be the Tower Hobbies 40 MKll ARF combo http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1p?&I=LZ2265**


From what I understand about the Tower Hobbies kits from talking to many people about them they are made by Hobbico which also makes the first plane I mentioned!!

Well I wouldn't say disapponited but i would say that if you planed on going nitro you would be missing a step because electric does not need tuning

I would like to offer another suggestion...

As a fellow Minnesotan, I know that you will soon be experiencing the yearly devastation that we so loosly call "Winter". This is going to give you both lots of time when you can't fly - but you can still enjoy the thrills of "Dreaming of Flight" by building a kit.

Before you cast this idea aside, let me point out some advantages.

In the long run, it's going to cost about the same as an ARF or RTF, BUT, you don't need to spend it all at once. Get him a kit for Christmas (Birthday, Chanuka, Kwansa, Etc.) You can now pick one or two nights each week when you will be building together (you'd be surprised at how interesting it can be for BOTH of you). Granted, you'll end up doing most of the thankless parts, but you will also be gaining a wealth of knowlege which will come in handy for doing repairs.

As (quality) time goes by, you can aquire an engine, radio, and whatever else you will need. Meanwhile you can be attending meetings of your local club (I know there are several good ones in your area), and start to get to know the guys. Eventually, you'll find one that you will want to train with (Instruction is free, basically you just want to find someone who you think knows his stuff, and you'll enjoy spending the time with). This person can also give you advise on what type of radio to get (They are all good, but it's good to get a brand that is compatable with your instructor's so that you can connect the two for training purposes.)

The guys in the club will also offer to assist in any building problems you might encounter, and often loan you special tools for making some jobs easier. They will also give your plane a good going ove throughout the building process to make sure that you haven't made any bone-head mistakes (we've all done it!)

Before you know it, Spring will be here and you'll be ready to take your pride and joy out to the field with the confidence that you now have a better understanding of what you are doing, plus you have spend an otherwise dull, boring winter spending quality time with your son, while both of you enjoy the dream of flying while your project is coming together.

PS, Many kits nowadays are very easy to assemble with step by step instruction, and excellent fitting parts.

Thanks MinnFlyer ... I like the idea.

Maybe a two pronged approach work. I am a bit concerned with the delayed gratification for my son. I would like to get something in his hands for the fall months (even if it is very basic & simple to fly). What are your thoughts on a relatively inexpensive electric plane to start with and then building a model over the winter.

Just a thought.

I agree 100% with Minn. Btw, that's more or less what I did to get started as well. I bought gear over time, not all at once.

Getting one of the electrics now to bang around with and have some immediate fun with while building a kit is certainly not a bad idea. Many of them only use throttle and rudder for control, which is "different" from planes that have a seperate elevator control.

Oh, an intersting side note. When I was getting interested in RC planes, my Dad was concerned that I would loose interest. I actually flew model rockts for a couple of years before getting in to the airplanes. I learned a lot from doing it, it was fun, and cheap, and I found out how much fun building and flying things is, and my Dad was reassured that the airplane thing wasn't a passing fancy. (I kept flying rockts for years after starting airplanes as well. Though I haven't taken it back up, I do keep finding myself wandering in to the rocket asile of the hobby shops)

Another problem with "Cheap Electrics" is twofold..

First, they are Cheap in most respects, and second, virtually NONE of the equipment will be reusable once you get into glow planes.

If you really want to keep the interest, another good suggestion would be a simulator that you could use to practice the basics on your computer. There's a free one available on line, but I don't know the link off hand. I also don't know about controlling it (I have it, but I use a controller from an old Sim that my brother had), maybe someone here can help. or you could ask in the Simulator forum.

I started my kids out on simulators for the computer. There are quite a few good, ie - expensive, such as Great Planes' RealFlight, Dave Brown's RCFS, Aerochopper, and a few others. If you're kid handles vid games, these may smooth over those winter months.

I can also suggest the two best freebie simulators - Pre-Flight and FMS. They do a very good job of familiarizing you with controller inputs and flight characteristics, but are limited in their individual plane characteristics. You will have to obtain a "buddy box" controller and a cable (serial, parallel, USB). I used a Futaba 4 channel Skysport to spark my kids interest.

http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html

http://www.preflightsim.com/

My kids started out on a Megatech Merlin setup which is cheaper if you can find it here or maybe eBay. This is in the class of suggested electric, slow flyers. Keep in mind the flight times on some of these slow electrics can be ten minutes or less depending on throttle and battery packs. The other consideration is you have no flight experience starting out, so unless you can find someone to trim and check your electric, you will be crashing your slow flyer quite a bit. This might be a turn off for you or your son. Hopefully the slow speeds will prevent a lot of damage. Replacement parts for almost all of the slow electrics are readily available.

Any experience you and your kid can gain before going to the club field will impress your instructor. Do a lot of reading and searches here on RCU, as you already noticed, a great place to start and stay.

There is another way to start...

You can get the radio now, something like a Standard Futaba 4-channel (You will eventually need 4 channels to fly Throttle-Rudder-Ailerons-Elevator)

Then, pick up an inexpensive glider. They only require 2 of the servos (rudder and elevator) and are pretty easy to fly. You hook them up to a long piece of surgical tubing which is attached to the ground, and streached like a giant rubberband which will catapult it into the air.

Again, the best advice is to find a few clubs in your area. Most of the members will be glad to help, and in many cases, will have some used equipment that they will sell cheap.

One more thing...

Look up Hobby Warehouse in Richfield. They are the best Hobby Shop in the Twin Cities (or anywhere else for that matter). Stop in there sometime. They are near the Mall of America. Just walking in the place is a sight to behold! AIRPLANES EVERYWHERE!! And great prices too!

Before I get jumped on by the SPAD guys, I will also mention another inexpensive way to get started.

Check out:

http://www.spadtothebone.com

If one was to buy a "Cheap" electric, what might be a decent option. Is there any particular brand to focus on or stay away from. An ad from Estes caught my son's eye in a Cub Scout magazine.

I am not too concerned about its longevity in that I also have a younger son that could use it in 2 / 3 years.






Thanks again for all the help.

I wouldn't reccomend the cheap ones cuz they are usually only 1 or 2 channels.

mlarson9024,
I am not familiar with electrics, but if you are looking at getting into this I would really look at going with a glow enigne plane. The local fields/clubs would be a great place to start to get general information on the how's, what's and why's. Talk to a few people and get some opinions, I did that and ended up buying a Hobbico Avistar with a Thunder Tiger .46 that I absolutely love!! Also, after talking to a few people see what kind of gear they might be able to sell you cheap. You then could at least get into glow engine planes and be, in my opinion, more happy then going electric. We have guys at the field that I fly at that have 50-60 planes!! Grant you most of the planes are still in kits, but a lot of the guys will sell them cheap. They also have old radios and engines. To give you an example I picked up a Great Planes Extra 300S (not a beginner plane) and a Carl Goldberg Piper Cub for $135 for the pair (no engine and radio). The Extra is a $190 ARF plane by itself. You might be able to pick up a 40 size trainer, radio, and engine for $150-$200. Just my $.02.

P.S. I would also like to add that going to a field and seeing some guys fly will really plant the seed in your head, not mention to have a chance to see what is out there

I'd just like to point out that a lot of R/C Aircraft clubs have a 'club trainer' that you could probably get some stick time on before ever spending a cent on the hobby! At least that way you could get a better feel about whether this would be something you'd want to do without committing a large sum of money to it.

Also, clubs inevitably have people who are selling equipment/aircraft second hand - another way that you could enter into the hobby without spending quite as much.

Get the names and addresses of a couple of local flying clubs (you can find them at the AMA web site) and pop along to meet the guys and girls there one night. You'll have a great time!

Cheers,
Neil.

Thanks snyperx

I sent an email to the contact for a nearby club. I hope to hear back soon. My plan is to go and watch some flying and check out a hobby store or two.

Good Idea about getting some stick time before you decide. We offer free training to anyone interested. There is considerable difference between the feel of a CHEAP electric and how a quality 40 sized glow handle in the air. Electric guys please don't read into what I'm saying. I'm merely saying you get what you pay for. There is a lot of good electric equiptment out there! The good stuff just costs more. The cheap stuff is severely underpowered, and tough to fly if there's any kind of breeze what so ever.

I'm a club instructor and a new member showed up at the fields last week with his son and new electric plane he'd invested 75 or 100 bucks into. I'm not even sure what it was. It was two channels with no way to buddy up on a chord. Long story short, he crashed it after a gust of wind took it over into the dirt doing considerable damage before I'd arrived to the field. His 9 year old son never got to fly. I then pulled out my trusty Hobbico SuperStar trainer with buddy cord and spent a couple hours with them. The nine year old was doing loops and rolls after the second flight. They were so excited, they made an appointment to meet me at our LHS to help them get set-up with the 40 sized trainer equiptment. Neither of them could believe how well and realistic this type of aircraft really fly.

A young persons learning curve is unbelievable. 10 is a great age to learn. I wish I'd had the opportunity to learn that young. It took dad a couple weeks to progress to that level, but both are doing well and have soloed. They are currently working on their second plane together. A SIG Four Star 40. They plan to build this over the winter, and use their existing radio equiptment and engine off the trainer.

Moral of the story! You get what you pay for.

Good Luck with your decision.

Doug

Mike, I'm so disaappointed in you. Your the last one I thought would mention SPADS.

Yes, many clubs offer free "Stick time" to prospective members. (If you ever feel like taking a drive out to Willmar, I'd be happy to take you guys up)

The problem with many of the cheapies, is that the controls are layed out differently.

Example: Most of the people in the US fly what is known as Mode 2, which means that our transmitter has two sticks, and each stick moves back and forth, and side to side. The stick in your right hand controls up and down, and right and left roll, while the left stick controls throttle and rudder.

But with many of the cheapies, one stick only moves up and down, while the other moves only right and left. No matter the configuration, you'll have to learn all over again when you get a real radio.