sirpreet

Dear All,

Good day,

I have been always very keen to have a RC airplane to fly. Finally I decided to have one. Many years (22 yrs) ago I used to do line flying.

I have no clue how the industry has changed, what plane to go for, as a beginner, what kind of engine to get, what kind of RC unit, etc.

Im interested in a fuel engine and not a electric engine.

I would highly appreciate if anyone could help me to make a decision and advise how to go about getting the plane, engine, RC.

Appreciate your help.... please


rgds,


Sirpreet

jetmech05

The best advice I can give you is to find an RC club or other flyers that can steer you in the right direction. Learning to fly on your own can be a frustrating experience, not to mention expensive.
As far as trainers there are several good ones out there.... that even come as a combo package. in other words the airpalne, radio system and engine in one package. Shop on line at tower hobbies....better yet if you have a hobby shop go there.
Aircraft to look for are the Sig Kadet, Alpha, or the Avistar.....get an OS 46 AX engine....but do check with your local folks before you buy anything
goog luck

sirpreet

Thanks Jetmech for your prompt reply. highly appreciate it.

I have been to the local hobby shops (only one in my town / country)and unfortunately they do not have any balsa wood planes or any knowledge about smaller RC planes...! Thats the reason I joined the forum to get some exact information.

I was looking at the net and there are so many types of planes, like discovery / telemaster trainer etc. And then the question of engines...! so i am totally confused...!

I will look up the makes of the planes which you have advised, I have to get these shipped here and assemble myself.

There are a few aeromodelling guys here and i can get assistance about flying from them - as you advised.

Question is which trainer / engine / rc / etc to buy.

Please assist.

at101

There is a guide of trainers at the top of the beginners forum

sirpreet

thanks at101, yes i have had a look at the guide for the trainers which have been listed but dont know which one to go for...

i mean i dont understand what is the 4 channel / 6 channel - for RC ?

what is 4 servo ? 6 servo ? 8 servo ?

Also I noticed that engines are very expensive, thus want to buy a engine which i can later use on another plane - when i kind of graduate from the trainer plane.

Pls adv.

jester_s1

Channels determine how many different controls you can have along with how many automatic mixes. A trainer needs 4, while most sport planes need 5 or 6. If you start with a 6 channel computer radio it will be enough for at least your first 2 or 3 planes. The Hitec Optic 6 is a good value. For the rest of your shopping list, a Hobbico Avistar is hard to beat if you will be working with an instructor. The above mentioned OS .46 AX is a great engine, but I'll recommend a Thunder Tiger ,46 pro because it's nearly as good and 1/3 less expensive. You'll also need a field box, which includes a starter (preferably wireless) and a glow driver, glow plug wrench, and hand tools.

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

Take a look here http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

RCKen and Minnflyer (RIP) did a lot of research to put together this list. All of the ones in this list are well adapted for your use.

CGr.

SeamusG

One of my favorite reference sites (and not particularly beginner but some of it applies) is AirfieldModels

Couple of things -

1. 1st airplanes do not last very long (sorry to say)
2. Fly what YOUlike - if one particular trainer really puts a smile of your face great - if it someone else's favorite plane and not yours, well - it's your decision
3. Flight simulators will help you get the "hands on" feel and familiarity with a transmitter without needing an instructor (and when it's raining) ...
4. Flight instructor with you on a "buddy box" saves planes and will accelerate your learning to fly
5. When you start flying (at your field) - use a detailed pre-flight checklist. If someone interupts you - start over! Geez, Ithought Itightened the wing bolts ...
6. Have fun!

After thought. There are 2 different transmitter (Tx) control stick layouts - Mode I and Mode II. In the US, we are almost exclusively Mode II. I do not know what the standard layout is for your part of the world. Just be aware that it might get a little confusing when reading multi-national posts. Probably won't ever come up now that I have raised the issue.

red head

Most of the information ( suggestions ) you get here are going to be from folks in the US, and I know that there are a lot of things that we do / use that you either can't get or it's to expensive.

Not to take away from any suggestions, it's always wise to check things out, but you will be farther ahead to get with some local fliers that know what you can get / use in your situation. I know as an instructor I hate to have someone come to me for help with a super super pretty aerobatic nightmare and expect amazing results. I would much rather they come to me first and see what I ( like ) would suggest. Other peoples opinion doesn't always fit the program. Besides, you will probably get better training if the instructor likes the plane they are teaching on.

Now that I 've upset the apple cart, I hope you will get with some local fliers and just have a blast learning to fly and Enjoying their company. ENJOY !!! RED

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

Sirpreet what red head just advised above is imperitive if you are to acheve success. Its that important that you do not start buying or ordering anything before you seek the advice of those "aeromodelling guys" First.

These are the people that are going to be your mentor/instructors and to leave them out of these decisions is definately not in your best interest. Make no mistake everyone needs this mentorship.

Now after you discussed this with those guys then research the equipment and order. But agine they are most likely to know what is avalible and the best price in your country.

John

rcbadger

My Feedback: (14)

SirPeet,

Having instructed 44 people to solo, I strongly recommend your checking with whomever your instructor will be. Not only for the reasons put forth by RedHead and John Buckner, which, b-t-w are great reasons, but also your local guys may have, or know where to find, a used trainer and/or other gear in good shape for a great price. Many times my former students move on to higher-performance planes, and want to sell the old, but good workhorse to fund their new thoroughbred.

Best of luck,
Joe

sirpreet

Dear rcbadger / Johnbuckner / johngilmore / jester / cgretired,

All of you - many thanks for your posts. highly appreciate it.

Yes I have spoken to a two people out here locally and heard from them to visit two shops which we have in my town. btw, I am presently living in Dubai.

I have experienced out here that things are a little bit expensive for specialised hobbies - like aquairums accessories, harley davidson & now my new venture of aero modelling...!

If i get items from either US or from Indonesia - planes and parts, it will be much cheaper for me, even after the cost of the post - rather than buying them at the local store.

Found a few local members on the rcuniverse website, they are from Dubai and sent them messages. One person called me and we had a good talk about a few things. now i have to visit a shop and then see how to take it further.

In the meanwhile, i am in touch with some people in Indinesia for the trainer plane and engine + parts. Can you please advise if the following list is ok or anything else is required ? Also, some have suggested to go for NGH 9cc engine which runs on premium gasoline, rather than glow engine. after doing my reaserach, seems glow engines would require plugs as they might blow up due to the heat in this region. presently temperatures are around 45 deg C ++. so some suggested to me to go for the gasoline type engine - any suggestions ?

-Discovery plane kit :

-Servo standart Fitec : 5pc

-Engine gasoline NGH 9cc :

-Remote control 6ch from Futaba :

-Propeller bolly 11.5 x 6 :

-Extention Y harness :

-Extention servo :

-Battery7.4v 1300mah :

-BEC 8A :

-Battery11.1v 2200mah :

Appreciate your help.

SuchIsLife

First, try a sim. There are a few around but they will all help you with the hardest part, which is training you in the controls and what they do.

rcmichael

My Feedback: (21)

I have read some good advice here! Do you want an ARF- almost ready to fly. Or do you want to build and learn a bit about construction?If you want to fly or even build successfully get a helper. Even a natural builder can use a little help. There are usually good deals to be had on RCU for trainers etc that could save you money. I would not recomend a gasoline engine as a first engine. Go glow. They are less complex. Gassers are fine when you get a little time flying and operating engines. I fly gas almost exclusively now, but would have been a bit overwelmed with them as a beginner. best of luck!

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

As a long shot since I have not seen or flown one and they are not marketed in this country is the Seagull Boomerang which I beleve is made in Viet Nam and it is a genaric trainer for glow engines that many folks I have talked with have had success.

It is quite popular in asia and australia. As far as choosing a gas engine over glow because of climate, I am not sure that the gas engine is an advantage. The combustion temps of the gas engine I beleve may actually be higher than glow. Of course with glow You have to consider avaliability of fuel and that I have no idea.

John

jester_s1

There is no need to mess with gas engines at this point in your hobby. I fly in Texas where the temperatures are similar to what you'll see in the UAE, and glow engines do just fine. On you list, I see batteries listed that you don't need for a glow powered plane. 6v NiCd or Nimh receiver batteries are pretty much standard now, with the 6.6v LiFe steadily gaining a following. You don't need a BEC with those. Most trainers also don't need a Y harness since they use one servo to work both ailerons. The only things missing from you list are the field gear (starter and battery, fuel and pump, glow driver, and tools) and a cycling charger. The charger is not absolutely necessary, but it does let you verify that your batteries are good and will let you do fast charging which is convenient.

easystar123

hi there, welcome to this great hobby of ours. i flew electric planes for almost ten years so two years ago i decided to give glow planes a go. i bought a hangar 9 alpha 40 trainer rtf. the rtf means ready to fly. this plane came with everything radio and engine included and all servos installed. i didnt use the spectrum radio that came with the plane as i prefered my faithful futaba 9c super 2.4. i got a great deal on the plane. it was really easy to fly and extremely stable. its colour scheme is bright orange so easy to see at a distance which is important. this would be an ideal plane to start with. good luck

acdii

For around $300 US plus shipping you can get a really fun trainer called Apprentice 15E that has everything you need to get flying.  The only thing about this plane is it can be a handful when its windy above 15 MPH, other than that a really stable fum plane that can take some abuse and still fly.  It's an electric that I have been able to keep up for 15+ minutes on one 3300 mah battery.  Parts to repair are cheap too, and you really need to fly into into a barn and a tree to break it. [8D]

sirpreet

Dear All,

Good day,

My sincere humble thanks to everyone of you for your advise and suggestions... thanks to your advise, I found some members in Dubai thru RC Universe andcontact them in the last few days.

They had some amazing suggestions and help tips. A very special thanks to tommygun, Hanny, Naushad, for calling me immeidately and giving me some valuable tips.

Thus after all the tips and advise, I have bought a sky raider mach I trainer plane, OS .46 AX engine, JR servo's, Futaba 6EX RC, starter, battery, fuel pump and the fuel for my plane.

Now the challenge of assembling the sky raider and getting to the airfield.

I have been reading on the sky raider mach I and beleive the instructions are not sufficient. appreciate if you could advise some link or video or detailed instructions to assemble the plane.

thanks everyone.

rcbadger

My Feedback: (14)

Sir Peet,

Here's a link on RCU that covers a lot on the Mach I, including some tips...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_gu...fm?kit_id=3240

Best of luck, and welcome aboard!

Badger

sirpreet

Thanks rcbadger,

Yes I have had a look at the link and the build tips... but still feel something is missing, as i was reading somewhere in rcuniverse that the push rod has to be bent 90 deg and then again 90 degree, like a z - whereas this is not mentioned anywhere in the instruction manual.

It seems I will have to start building the plane and then keep posting on the website here if i face any difficulties. This is the exact thing i dont want to do. Get stuck in between and then that becomes more stressful...

Another suggestion which i have read on the web is that not to fix the fuel tank permanently unless landing gear and the plane has been fit... its like doing a dry fit... but what to guage after the dry fit to see if its ok to go ahead...? thats another question...

I am sure everyone our here has either made a sky raider mach I sometime in their life but there is no build thread towards it...

Appreciate if specific tips can be advised please.... my first plane after a long long time, dont want to goof it up... :-)

carrellh

If I remember correctly the pushrods just need a single 90 degree bend to go through the servo arm and a plastic clip holds them in position.

rcbadger

My Feedback: (14)

Sir Peet,

Over the years I've found that the weakest part of any project has to be the distructions.(as I call them.) Usually, they are translated by someone in China whose sister knew someone that was married to someone that spoke English. Given that, they're really pretty good. All you can do is rely on your common sense, your experience, and the experience of others like you're doing here.

I've just perused the manual online, and don't know what someone told you regarding to the z-bend, however, usually the push rods are z-bent using a tool called a z-bender at the point of contact for the servo control arm, and threaded for a clevis at the other end. In this case they are using a single 90 degree bend with a keeper. ("Straper") This worx well, and there's no need for you to change it from my point of view. (I am not a fan of those connectors they're showing you attaching to the throttle servo, and might recommend changing that with a Z-bend.)

From what i can see, they may have been referring to the point wherein the push-rods exit the fuse on the way to the elevator and/or rudder. I vaguely recall (it's been 6 yrs) making a LARGE version of a z-bend with needle nose pliers to reduce the friction at these points. The manual just has them bowing on their way to the control surfaces, but I felt there was far too much drag on the rods and bent them. HOWEVER, this made them too short to reach both. It was an easy fix though, as I had a few spare 30" control rods, threaded on one end, and just cut and bent them to fit. This reduced the friction on the rods and provided more than ample length to reach all necessary points.

Take one of the old rods and put a standard z-bend in it to replace the throttle one, if you chose to replace that odd connector, that is...

Sorry, I can't think of any reason that the gear and the tank have to be done in any particular order. []

Good luck,
Joe

JohnBuckner

My Feedback: (1)

That airplane is not an old landmark design that has be around forever. Actually if I am not mistaken its only been around three or four years and that is why you don,t seem to find much information about it.