I haven't touched an R/C plane in 8 or so years, i want to get back into the sport but i don't know what trainer i should buy. i know i want one that is at least a .40 and id like one with Ailerons. can anyone recommend a good starter plane for me?

Sig Kadet LT-40 is what i would recommend.
Most all trainers now days are good beginers planes.
To me the LT- 40 shines above them all. [8D]

How much experience did you have before? What were you flying then? If you would feel comfortable "back in the saddle again", then maybe you should get a shoulder wing with a semi symmetrical airfoil and little or no dihedral. You could then tone down the control throws until you get used to flying again and then turn it up and tear holes in the sky. Lots of good stick type planes out there. Did you want to go with an ARF or kit?

If you aren't really into the building aspect of it and just want to fly maybe look at a Hangar9 Xtra Easy 2. It's expensive! $379 or so. But it's a one hour build, and has a 5 channel JR radio all servos installed, etc. The .46 Evolution engine and computer radio offset a lot of the big cost. I'm very new, and bought one of them. I've had 4-5 guys at the local club look at it and say "Ok, it's got the Evolution engine, sweet!" I'm getting the idea that Xtra Easy's used to have a turd engine bundled with them. I don't want to build a plane right now. I want to fly. I make $32/hr at my job, so even 10 hours of building something that *might* work makes the extra cost of a built plane a good deal. - Joe

Here's a link to a review of the original Xtra Easy, the one with the turd motor..
http://www.modelairplanenews.com/reviews/xtra_easy.asp

Here's a link to the newer Xtra Easy II that I got:
http://www.quicktechhobby.com/prices...ra_easy_ii.htm

P.S. Listen to these other guys though! They know a *lot* more than I do!

welcome back.

Im learning also, still putting together my trainer, so no practicle experience but....

a lot of people in here rave about the Hobico Avistar http://www.hobbico.com/airplanes/hcaa2015.html

Also in the Nov. issue of Model Airplane News they review the Megatech Nitro Capital Flyer, trainer with adjustable dihedral thru a changable wing brace, a 6 degree for training and a 0 degree fpr more advanced flying. Pretty cool idea that would let the plane grow with you. they give it a good rating.

good luck

i will look into the LT-40. I flew for about a year with an eagle 2. I also forgot to ask what type of radio i should get, it needs to be 6 channels, my dad has an unbuilt 6 channel sport that i will be building after i am confident with a trainer. thanks for the quick responses everyone

Hi,

I'm just getting back into to the hobby also and just bought the Hangar 9 alpha trainer. I've been really impressed with the quality and flight characteristics. I really like the 3-blade prop they use. It makes it easier to take-off and land on grass without breaking a prop or covering your plane in cut grass. The motor is already broken in and I've only had to flip start it. The whole plane takes about 30 minutes to finish besides charging batteries and cost me $279.99 at my LHS. I thought about the package with the computer radio but I thought I would go the cheap route to see if I really wanted to get back in and besides, I didn't like the computer radio with the kit.

My first plane was the LT-40 and although it is a really easy plane to fly, I also didn't like it because of the huge 70" wing. If there was a slight breeze, it would really catch the wing and throw the plane around.

As far as radios, I'm really looking hard at the Airtronics RD6000. I used to have one and it was really easy to program. Its also compatible with any receiver because it allows you to change the "shift" of the frequency.

chris

If you have the money, spend the extra $100 and buy a 9 channel radio versus a 6. You're gonna do it someday anyway if you plan on staying in the hobby. I bought a 6 channel and one year later bought a 9, now my 6 channel is worth not even half what I paid for it....

dogginfox,

Give the Sig Senior Kadet a look. Great flying plane, very forgiving and floats in for landings nice and slow. It has a huge wing measuring 81 inches. I've also flown a Hobbico Avistar, another nice plane. Has a slightly smaller wing, something like 60 inches I think.

I've flown both of them.

I just built and am now soloing a Kadet Senior.. It is super easy to fly if you understand the basics of flight already. I soloed it in 6 flights and can land it no problem, but I did have a great teacher.. Another thing, its a little sluggish to respond so be sure and set the elevator and rudder throws at least midway or in on the control horn. Especially the rudder. If you buy the ARF I guess its all done for you... CHEATER! Just kidding, I like to build. Plus the ARF comes with less dihedral and Ailerons. Im planning on building another wing like the ARF with Ailerons here pretty quick so I can learn all 4 control variables. The Kits dihedral lets the plane turn like it has ailerons but its pretty much set up to learn basic flight. I can do a loop with mine. But my loops are kindof impressive looking cause I can never seem to get my wings truly straight and level, looks more like an albatross doing a humungous corkscrew roll[8D]

RE: Ready to buy a Trainer
If (should) visit your local club before making your radio decision. For your first flights it helps a whole lot to have someone to 'buddy lead' with (connect two transmitters together). For this to happen they need to be compatable (futaba to futaba etc.).
As earlier reply, push the boat out as far as possible on the cost so it can grow with you or possibly make an offer for NOVAflier's old transmitter!

I would recommend looking at the spadtothebone website. I too just got back into the sport after 15 years away from it. I bought a duraplane and self taught myself again. I found the spad website and decided to give one of them a try. That stuff is indestructible and I was able to build one FASTER than putting together the duraplane kit.

Welcome back dogginfox!
If you're serious about a six channel radio, I'd suggest the Futaba 6 EXA. It's a decent computer radio at a very reasonable price. If you think you'll need the extra channels, then by all means go with one of the 9 channels available now. (Prices on all radios seem to be dropping pretty quickly lately.)

I'll give my vorte to the LT-40 as well. I've never met anyone who's been disappointed with it. Just put a 46 in it, or in any trainer. You can throttle back for now, but will appreciate the extra power for you next plane.

As has been said, almost any of the trainers out there today are decent.

Good luck and have fun!
Dennis-

Hi there.
I am also considering a trainer. From reading the reviews I was considering the Great Planes PT-60. The only thing that Sig has in this size is the Sig Rascal... and I'm sure that's probably not what I'm looking for.

This trainer will have last 2 training pilots, one after another. The Pt-60 had a good review with some options as you build it. I'll be using it as a 4 channel and then back to a 3 channel for my wife (she hasn't had much interest in aircraft until she meet me about 3 years ago).
As for a powerplant, I was thinking along the lines of either a Evolution NT .61 or a Thunder Tiger Pro .61
As for the radio... well let just try and find an instructor in my area first!!! That AMA site wasn't up-to-date on it's information, which I don't blame them (AMA). So right now I'm just waiting for someone who I contacted on this site under the 'find instructor' area of this site to get back in contact with me.
I been considering the Hitech Laser 6 - I have heard many pros and cons on non-computer radio's, but what is getting me is my budget and how much I can spend.
Good luck,
Mr B.

The Sig Kadet Senior is in that 60 size range. It has a 80 in wing
span and is a great flyer.

Hi Randy41
I had a look at the senior as you suggested the only reason I have overlooked this a/c is because towerhobbies had it listed as a .29 to .40 engine rating, unless I am reading it wrong (knowing me) =)

Sig Kadet Senior Kit .29-.40,78"
My new question is: Is engine capacity related to wingspan? Like you said 80' wingspan, and one other thing, the picture of the AFR Senior and the Kit Senior look totally different and I can only think that this due to someone covering the aircraft differently.
Thanks,
Mr.B

If your asking me if a 60size engine will work
than the answer is yes. The senior is a light plane for its size
and thats why they recommend a little smaller size engine.
I have flew a senior with a saito 72 on it and it done great
and even balanced out great and yes it had plent of power. LOL

Theres not much difference in the arf or the kit as far
as the structure goes. But i like to build kits. But than
again iam getting old by the day and have consider
looking at the ARFs.(Maybe some day) LoL

You said you flew an Eagle for about a year, but you didn't say how good you were with it.

If you were flying solo, and have the basic skills, I would recommend getting an intermediate plane, otherwise, you could get bored quickly.

Take a look at the Midwest Aerobat. There's a review of it in the Magazine. Just click on "Magazine" at the top of the page and scroll down to the "Midwest Aerobat".

Mr. B.
Th sig Kadet would be a decent enough plane, but the PT-60 is an excellent choice as well. Don't overlook the Tower 60 size ABC either. From all I've heard their newer engines are real good for the price.

If you're not going to buy a computer radio, don't bother with six channels. You won't need more than 4 for learning, and are concerned about cost, so buy a real inexpensive 4 channel radio and upgrade to a computer radio when you're able. (A Tower Hobbies or Hitec simple 4 channel can be bought for about $100.)

Do not reduce the trainer to 3 channels for your wife. What makes you think that you can handle four channels, but that she won't? Be careful, she may turn out to be a better flyer than you. [X(]

Good luck,
Dennis-

You guys talking about the LT40. I will say 1 thing. It is a midsize trainer, but there is a guy that flies with us that has a .61 size engine in it. He ran through the entire pattern and was able to perform a knife edge loop with it. He did modify the wings and had them bolted on and not rubber band. My point is, it will train and then it will flat get-it!! WOW, what a plane.

I highly recommend the Hobbico Avistar. It is definitely forgiving enough as a trainer and, with a semi-symmetrical wing, is great for beginning aerobatics. It comes in two ARF forms, one of those with radio gear and engine at a very good price. Check it out on the Tower Hobbies website.

I realize that there are a lot of posts here for Sigs. But be sure to look at the Avistar before making your final decision.

MrJB

My wife especailly liked that part!!!
Thanks for the advice.

Alpha, SIG, Hobbico, GP, and others all have good planes that will serve well as trainers. There is a fan club for every plane. One thing I would reccmmend before buying any is to go to the brand's site (or ask your LHS) and check for the availablility of any replacement parts (wing, fuse, tail feathers, etc.). Often planes can be repaired after a crash but it's nice to know you can buy a new major component replacement if necessary.

Talking about the Kadet Senior you mentioned ARF vs Kit.
The ARF Blue and White has less dihedral and 80" wingspan and Ailerons.

The Kit has more dihedral and comes without Ailerons on the plan. If you are a new plane builder go by the plan or get some help from an experienced builder at your club, its pretty easy to add ailerons to the kit of you know how to reduce the dihdral( nothing to it) and how to set up your ailerons mechanically.

Here's what I recommend

Get an engine in the .46 (2-stroke) range and you're good to go. The Futaba 6XAS is a very nice 6 channel entry level PCM computer radio. Never had a single problem with it.

I got back into R/C after a 23 year 'break' and I'm very happy with the Avistar/Futaba radio combination. The plane flies very good, even on fairly windy days, with its semi symmetrical airfoil. I can't say enough good about the Avistar as a trainer.

Good luck,

Scott