Took my new Hobbico Superstar 40 ARF for its (and mine) initial first flight yesterday. After range checking, fueling, and one final look over, my (experienced) flying bro took it off, trimmed it out and handed my radio to me.
I made 3 flights, the last being my first total solo (takeoff, flight, landing). Thanks to my simulator training with Real Flight G2 simulator I was totally comfortalbe (except for the blood pounding in my head) with all aspects of flying. Loops, rolls, stalls, hammerhead, takeoff, landing, etc. Can't say enough about the simulators ability to "make my day" My only other in flight experience was with a Firebird XL I had for a short while. Can' t wait to get out again and start expanding my horizons.........[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] OK folks, hows 'bout some suggestions for future planes? Will probably stay with an ARF for my next one but really looking forward to building some kits down the line. Have been looking at the Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 40 as a possible next candidate............your thoughts????

Who says you can't teach an old biker new tricks [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

YEAH LOBOB![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
And thanks for the encouragement that simulators do train.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
You are just more brave than I. I've flown the Firebird XL, original Firbird (firechicken) and the Mini Max successfully! I'm not near ready for .40 size, and still no local club afiliation or teacher.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
All I remember about Idaho is US12, and the beautiful Clearwater River[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img] My wife still remembers it too!

LoBob,

Great Job[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] It sounds like you got the bug already......

I bought an ARF last summer that I think for the price is a really solid plane. Its called Magic made by Modeltech. I really like the planes construction and reaction. I have a OS 46FX engine installed. Instructions are a bit hard to follow regarding the engine mounts, but other than that is a good ARF for $89.00 to 99.00 depending were you buy it.

The only thing I have changed on the ARF is the landing gear, its a bit weak. Read some of the reviews on the Magic that will give more than one mans option....

Happy Landings [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

Congratulations! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

For your next plane why not get a kit now and start building it? You will get some more experience before it's ready to fly.

Thanks for the input fella's............I've finally been able to come back down to earth after a couple days since my first solo. Appreciate the kind remarks and encouragement. Definitely been bitten by the "bug"........and will probably create a monster [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]. I'm sure I'll have questions as time moves along and it's a comfort to know there are places like this forum that one can turn to for support and knowledge........hope I can return some in the future.

Lobob,
Be careful cause this hobby can get you really hooked. Reason for my post is I see the bike and it's gonna get real jealous. I have an old vette that's been ignored since being bitten by RC. Maybe I'll give her some attention this weekend.
Duke

Not to worry.........."ol Yeller" won't be left under the covers too much. She's custom built from the ground up and represents an important part of my "free time"...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img] Getting back to R\C planes though, have only had one more chance to fly due to conflicts and weather. ie....when there's good flying weather I'm working, and when not working the weather sucks. Is this a normal aspect of newbie r/c pilots wanting to get flight time in and build up their skills or is it a "test"??

Anyway, have almost finished building (well putting together) a new Hangar 9 Ultra Stick, and looking forward to getting it up after a little more time with the trainer. It's configured with the quad flaps and I thinks I'll be able to handle it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] So, onward and upward....................