can anyone give me any advice on the first airplane? i was thinking about a ace seamaster. does anyone own one?

My first plane was a Midwest Aerostar 40. I think this is one of the best trainers made. With a 40 size engine, it practically flies by itself. If you get into trouble, you can center the controls and the plane will right itself automatically. I do not know about their ARF version, but the basic kit builds easily, and it is fun to do.

My first plane was Great Planes PT-40 with a OS40 LA engine. Good trainer, self righting, its a bit heavy....

Stick with a trainer type untill you're comfortable flying, then progress tot eh toerh planes out there..
Sig and Great planes both make an extellent trainer... And, you can throw floats on them when you're ready! But beware, flying with floats is a little different than with just wheels, and water is a lot differtn than land!

i was thinking about because i have a small pond in my back yard that i could use for the seamaseter but i wasnt sure if it was right for me yet. so should i get something more for training first? my dad owns some rc airplanes so i can ask him for advice on how to use the seamaster.

I have a seamaster that I got 2nd hand havn't flown it yet. Have seen it fly tho--looks like it will take a long run to get airborne at least 150- 200 feet. with slo throttle advance@ even longer to land, it lands at a good speed.
this one is heavy it doesn't appear to have been repaired but still weighs 7.5 lb or so with a.46 in it.

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] the hanger9 xtra easy is a very good trainer that comes with moter radiogear already installed 10-15min
of bolting landing gear tail feathers etc and your on your way to the field. then when your ready slap on some
floats and let it rip.

You could also look into a Sig LT-40. The beauty of this plane (besides being big and rugged) is that everything is included except glue and covering (and radio and engine, of course). Not sure if the other trainers include all that hardware or not. Adding all the external hardware can add a lot of additional cost to the kit.

If you do go with a LT-40, there are two mods you might want to think about... the first is to put some triangle stock on either side of the fin to reinforce it.

The other thing is to use the Dubro #789 Dural landing gear (and #247 axels) instead of the wire gear included in the kit. It's a little more rugged for those less-than-perfect landings...

Just my $.02

Bob

I concur 100% with previous reply. Also, the LT-40 is a bit larger and easier to see. Very forgiving aircraft.

If your Dad is an RC pilot and will be your instructor check with him first. If you are going to build I suggest you look at Sig Kadet kits or the Seniorita. If you want an ARF there's the RCM Trainer from Hobby People and the LT40 ARF from most suppliers. Both cost about the same and are good aircraft. The first question to answer is ARF or build it yourself.

Take your Dad's advice. He has the experience. Let him be your instructor.

If you plan to go totally on your own, you might try an Aerobird. I am self taught and am loving this plane. Three channel, ready to fly. No building. Fully electric, so no fuel. Break a wing, it's $15. Totally wreck the plane and the entire fuselage with motor and electroncis is $50. And, it can take quite a beating.

Here is an internet site that sells the Aerobird. They also have a
link for a video of the plane flying:
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird.html

Here is a link to a review of the Aerobird:
http://www1.wildhobbies.com/news/de...w&articleid=853