What is the difference of 3 channel and a 4 channel plane?

I know there are certain "flaps" on planes what are they called and where are they located?

What is up with the Trasmitters, recievers, and servos? Can someone define those to me and recommend some to me?

I hear a lot of talk about engine size, (electric) 280, 380, and 400 which one is more powerful? 400?

I think i am going to pick up the "T-hawk" what would be a good RC controller for it?

http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html

A lot of people that I have spoke to in these forums think I should not start out with a park flyer, but to be honest i think that is all the plane i want. The T-hawk is a 3 channel RC plane would that be a problem if i was to purchase a 4 maybe 5 channel radio and use it for the t hawk and still be able to use that radio for my next plane? If so, which radio would you guys recommend?

Any help is appreiciated

The number of channels is the number of functions on the plane. Each thing like rudder, elevator, throttle, flaps, ailerons, retractable gear is a channel. The servos are the little motors that drive each function or movable surface of the plane. The receiver is what the servos plug into. There is also a switch harness to turn it on and off and a receiver battery. The transmitter is what controls the receiver and servos.

The plane you are looking at has 3 channels. Rudder, elevator and throttle. It comes with a 3 ch radio which will be very limited with your next bird. If you are going to stick with the hobby, I would look at a 40 size trainer like the eagle II or something similar and a .40 motor and a good 4 to 7 ch radio so you can use it later. If it is just something you want to play with for a week and then throw away, go for the one you are looking at.

There are a lot of ways to get into the hobby. Personally, I don't think the plane you are looking at is the right one, but like I said, if it is just something you are going to do short term, it is fine. Don't fly it in a lot of wind. They don't take much.

Good luck in what ever you choose. You may want to find the closest club and go out and watch what the guys are flying and ask questions. You may realize it is something you want to do all the way and get good equipt the first time so you don't have to replace it all when you get a new plane. The park flyers are ok short term, but they become boring very fast.

Have fun.

Flboy answered this one

Some planes have flaps they are called flaps and the are located on the wing, But somehow I think you don't mean flaps So I'll give you the names and functions of the control surface on most planes Rudder (controls yaw) Elevator (controls pitch) Airlerons ( control Roll) Throtle (controls Engine RPM)


People can and have written books on this topic As far as recommending gear you would need to provide more specific info

Yes 400

The T-Hawk includes a controller


If I were you BEFORE I bought ANYTHING I would do a little research if electrics are your thing then ezonemag.com is the place to learn about them they only do electric flight. It might be worth to you to pick up a couple of issues of Backyard flyer magazine if only for the reason that you will find many sources for planes that are "better" then the T-Hawk

Some of your questions might be answered here:

http://www.easyrc.com/airplanes/index.html

Or this one for the radio questions:

http://www.easyrc.com/radiosystems/index.html

Take a look at the beginner's guide on my web page. It will answer these questions and a lot more.