I think i might get intot the hobby of rc flight. My local hobby shop recommends the hanger 9 alpha( I think its the only trainer they sell). Does anyone own one or flown one that knows if its a reliable plane and flys well? Any info would be great. Thanks.

There were 2 at the field I fly at. They seem to fly OK. I never flown one but the people who do, like them.

Good Luck and welcome to the hobby.

I have both the 40 and 60 size Alpha.
In my opinion they are both great planes. I learned to fly on the 40.
It is a very gentle and forgiving plane.

The Evolution engine is very reliable and easy to operate,and it has plenty of power to grow with you into future planes
You can remove the flywheel and replace the three blade prop with a two blade to get even better performance.

I like the JR radio better than the equivalent futaba model. ( I've had both)
The reciever is a 7ch, it and the servos would also grow into your next plane with you.

I fly my 40 with skis in the winter time and it is a blast.
I'm sure you will get plenty of different opinions on this one and I have not flown everything else out there,
but I think you would be very happy with this plane.
I know I sure was.

How much is youre LHS asking for the plane?
If you have any more ??'s I'll try to answer them for you.

Pretty much all trainer glow planes today fly very well, and the Alpha is no exception. Just be sure to find a local club and an instructor to teach you. Otherwise your trainer probably won't last more than one, short flight. Usually about 10 seconds. [&o]
Dennis-

The HS price is i believe $325, if not a little more.

I have seen them as low as 250.00 on ebay throw in another 20.00 or so to ship it.
I've also seen them as low as 230.00 without warranty if your interested.

It's a long story, but I started out by buying someone's Xtra Easy 2. I like it. It's tough and took a lot of punishment from me. A lot of people like the NextStar too. I don't know how much punishment it takes. I didn't like the stripped down Futaba of the NextStar. I already had a new radio and sold the JR that came with the Xtra Easy 2.

I have an Alpha 60 and really like it.
The plane is well made and the Evo engine is great

I learned on an Alpha 40 and now I'm teaching my brother on a buddy box with his Alpha. Good airplane, good engine and comes with a decent 4 channel JR Tx. I recommend it.

My Alpha trainer spent three weeks in a 60' oak tree in some serious rains. It hit and overreved the engine and when I finally got the plane out of the tree, found a busted up connecting rod. The electronics were fine. Put a new rod in the engine and rebuilt the fuze and wing and it flew perfectly. Later stuck it in the ground and broke the nipples in the needle valve and ripped the firewall out. Rebuilt it again and it flies fine. This engine has some neat features but what I like best is the Evolution three bladed prop because it is quiet and pulls great. Periodically check the tightness of the nose wheel gear mount screws and the engine mount screws. Mine vibrated loose. Other trainers are nice too but I especially like this plane.

Greg