I am new with RC planes and would like opinions on the following three planes.

Hangar 9 alpha RTF Trainer, comes with JR quattro radio, and a .46 evolution engines.

Hangar 9 Arrow RTF Trainer, comes with the same equipment as above but the wings are semi-semmytrical. I wonder if this would be much harder to learn on as a beginner. I am considering that one because once I am used to fly it would take me into the acrobatic.

Sig Kadet Lt-40 ARF Trainer, with the same equipment as above this plane will cost me an extra $100.00, is that plane worth the extra $$.

thanks so much,
Rick

Welcome to the R/C world. You might want to visit the SPAD topic here on RCU. The money you will save will let you buy a much better radio. You can build a SPAD for about $15.00 bucks and they will take a beating like no other. It is worth a look for any beginner as you WILL crash and with a spad you usually only have to change the prop if that. also check out www.spadtothebone.com for all the free plans/materials and building tips to build one.

Ed

From what I've seen and read, pretty much every trainer on the market today is fine for learning.

What I WOULD do is check out the radio equipment your instructor uses. JR is not compatible with Futaba for example, and around here we instuctors use Futaba almost exclusively.
Dennis-

All trainers fly pretty much the same.

The Hanger 9 Arrow RTF, because of the semi symetrical airfoil, is going to land faster than a similar trainer with a flat bottom airfoil. Remember, you are learning HOW TO FLY. When learning, slowness and stability are definite pluses. If you purchase a trainer with a flat bottom airfoil, once you learn how to fly, you can modify the wing to remove the dihedrahl. A flat bottom airfoil with no dihedrahl will provide ALMOST as much fun aerobatically as a semi symetrical airfoil.

The primary issue is the radio equipment. You need to find out which brand the MAJORITY of the people in your area are using. I would then suggest that brand. While you are at it, find out which channels are the LEAST USED at the field you will be flying at. Get a radio on one of the least used channels. It will maximize your time in the air and minimize your chances of accidently being "shot down".

Some things to keep in mind about RTF packages.

1. Substitutions are almost never allowed.

2. The engine provided, while fine for a trainer is usually marginal in power for a second plane.

3. The radio provided is usually a BASE LEVEL radio.


Some things to consider.

1. Buy a trainer ARF you like (from recommendations, appearance, etc.)

2. Buy a decent ball bearing 46 engine (Thunder Tiger Pro, OS FX/AX series, possibly GMS) Stay away from the OS LA series and do a search on MDS engines and then form you own conclusion about them. The brands I mentioned are user friendly, and normally run right out of the box. GMS is the least expensive (but requires a little more "fiddling" ), Thunder Tiger is the next expensive, with the OS as the most expensive. The price difference between the least and most expensive is about $40. The ball bearing engines will provide about twice the power of a bushed engine. The ball bearing engines will have plenty of power and performance for a second, third and later planes.

3. Get a 6 channel (or more) COMPUTER radio. You will be using the features of the radio within a short time and you will not "outgrow" it within a season or two.

Yes, this will cost you more initially than a RTF package, however, you will have a radio and engine that is highly useable in other planes without having to go and buy then "again".

This is my personal opinion.
I hope it has been of some help.

I think Campy summed it up. The Futaba 6EXA radio for the money is a good one. The Arrow trainer will take you well into basic aerobatics. You will get more bang for your buck in the long.

I think Campy summed it up too, but I would like to add the Evolution engine to his list. That is aVERY good engine at a very reasonable price.

I have a hanger 9 alpha RTF and are very pleased with its performance. the evolution engine is nice and the plane has good recovering ability. It dose not roll well though.

Hi and Welcome rkrozon,

I think your choices are good.. It's hard to know.. If and how fast you'll
pick all this up.. Basic trainers are I guess the best to learn on since they
are a lot more forgiving.. eaiser/slower to land.. But a semi, sure takes
you a little further into the learning stage if your a fast learner.. It does
take a little more speed to keep her flying while landing, But not that much
more and I for one think it gives you so much more in all other areas of
learning and keeping your interest up verses buying another plane..

Not sure if your in a club or not, But some clubs let you get an evaluation
flight on a club trainer.. Which may help you in you choice of planes.. It
did me.. Even though I did not start with the plane I wanted to start with,
But my Avistar did and still does serve me well!!

A six channel radio, is better to start with, since it gives you room to grow
But a 4 channel will also be good if you have other family members that
may want to join in this great hobby.. I now use my 4 channel to train my
grandson when he visits.. And I also corded with his Dad and our Daughter..

Campy sure gave you some Great Tips!! Though.. I got the LA 46 with my
Avistar.. And it has been a GREAT engine FOR ME.. Ran 6 gals of fuel through
it without a lick of problem.. And today its going on my Dazzler... For me, it
was less money well spent

Well Welcome and Have Fun!!.. This Hobby is GREAT!! And it loves your
wallet

Thank you kindly guys, I will go out in the field and look at potential planes, then I will make a decision. I am kind of leaning for the Arrow with the quattro radio and evolution engine, then when I am better, I will get a new plane with a 6 channels radio and another engine, I will keep my trainer to let friends and familly try this out. And on the long run, buying a new 6 channels radio ($200.00) is still cheaper than buying servos and all that you need for a new plane.

just my thought,

thanks again,
Rick