O.K. I've been in the truck and boat forums for a while and would like to get started in planes and heli's. 2 good clubs within a couple of miles. Although summers over, I'd like to run my thoughts by everyone and get some input.

1. I've decided to get the RealFlight G2 sim.
2. Sig LT40 ARF ( I'll put it on floats later)
3. OS FL 70 (This would be my first 4 stroke / I think it would fit / maybe smaller if it's a bad idea)
4. Futaba 9CHF ( I believe this is a heli TX, but i believe it would be good for both)
5. TT Raptor 60

This will be over a year period when done.

I realize this is a pretty broad question. I've researched the forums for a while.

Save the 4 stroke for second or third plane. Get a good 46 2c. In a crash, that 70 would suffer more expensive damage; the push rod housings would surely get damaged.

I don't necessarily agree with forgetting the four stroke, especially if you're willing to take plenty of time with an instructor. He should be able to get you to the point of flying, and landing, well enough that you won't crash for at least that first few months.

The 70 four stroke WILL fit (a club member flys an LT 40 with one), and the plane will fly at about 1/4 throttle. The big thing is, that the 70 will work with MANY planes once you advance beyond the LT. A 52 four stroke is marginal for other 40 size sport planes, but would be sufficient for say a Tiger 2, or 4*.
Dennis-

Good choice getting the LT 40. I have buddy boxed several new pilots with different trainers and the LT 40 flies the best of all. If you have the $$ go for the 4 stroke. DB Cherry is right later you will have more options with the 70 4 stroker. You will like the RF G2 sim also, it's good training for your thumbs (or pinch, however you hold your sticks).
Good luck.
WCB

I think your plans and choices are excellent. (For all of the reasons Dennis mentioned)

I think I mean lean toward the new Saito .82, but I would have to compare weights etc.

There's a lot of threads knocking around on this forum on the pro's and con's of Realflight G2 compared to other available flight sims. You might want to check out Aerofly Pro as an alternative. The majority of opinions I have read here are that Aerofly presents a more realistic simulator than G2. It also costs less $$$$. There are a number of websites around too that offer models to fly in Aerofly, one of the criticisms of G2 i have seen is that the planes are limited to Hangar 9 planes (but do not know if this is fact having never owned it). Check out the link below anyway:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Aero...2075053/tm.htm

There is a new version of Realflight (G3) in the pipework too but not sure of a release date or whats new here.

The biggest gripe with RF as opposed to AFp is real flight will only take so far. What level of flying are you leaning toward or is general control inputs and minor knowledge of the plane all you are interested in? After you have answered those questions then get your sim. PilgrimChimp is right, but some people could care less about real flight physics when there only looking to putt around the field and do some minor aerobatics. Any of the sims will do. Then the only thing to worry about is price and for that AFP is cheapest. But, If your ultimate goal is to get into 3D and be extreme. There is no better tool to learn on than AFP its the best IMO best flight physics for a plane that thrives on no forward motion and can still do manuvers in a stalled state. Real flights physics cannot decipher what to do when the plane has no air flow over the control surfaces. Again I say IMO. But then there is the release of RF G3 and suposedly they fixed all that. Now the only problem is you have to resolve yourself too is flying Greatplanes planes through out. Every adaptation of any plane on RF is a version of a Greatplanes model.