im looking to get into flying either a plane or copter. i have no experience, no knowledge of any rules or regs of the govmnt, and was wondering if anyone could help get me started. are there any good sites for people like me?

You've come to the right place. First, I would suggest going to your local hobby shop. Look for one that specializes in R/C airplanes, and ask them where the local club flies. Then go there and watch, and talk to some of the guys (they all love talking about their planes). Find out what type of equipment they prefer as they will be the ones teaching you. Then, take it from there. You will be looking at buying a trainer type plane, a radio, engine etc. Many times a club member will have much of the stuff that you can buy second hand if money is an issue.

Your on the best site for RC!

Suggest you go to your local hobby shop and ask the location of the nearest RC flying field. Go down there, introduce your self and tell them what you want to do. They will be able to answer all your questions and even provide flying lessons.

One of the first things to do is join the AMA. You'll need that membership to start flying.

where can i join the ama? online? at a field?

At your local field or visit the website
http://modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/

If you post where you are chances are there is someone on this site that will help.

EXCAP232

thnx. this looks like it is starting me in the right direction.

Cost is always a consideration.

Planes:

$100.00 get you a plane that is more like an r/c car that is not attached to the ground. Not much control, only go in circles.

$200.00 get you a plane that has more control, elevator, rudder and throttle. Electric powered and will give you the basic idea of flight.

If either one of those get you hooked you will end up buying the 3rd option anyway.

$315.00 get you a full function radio control aircraft. Hobbico Super Star Select is a great way to start. This option also allows you to expand. The engine and radio are removable and top of the line name brand equipment, OS and Futaba.

Heli:

$1000.00. You need additional items that you will not need with an plane. In addition to that, put aside $100.00 a month for parts. You will crash a heli allot more than you will a plane, in most cases.

Buying used equipment: One rule, either know your product, WELL or know your seller.

In this hobby, you get what you pay for, the more expensive it is, the better it is.

Like the other have stated, the local hobby shop is the best place to start.

Its allot of fun. Good luck.

I save money buying rubber bands at Office Max. Keep your eyes open.

im 16 with an annual income of about $1500. any suggestions?

Better paying job?

You look at Spad's yet?
http://www.spadtothebone.com/SPAD/
Planes can be built for under $30. Find a decent used motor and a functioning radio and you're flying. I know guys who only fly these plastic wonders and they're having a blast. I fly the more traditional material models (balsa with built up wings covered in film), but I'm even thinking of making a Debonair, just to have something to knock around with on a windy day. Take a look at them.

Yes, go to your local hobby shop and meet the man that you will be giving that $1500 a year to.

But seriously, you can plan on about a $300 to $400 initial investment for a radio, engine, and airplane.

It's not cheap, but remember, the engine and radio are re-useable. Airplanes are often categorized by their engine size. 20, 40, and 60 sizes are the most common for beginners. I would like to discourage you from starting with a 20 size plane because they are smaller and therefore more difficult to see. They can also be a little hairy. 60 size is nice, but will cost you a bit more both in initial cost and in the amount of fuel consumed. So if $$$ is a consideration, go with the 40 size. You will find that it is the most popular size, and once you have passed the trainer stage, there are literally thousands of 40 size models that you can step up into.

Go here:
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/

download this free R/C simulator......You'll only be able to use your keyboard, but it's a start I've had hours of fun with this, and can help teach you the basic skills needed to turn and land.


BTW I started flying these when I was 16.....it took me a while to get all the parts I needed (I didn't have much money either) but now I'm 26 and still loving the hobby....It was such a great feeling to get my own home and have a garage

Here is my newest plane:

Go to our site under the beginners section and enter your zip to find your local hobby stores.

http://www.geistware.com/rcmodeling/novice.htm

thnx all. one last thing- what do i need in addition to the spad plane that im thinking of building? ie- engine, radio, etc?

and where i can get them (cheap and online is prefered to going to hobby shop since non are nearby)

might want to reread post #2 and post #10 before spending any money,or do you expect to find a super rich girl friend quick like and in a hurry?
PS,see if she's got a sister.Have fun,because that's what this hobby/sport is all about.

Killerguppy,
I do/done all aspects of RC from boats to Jets. Currently I fly jets more than anything but I do still fly helicopters. Planes and helicopters both have pros and cons. YNOT was wrong when he said it would take you 1000.00 dollars to get into helicopters. My current helicopter, an X-Cell 60, that I fly now cost me 300.00 rtf because I bought it from a pawn shop, the one before that, a raptor 30, cost me 600.00 RTF because they guy bought it and never could get it to run right so he sold it at a loss. I did put about 300 into my raptor learning to fly it, but I sold it for what I paid for it so it really only cost me 300 for a complete rtf helicopetr and I have not put one dime into my X-Cell except a new set of tail rotor blades which was about 22.00 and that has been almost 8 months now and I fly it pretty regularly. Maybe 3 flights a week. It all depends on where you can find a deal and how well you fly. Planes can be just as expensive, just ask some of these guys to tell you some crash stories.

patrick.

These guys are right! Go for the SPAD, I learned on a SPAD, the Debonaire to be precise (their trainer) and it was a blast. I still fly it. We have low (and sometimes low inverted) contests with them at the field. It only cost me like $8 for materials, unfortunately you can't make the radio gear from coroplast. The Debonaire comes highly recommended. While I wouldn't want all my planes to be a SPAD, I'm glad I have at least one. Get a bottle of CA, and get goin'!
http://www.spad.org
The Debonair!

Reid

U do not have to have a AMA to fly depends what your field rules are ours doesnt require one but AMA does have good Mags

Yes it cost a lot but you can get planes for as low as 100$. i have one that only cost 25$ for the wood and foam (the wings are sheeted foam) and then you get the paint and stuff and the motor i got a more pricey one 60$ for a .25 and then the other little stuff i ended up spending about 100$ on the plane but for the hole set up i spent about 300-400$ cant remember about that.
oh and buying a JR 5 channel computer radio dose not help the cost but man is it nice.

sorry about the grammar and crap it is 1:00 am and i need to sleep