I am a former private pilot. I have flown basic .40-size glow models using a "trainer" connection several times. I got right/left reversed a few times while the plane was approaching me, and the plane's owner took over control. After that, I was able to keep the plane under control for minutes at a time, doing rolls, loops, figure 8's and low approaches. It wasn't smooth, but I kept it under control, and even the owner began to relax!

I am now ready to buy my first R/C airplane, and I have decided to go the electric route. I am considering the Graupner Tipsy as a first purchase. I live in Florida, a few miles from the Gulf, so calm days are few and far between. Do you readers think this is a good choice? If not, why not, and what would you recommend as an alternative? Many thanks.

Bill,

I would stay with glow for now it is much easier for a beginner. Electric planes must be built lighter so they can carry the heavier batteries required to give sustained flight.

Although I tend to build very light (lighter flies better) my sport planes still come out to about 16-18oz/sq, ft mostly because I tend to over power. Even with having said that I don't think my building skills would allow me to build an electric light enough for me to get the performance I like.

I also think that glow is much cheaper and less bother, no need to have three battery packs for a days flying (one to fly, one cooling, and one charging).

I live in FL during the winter so I know about your wind, I think that clow is better in the wind also.

I'm sure that those in the silent flight will not agree but that is MHO.

Bill,
Bingo Flyer makes some good points....and even though I can go a short distance to fly my 2 electrics, I still perfer to drive to the field to fly my glow models. If you do decide to go electric, the Graupner Tipsy that you mentioned is suppossed to be a good plane. I have a Wattage Mini-Max that flies great, but you need very calm conditions to fly it.

Mike