What differences can I reasonably expect going from a trainer to a 2nd plane such as a tiger 2 or others

Speed, speed, and more speed. Low wing planes tend to be go faster than trainers. Also they are usually more maneuverable. Low wing "trainers" such as the Tiger 2, Tiger 60, or Fourstar series, offer low landing speed much like your trainer. If your greasing 'em in with your trainer, then the transition will probably be an easy one to a low wing trainer like the ones I just mentioned. Low wing trainers don't float quite as well as a trainer does, but the ones mentioned here offer airfoils designed to add lift at low speeds. Thier stall characteristics are usually gentle and predictable. I am sure others will chime in on this one...good info for beginners to know.

There is a class of planes that I would call advanced trainers.

The Tiger II is such a plane and would make a good choice. Also a Sweet Stik ( or Ugly Stik)

As Primodus stated, things happen a little faster with these planes, but they are good honest flying planes.

What trainer? There's a huge difference between them. Is yours an Avistar, or a 3-channel Telemaster, or something in between?

The previous responses seem to presume you used a pretty docile plane for a trainer. If you're doing inverted spins with your Avistar, the Tiger II will only add taildragger challenges. If you're using a 3 channel Telemaster, you'll find that Tiger to be considerably more agile.

Since you're asking, the presumption of a docile trainer is probably pretty good, but it wouldn't hurt to specify. Welcome to intermediate flying!

Best wishes,
Dave Olson

As others have mentioned, you can expect a lot more speed to start with. You will see this right away as the plane picks up speed rapidly and streaks down the runway. Then when you go to make your first turn the plane will appear to have instantaneous response to your smallest stick inputs and the plane will turn very quickly! Coming off a trainer which has laid back responses, this fast response time will probably take you by surprize for a few seconds and you could find your self overcorrecting. Hopefully you will have enough stick time to realize what is happening and make small smooth stick movements to regain control the plane. If you don't have enough stick time, then the plane may be in trouble!! Thats why I suggest that if you can, buddy box the 2nd plane for at least the first flight. Some instructors are too busy with newbies to be bothered with 2nd plane flyers but if they have the time, or don't mind then go that route. The other thing you will notice is that the plane will be much easier than your trainer to fly and land in windy conditions, especially if the plane is a low wing. The plane won't flair as much or at all if a gust of wind hits it when landing, it may slow down for a second and then just keeps on coming down at a nice steady rate. Once you get used to the quicker reaction time and the predicatble flight, you won't want to go back to high wing flat bottom trainers!

I have read the postings above and I can say you are all so wrong ... what can be expected is MORE FUN!!! Hehehee ...

Fastsky is right ... I tried to teach a friend, I was cursing trying to fly the trainer. I never really flew trainers when I came back to the hobby after a very long break. Still, trainers are there for a good purpose.

my trainer is a nexstar

From personal experience, the transition from a Nexstar to a Fourstar is an easy one. The 4* is a very fun airplane indeed. It has very easy stall characteristics, and the full length ailerons make it easy to control at low speeds. As tIANci said, your in for a laod of FUN either way.

I will say this:

If you are good with your trainer, you will LOVE a Tiger II or 4*

While they CAN be faster, they will also fly very well at the speed you're accoustomed to.

But the really nice thing you will find is that they go where you point them, unlike your trainer which wants to fly in a straight line.

You see, because your trainer is so stable, you have to fight against the self-righting tendencies oit has. But with a 4* or Tiger, when you bank the wings, they stay banked until you straighten them out.

Some people take a while to get used to this, but most pick it up right away (And LOVE it!)

I have a tiger 60 and just love it! While it's not my second plane, it's a great point and fly bird! Plus I like the larger size planes because you can put some power house engines in them!

FUN FUN FUN!!

wait till Knightmagic flies something like an SU31, Raven or Cap 21! He will have EVEN MORE fun!!! Knight ... brace yourself!!!!!

i started with a h9 alpha and went to a ucd60 w/saito 100 and it was an easy transition and i love my ucd and it flys and lands easier than my trainer.

Hi Mike,
I appreciate your answers. I am at the same point (second plane expectations) I guess. I used to live in Tyler, MN; flew with a small number of fellows until I moved to DC in 1992. Was out of flying until 2001 when I went back to MN and picked up my old Sig Sr. Since I have been here in VA I have begun using an Avistar with a semi symmetrical wing for a trainer - took me a long enough time to master it plus a lot of repair - When in MN I was told that a Midwest Sweet Stik 40 was a good second airplane. I have it built with a Tower 46 ABC BB on it but have never flown it; but I think I am ready.

Any suggestions like some old hands say to use very small control surface movements - program them in with the dual rate setting on the Tx. This is a 52 inch wing span and a 10.5 inch chord. Should it be gentle in landing? I made it into a tail dragger - moved the landing gear up to the leading edge plus slanted the struts a little. Only thing is, I am tired of wire landing gear - could I put an aluminum strap gear on it? less bounce on landing?

Second question - if I use a 10x6, 7, or 8 prop on a .40 size engine , what size prop should I use on a .45 engine on this plane?

I still have a sister in Willmar. Can't say I miss the cold though - 72 here today but that is way too warm for this country too. Will drop to 20 degrees by Saturday. More like Minnesota!

thanks, Tom Harper

as has been mentioned much depends upon what was being used as a trainer, how well individual is progressing and if they have some assistance.the first time or two on a (to them) much faster plane could be a real nerve racker. the 4* is some what unusual to advance to as a #2 but many do it successfuly . outstanding design. the ugly stick type has much going for it and is a safe bet as is the Sig Kavalier.

I have a GP Big Stik 40 that is similar in size. I built it as a taildragger and use aluminum strap gear. Just make sure you've got a good solid pice of ply in the bottom of the fuse to bolt it to.
Mine lands almost as slow as my Telemaster 40 trainer. Based on my maiden experience I'd say dual rates are a good idea. Running st something less than full throttle until you get used to the plane will help too.

Try an 11x6. That seems to be a good size for a .45-.46 engine