I eventually want to fly a 1/4 scale Extra. What path should I take to get there? As of right now I'm planning to go from trainer to Sig SE on low rates to SE on high rates to the Extra. Any suggestions?

Chris

Why not get a .40 size Extra after the trainer? If that's the path you want to make then you'll benifit more from a small Extra than a Somethin' Extra because the SE will in no way fly like a scale Extra.

Great Planes makes a nice .40 Extra 300S in ARF or kit form...

BTW, It's great to have goals and dreams about larger planes but be sure not to get there before your ready otherwise you'll be wasting alot of time and money. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it in a short time but the key is to use your common sence and do it when your ready and only when your ready. I had dreams just like you when I began in July 2001. Almost everyone said I couldn't do it and basically told me to stop dreaming. Here is it only one year later and I am finishing up a 27% Extra 330 as I type this. Before this plane I built a GP Extra 300S .60 size kit, the one in my avatar, and flew it much better than anyone had said I could considering the stick time I had. Basically, do it when you know your ready and only then and don't let others spoil your dreams...

WreckRman spelled it out perfectly. Only step when you're ready to step. I also agree that the SE is in no way like a scale extra and will not prepare you for the 1/4 scale. You can get the SE for a second plane if you like, but I highly recommend you get a smaller size scale extra before your big one.

Chris in SF:
What type of trainer are you flying ? flat bottom or semi-sym; how long have you been flying?

I would recommend that you try the Midwest Extra www.midwestproducts.com

I have owned one and it flies great.

Trainer = LT40

Actually, my first plan was to go from trainer directly to a GP Extra but some have said that it is not a good 2nd plane at all...can anyone confirm or deny this. It would be great if I could go straight to a GP Extra. But I am still somewhat confused....correct me if my logic is off: If the GP Extra .40 is fine for a second plane then the GP .60 should be even better because it will be more stable.....BUT if I continue this argument, then what keeps me from a 1/4 size? I am clearly missing something here....

Thanks,
Chris

I've seen people learn to fly on a Cap232 so is an Extra a good 2nd plane? If you ask me no one can say this or that plane is a good 2nd airplane. They can only share what they learned on and what others have but let's be honest, EVERYONE learns different. Some people solo in a week while others take two years. This goes back to the statement of when your ready. If your flying the LT40 with the confidence that in any situation you can save the plane and land it safetly then you might be ready for an Extra. If you have to think at all while flying the LT40 then your not ready.

If you want my advice and this is because it's how I did it, I feel the best 2nd airplane is a fun fly airplane. They will sharpen your skills very quickly as they will do anything yet at the same time are very stable and slow flying planes. The biggest advantage is that they cost fairly inexpensive so if you were to crash it your not out much money.

CONFIDENCE! Without it your not ready for anything...

Go with the Sig SE. Use a Satio .72 with a 13x6 apc and go have a blast. This plane can do everything the 1/4 scale extra can do plus more. Make sure to extend the rudder about 1 inch though. After learning to handle this plane you should be more than ready to handle and Extra, Cap232, Sukhoi, or Edge 540 with no problem. This is a very enjoyable plane which you will more than likely fly even after you get the 1/4 Scale Extra 300. Do not miss out. Also consider any of the profile funfly planes like the ones from Morris Hobbies. These can be made to be docile or wild doing manuevers that even the Extra can only dream of. Ever see a climbing inverted flat spin. Awesome!

After reading your question I have to wonder why you need any advice on planes. What you proposed would be a perfect path to get to the 25% Extra. I have at one time owned a 25% Extra, and one of the planes I fly right now is the Sig SE.

I think that moving up to the Sig SE would be a good training platfrom for the Extra. I will offer you these tips for advice:

Even though you can get the SE as an ARF, definately build the kit. The SE kit is one of the best kits that I have ever built. Good quality material, complete easy to understand instructions, and laser cutting of parts that will blow your mind (in fact, you have to be carefull when unpacking the parts sheets because the laser cutting is so good some parts will just fall out of the sheets). I always recommend that people build their own if they can so they have a better understanding of the plane, and know the plane when it comes time for repairs. And besides, this kit is just plain fun to build!!!

Since this is going to be your second plane, I would recommend that you put an OS .46FX on it. This plane is a rocket anyway, and being your second plane you don't want to overpower it.

Pay close attention to the setup of all of your throws. Set them up exactly as the instructions say, especially the ailerons. And then when you start flying, start off on low rates. The SE can roll like nobody's business. In fact, my SE gets completely filthy when flying because it spins in it's own exhaust stream so well.

You definately can't go wrong with the SE. And after you fly it for a while, you'll be more than ready for the Extra

Good luck and have fun

Thanks for the advice....I built my LT-40 and I don't ever intend on buying an ARF. I am running a TT .46 Pro on the trainer so, it seems that it will be a good carry over to the SE. Also, the main reason I wanted to go to the SE in the first place was two fold: as an intermediate step to a 1/4 scale and also as a fun fly that I can, well, have fun with.

Thanks,
Chris

I'm on the second year with my SE, and I can tell you for sure that you will most definately have FUN with that airplane. It's a blast to fly. Sometimes I enjoy flying it almost as much as I enjoy flying my DP ultimate bipe.

have fun

I did the same thing. I went from my high trainer to a .40 Extra with the intention of moving later to a 1.20 Extra. You'll be fine, dont listen to everything you hear.

While your building that second plane, why not practice on your flight simulator? My skills have improved greatly by using one. You can try out all kinds of different planes and maneuvers without risking your plane.

Chris,
You have received a lot of good advise here. Yesterday I discused the same progression you are planning with a fellow pilot and flight instructor. The second plane is one of the most important selections you will ever make. It will derermine the learning curve for future skill progression.

Extra 0.40 size vs the Sig SE // These planes have completely different flight envelopes. We have several new pilots using the Sig SE (or similar) as a second plane. The learning curve for these pilots is very good. When adding too much elevator the planes don't have a tendancy to tip stall as the 0.40 Extras do. Which would be the better choice for you is difficult to say. I would say go with your choice as above.

Going to the 1/4 scale from either of these planes will be a big jump! Get some help when you do this as there are many things to learn not only in flying but also in setting the plane up.

Picture of my Midwest Extra attached (sold this a few years ago after moving to 35% planes > > this one had the original flat stabs which were changed to airfoiled in later kits)

Check out this link for addional pictures http://www.frederickmodelaircraftclu...nstructors.htm

Bill

This is an interesting post because i to went from a Kadet LT40 to a SE as a second plane I didn't find it that difficult I have a super tiger 51 on the SE I started flying on low rates and increased to high rates I have flown a ultimate BIp also a 40 size stick I have only been flying about 18 months and was planning on getting a 1\4 Extra I read the posts that say the 1\4 scale extra flies nothing like a SE So my question is what is the difference and what to look out for thanks