What are your thougths on the alpha trainer? Is it a good trainer?

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1211]Alpha Trainer[/link]

It's what I learned on. Great plane! If you are getting the RTF, then it really can't be beat. However, if you are getting just the arf, then they are all basically the same!

That's what I got, the ARF version tho. I have a .46 LA on it, more then enough power for that plane. All the instructors at my club said it's a great trainer and several members learned on it. I'm actually on my second flight with this plane with no buddy box, I just pass the radio to the instructor (Because I have a JR and they all have Futaba's), which I never do except for takeoff's and landing. Very stable bird, it floats and doesn't want to land :-)


Anyways, I recommend that you check out your local club and see what they use for radios, this way you wont have any trouble finding a instructor to buddy box with...
I also recommend that you get some practice on the various sims out there, FMS, RC Plane Master and G2 Realflight to name a few...
And finally, read this site everyday, you will be amazed on how much you can actually learn here, just by reading other people's problems and their solutions...

And just in case you are thinking about it, don't try this by yourself, I crashed 2 planes thinking I could learn... It's way more fun going to a club and socialize with the other members about anything, not just the hobby.

Happy flying!

It's a great little plane! My friend trained on one, and he did well with it. In fact, we flew it today, and got 3 different guys flying on it this afternoon on buddy box. It's mild at low throttle, and with an 11X5 prop., (after you are quite familiar with the plane and confident ONLY) that thing smokes!!! I would reccommend this plane, as well as the Hangar9 Extra EasyII with the same glow engine.

I saw one at the field yesterday. It looked very well biult and was a great flyer from what i saw. Very gentle.

My brother has one we converted to a tail dragger and put a Saito .56 on it. It really flies nice.

I have one and have put it through it's paces...it's a good plane.

It is a fine trainer in either version and in either size. SkynardMan here on RCU is self taught and has 2 of them he likes them so much. Self taught is not recommended, he has some very special circumstances and his planes have needed many repairs. RTF is convenient in that it is ready to go as the name says. The ARF version gives YOU the opportunity to select engine and radios, thereby getting a little better than the "minimum" that usually come with RTF's. This is not to knock what comes with the Alpha. Being able to find an instructor with a buddy box SHOULD be a priority although for a few (@$35 I think) you could buy one of your own also. Please find a club and a GOOD instructor to help with your learning process. Even if you happen to be a full scale pilot or a computer simulator wizard, not having one will cost you more $ in the long and short of it. It is harder than it looks until you learn a few basic skills.

Welcome to a hobby I'm sure you will enjoy if you learn it properly.

The guy's here are right, the Alpha is a very good trainer, if you go ARF let me know, I don't think you get a flight sim with that. I have an extra Flight sim and cord for connetting a JR Quattro to the computer. I will be more than happy to send it to you. Think I have a JR to Futaba trainer link also.
They are also correct on finding an instructor, the majority of my problems never would have happened if I had an instructor. Flying is only one part of the learning process. There are lots of things besides flying that he can help you with to keep your plane in the air.
And ask guestions! No question is dumb when it comes to RC airplanes.
The only advantage of going alone is you will become really good at repairing your plane.[&o]
Good luck!

i acually got the alpha RTF but it didnt come with the cord or the simulator !!! []

i havent flown yet becuase joining a club here is sooooo expensive i cant afford it , its killing me just looking at it sit there!

primopyro- check around, an area like that probably has several clubs. Should be one in your expense range. Did you check club locator on www.modelaircraft.org site? good starting place.

BTW, What do you consider expensive? I have no idea what the memberships cost out there. Did you check more than one club?

Also, what is your age. Some clubs have junior memberships.

Good bird, flies well. As was mentioned, when you get used to it, put the 2 blade prop adapter on and an 11x7 prop, and it turns into a new plane. A couple of quick modifications, and it changes more. This one is 3 years old, and has trained 4 different people.

can any one tell me how to install a fail safe thingi???????????HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you be a little more specific? Thingi? [sm=confused.gif]