I've been in RC cars, buggies and trucks for over 15yrs. Now I'd like to get into flying. I was looking at this as a starter.

[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJRX7&P=ML]Click Here[/link]

But I would like to get the brushless setup.

Any inputs please

This is a quote taken directly from that page.

Yes I did notice that. I'm not 100% ablivous about flying. I'm pretty good with flight Sims and I've been using RC Flight for pc. So I figured Intermediate would be ok.

In the Ultrafly lineup, this one might be better for starting out:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGWY7&P=0




This is the radio controlled, electric powered, almost-ready-to-fly, Ultrafly Models Cessna 182 Park Flyer Airplane. For Beginner to Intermediate Modeler/Flyers.

FEATURES: Construction: Foam
Wings: Two different foam wings supplied, one for docile trainer-like flight (flat bottom) and another for performing aerobatics (semi-symmetrical) after gaining experience, both wings have aileron and flap capability

I wouldn't recommend it at all. It will be a lot harder to control than you think and it will probably go pretty quick which means more splinters or hunks when it crashes. Something like the J-3 Cub from parkzone anything that is a high wing. You will be able to sell it when you are done and buy something flashier. And you will have the experience needed to move up. The sim will def. speed up the learning curve though. I have a Jato and had it before i got into planes. the basic RC experience helped me but that was it.

flyboy76

I have been flying for 2 months and i have flown many different trainers but i would say a avaistar .40 would be the best bet if your starting out flying. But that is just me many other people would say to use some other trainer but thats the one that worked best for me.[sm=RAINFRO.gif]

Good luck with the flying[sm=thumbup.gif]...and don't worry we all crash sometime or another and i have already, but it was fun learning from my mistakes.


I'm a "hands on" type of person.

I wouldn't quite suggest starting off with nitro fuel planes. They are fairly expensive, and you will need fuel and equipment, which seems a little too much just starting out. Also, it is indeed expensive to join AMA and the club, so I would stay with something around the electrics suggested.

Now I know it may seem that you that sims are good experience, but you do have to face the facts that the real world can be a big difference. Of course it does help and that will go towards your credit. Also, do realize that although it says ARF, it means you have to install: motor, servos, reciever, battery, most likely control surfaces, and if the plane it not already fully assembled, that as well. This involves a lot of work, and it can cost you if it is not done properly[:@]. Now, I'm sure you want to do all sorts of aerobatics, but you do have to make sure you can fly first you understand. I know that you may not like it, but I'm going to have to suggest a slow stick. They are just solid planes, easy to build and fly, however I have seen some great things out of them, so don't count them out of aerobatics(especially with brushless). There are just some times when you want to have a relaxed flight too[8D], so putting all of your money into an aggresive plane might not be the best idea. After all, you are supposed to have fun doing this. I don't want to sound all preachy, but thats what I think.

The relative startup costs between nitro and electrics are not that different. There was a guy at the field on Sunday who spent a little more than $300 for an entire plane, engine, radio, and basic accessories. The plane flew fine. The determining factor for glow versus electric should be personal preference, and the requirements of the local flying site.

I disagree with the assertion that a person should avoid joining AMA and a club because they are expensive. I think such thinking is a false economy. Nearly every club provides free training. Consider the value of this training compared to the cost in extra time and broken parts when trying to learn alone. Also consider the fact that much of the AMA dues goes to insurance. Suggesting that beginners just go out to the nearest park and "wing it" on their own, especially in a densly populated area, does nothing good for our hobby.

My input is simple. First like chuck said, join AMA . You feel more comfortable in the long run flying whether in a club or not. Secondly try your best to have some one train you on basic flight, or even go out and spend the money for a simulator and practice. Thirdly buy a plane that is more practical for a beginner RC pilot. The plane you have picture in your post has absolutely no glide ratio.

If you can't find some one to teach you, might I suggest starting out with a glider type plane , not brush less, just to get the idea of how a plane flies and to practice orientation. I taught myself and wasted allot of time and money in the long run, but the field I went to join said they didn't teach people how to fly , or didn't have any teachers, so I struggled and after only 3 years or so of flying electrics I now fly glow powered airplanes such as the thunder tiger p51, and the super chipmunk. I also have a trainer converted to a flat wing with flaps. Right now on the table I am building a shrike.

I still am interested in joining a club but NJ must be famous for might I say odd clubs . I have an application and the rules are , only three planes in the air at one time, must pass noise pollution test, gates only open on Thurs. and sunday. So these are the things that keep my flying in the park on days where there is no body around . I stick to AMA's rules and I haven't had a problem yet ( knock on wood).


GL, RCF

PS where would you fly in Brooklyn? I used to work all over the five boroughs and never saw a park big enough.

I live in bay ridge brooklyn, very close to shore rd. Shore Rd has alot of parks. The pros fly at Floyde Bennet Field. I would love to find someone close to me that can help me with me first flight. I was also considering the Ultrafly Models Cessna 182 Park Flyer as Carrellh suggested. I does say beginner in the ad.

Don't be afraid to learn from "the pros". When I learned, one of my 2 instructors was a masters pattern flier. I learned more in a few months of instruction and flying with him than I have in the years since.

This is my first post here. I thought I'd read up on some beginer advice considering I am just that myself. I've been into RC cars for about 20 years now and decided I wanted to try flying. My first plane is the Parkzone J3 cub. Its cheap, comes with everything you need, sets up in like 5 minutes, and for an extra $20 you can pick up a spare battery. With absolutely no experience flying or assistance from anyone I hand launched for my first flight, had no mishaps, and even made a great attempt at the first landing. I was flying over a farmers field and just couldn't line it up with the road, so I tried to land softly on the edge of the field. It went fine, but the grass / weeds were too tall for the plane to roll through and it tipped up onto its nose. No damage to speak of cause I set it down slow and light. I now have something like 15 flights or more under my belt. On only my 4th flight I was able to do a loop. After about the 6th flight I can set it down nicely in the street. In my opinion, for what its worth, the Parkzone J3 cub is an excellent first plane for anyone who has had a transmitter in their hands before, like car/truck experience. Just don't panic and yoke on the stick and the cub will almost fly itself. I have even flown it with a pretty decent wind, however that will definately make your blood pressure go up a notch. If you can't tell, I'm totally thrilled with making that plane my first. I'm not patient and wanted to go it alone on the learning process. I do plan on stepping up to a gas plane which I already got a great deal on a used trainer. I plan on logging much more flying time with the cub before burning some nitro, but I believe the experience I'm getting with the cub will go a long way when I fire up for my first nitro flight. So anyways I guess I'm saying that you can't go wrong by checking out the Parkzone Cub as a first plane.

I'd say that money is a big factor. If someone can't afford AMA, well then thats it, unless you are under 18, in which it is only a dollar a month, which is quite a nice deal. I could afford AMA right now, but I just think that there is just more work to be done. I'll join eventually though.

I suppose I should revise my statement though, I should really say: choose based on support. I really wasn't getting anywhere until I finally found where everyone was. If you know there is a gas field nearby, you might as well check it out. If there is a park nearby with RC flyers there, talk to them, see if it is good flying at that park.

In my opinion nitro fuel would be more work, of course you will probably find flying a larger plane more rewarding and exciting, plus with fuel you just put more in, so no long wait times in between flights. Park flyers have just as much variety, although are a little lacking in scale planes. In most cases are easier to transport. Plus no oil or anything like that, it is all very clean. However, to get best performance some batterys are just as expensive as a few gallons of fuel. Electrics are evolving very quickly, they are gaining popularity in many sectors, and some new technologyis making them more interesting than ever. Remember though, it will probably be harded to locate a park with RC flyers. There is seldom a runway, and it is always a risk being closer to people, even if your plane only weighs a few pounds can still go fast and hurt someone.