I have been looking into rc planes but now I am thinking about where I am going to fly something at. I have an open field that has scattered trees that are about 10 ft tall. I am looking at buying a GWS Slow Stick setup. Would this work or should I just stick to rc cars like I have had in the past? I plan on learning on RF G2 if I decide to try planes. Thanks

Seeing how you are in a Model Airplane forum, I doubt anyone will tell you that you should stick to cars. RC Planes, and other types of Model Planes are great fun as long as you get started off on the right foot. Starting on the wrong foot can quickly take the wind out of a new flyers sails, thus causing him or her to give up on the idea of Flying.

Trees can be a new Flyers, and sometimes a veterans Flyers worst enemy. Different Planes each require a certain amount of open space to fly above. In the case of a GWS slow stick, and open area about the size of a ball diamond, or soccer field would be about right. As you gain experience you will be able to fly in tighter areas about the size of a gym.

A simulator like G2 or G3 is also a great learning tool, but comes at a pretty good expense to the new flyer who may not be looking to invest alot of money to start. There is the Freeware Simulator called FMS that would only require you to buy an interface cable for around $20 that would allow you to use your own radio to get the concept of flying. It is not as glizty as the expensive sims, but will teach you the concepts.

Another good tip is to try and find some tall grass to fly over for your first flights with an electric Plane. Tall grass can save your Plane from some damage. Good Luck!

Ill tell ya from a personal experience that i just had. Ive been flying for about 2 years without a crash. But just a bit ago I was coming in to land and my wing clipped a tree branch. I simply misjudged my plane and the trees distance. Even tho mine was a bigger plane, If your just starting out, i would suggest you find a flying field, or at least an open area without treets... in your area. Even tho it is a small electric, you'de be surprise how little room there is when you get the plane up in the air.

just my suggestions...take em or leave em

-Dustin

I think I am going to give my dream of rc airplanes. I am too afraid of getting it up and totaling it. There is just not enough room... Thanks alot for all the info.

whoa whoa whoa!...hold the phone. Getting into planes is awesome. Ive been into nitro cars/truck since i was little and i just recently got into planes about 2 years ago(now 18) and i never regreted it. I found a local flying club and got an instructor and now im soloing and looking for a second plane. Dont try to do it on your own, there are many people out there to help you. Dont just give up on it because your scared you may crash...get an instructor and it will greatly reduce that factor.

Get a plane and start the addiction!...you wont regret it

-Dustin

I totally agree with Dustin. If fear of crashing is what's stopping you from enjoying this hobby, find a local club field and get an instructor. There are plenty of guys in this hobby that are always willing to help out!

Heck, do what I did,
Go to radio shack pick up a CC Flyer and in 20 minutes you will have a $30 plane to crash until your hearts content.

If you like it even after hitting a tree, get a bigger plane!

But for that kind of money, and you are just starting out, I would recommend it highly. You will either like it alot and see that you can manuver around the trees or your out 30 bucks and you can sell it back to me, because I just lost mine in a tree...see post.

Smitty, if the thought of crashing a $35 plane worries you then flying may not be for you. I'm not saying this to be mean or discouraging. It is a reality that pretty much anyone who flies R/C will also crash R/C planes. Some are better than others and seldom crash, but it happens to the best of us.

Having said that, I'll also say that due to the slow speed, and low price, of a plane like the Slowstick, the consequences of crashing are low. Even if you destroy the whole plane, you're only out $35 and a few hours. A crash of a small plane like that will usually damage one or more replacable or repairable parts, so the most likely scenario is that a little glue, tape, or perhaps a few replacement parts will have you back up in the field quickly. And finally, the odds of crashing will go down significantly if you find someone to teach you how to fly.

I'll pretty much echo these other posts. Please don't give up before you even try just because the fear of crashing. I too have a fear of crashing because I have built some really nice planes that are way over my head! I do have enough sense to know I'm not ready to fly the kinda planes I like. So I Joined the AMA found the local club & am making new friends everytime I go out there. I broke down and I got a RTF .40 size Trainer from Tower hobbies. $249 ready to go in no time. Another $10 got me a buddy cord so I don't have to be scared to re-kit it right of the bat. I have allready re-kitted a couple of smaller electrics that I decided I was willing to crash before I ever cobbed the throtlle. And as someone earlier mentioned it was nothing to repair either of them. A little glue and some new covering and before I new it I had gotten into it & totally rebuilt the whole plane just for the fun of it & the experience. In an evening I had that Mountain Models Switchback looking much better than the the way it was when I picked it up in a trade. So don't be afraid to crash, it isn't allways catostrophic. But it is a reality of this hobby. The fun just out weighs the risk for me. Here's a couple pics of the switchback after the rebuild from a pretty good crash, cost: some glue & some covering, both of which I allready had lying around in the garage, & a couple hours of my time that were thorougly enjoyed! So please don't give up. I too did cars, but am now totally addicted to these planes. Good luck to you, Mark T.