I am going to buy my brother(almost 30) a R/C electric plane for Christmas. He is a VERY BUSY person(resident med student in (KY). I have flown some electric r/c planes before such as a zagi 400x and have read and understand most terms on the electric side of the hobby, however, I am not current with the available products. I am asking for recommendations for my gift to my brother based on the following.

Never flown before(I will be giving him some basic lessons on my zagi for a few sessions before his flights with his plane)
must have good control- I am leaning toward a 3 channel-not overly aggressive though
descent power-I am thinking somewhere around a 400 class motor.(not overly aggressive though, its open.
parkflyer-like-he will be flying in a HUGE park, but it is still a park. but ample space.
I want him to be able to shut the motor off and soar/thermal/glide for extended flight time and relaxation.-so maybe a glider type.-important
components compatible with other systems(upgrades, alt least the controller).
acceptable ease of repair-he has almost no time, so I want him to be able to enjoy it, and if things break to be able to repair relatively easily or find new parts easily and relatively cheaply.
I want it to be fun! he is a sophisticated individual and don't want him to get bored of it right away as he will most likely not upgrade himself.
<$200 or so

Thank you for your help, this post is open for anyone's input begginer-you old pros out there.

Kevin

P.S. When I talked to him he said he was looking at
megatech Merlin
Firebird
but I don't think he knows much at all.
I was thinking of Graupner Terry or Tipsy and some others like a easyglider and easy star.

p.s.

flyable in moderate winds, so larger wingspan and stable flight.

I dont think that is too much to ask right, the perfect beginner plane?

Kevin

Sigepkev, A model i have flown here in Australia is the OMEI Glider. It is electric powered with 2 metre wingspan, fits all the criteria you request, as per engine shutoff when altitude reached , and able to repower up when altitude lost. For your controller, well finances dictate that, but seeing as Futaba is the most popular in America , you can find reasonable priced 4 or 6 channel radios that will serve the purpose quite well. Hopefully some more of your fellow countrymen will give you further advice on this subject.
I wish you and all your family and friends the very best for the forthcoming festive season, and many happy hours of relaxing flying.
the_madgenius , downunder {Australia}

Based on your requirements, the Easy Star sounds like it would fit the bill.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML

Under $200 for everything, 3 channel, easy to fly, soaring ability and, since it is foam, it is going to be hard to destroy and repairs can be done with toothpicks and some 5 minute epoxy.
All you have to add is 8 AA batteries for the transmitter.

Have a look at this link, it's called the Gypsy, it is 3ch and a very gentle flier, a couple guys at our club have them & they love this thing! They'll fly for 20-30 minutes then put the battery to the meter to see they've only used maybe half the charge. They throttle up high then just soar around with it, seems they can fly this thing just about as long as they wish. They fly em from there easy chairs & just relax & have a good ol time with it. May go over your stated budget to set it up with a small brushless outrunner & a 2-cell lipo, but for the flght characterics you are looking for, this is the one. Good luck in search.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=EFL2050


Mark

personal opinion..you would do well to check out the electric plane forums and for myself, I would stay away from BOTH Megatech and Graupner ie Megacrap and Graburmoney...see for yourself ask in the electric forums those are the 2 worst, megatech products are marginal and while good quality and service Graupner is among the highest $$ product there are...you asked, Rog

thank you for all of your quick replys. Please feel free to add more and agree or disagree with the recomendations.

One question on the easy star's radio, is it transferable to other aircraft?

Med students don't have time to eat and sleep !! Forget about it. I did see a really neat tethered helicopter that runs on house current. It has counter rotating blades and is especially stable for a chopper. Personally, I must have one. I was considering one for my brother, 54, and very busy.

PilotFighter,

especially med students with a 1 yr old kid, bu this is what he wanted and he always makes time to go to parks and stuff.

Yes.

What you do need to realize is that the radio is a 3 channel AM radio. For its intended use (Getting someone into RC flying at an inexpensive price) it is fine. For many years RC planes used 27 mhx AM radios, and they still do. The reason many people changed to FM is that there is less interference from outside sources.

The servos will work with either AM or FM radios. Additional AM receivers are available (and USUALLY substantially less than FM ), however, you will probably need to get them online.

The larger problem will be if you have an investment in AM equipment and want a transmitter with 4 channels or more. I am not aware of any AM transmitters 4 channels or more. There may be several available, but I am not aware of them.

The majority of your RTF (Ready To Fly ) electric planes are going to have 3 channel AM radios. My suggestion would be to have your brother use the radio that comes with a RTF. Then after he learns how to fly, if he is really interested in the hobby, let him purchase one of the many 4 channel (or more ) FM radio sets. Many of the 4 channel radio sets can be purchased for about $150.00 or less.