Hi everyone,

First off, I don't have a plane and I know little about them. I want to buy one for my boyfriend for his birthday, and I've been doing some research but am a bit overwhelmed. After checking out this listserv for a couple of weeks, you seem like a helpful bunch, so I thought I would ask a few questions.

He has never had a plane either, but has wanted one for years. I know he likes Goldberg's Super Chipmunk, but my research has told me that is better for a second plane. Since I don't want to spend all this money just to have him destroy it, is there a similar plane he may be happy with that would be a more suitable first plane?

Also, when I figure out what to get, is it best to buy it partially assembled or unassembled (if those are even options)? And is it easier to purchase it online or at a store? I am in DC, and I think there are a couple of stores in VA, but I haven't made the drive yet.

Thanks in advance for any input. I hope I don't sound too dumb!

You should get tons of advice, most of it good, from your questions. First, make sure your boyfriend understands the absolute need to get instruction. The best source for this is a local club that has rc instructors. It is extremely easy to crash a plane if you try to go it alone(there are those that will say it's a given that he will crash it if he doesn't get instruction. I just say it's highly likely.)

As to type and looks. For a first plane, a trainer is a must. There are several good ones both in kit form and in ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) form. If he likes to build, a Sig LT40 is a good place to start, but he will still need radio, engine, prop, etc. A good ARF is a Hobbico Avistar Select. This particular combination has a number of things going for it, among which are it includes a radio, engine, and prop. In fact, about the only thing he will need will be an instructor and some fuel (extra props and glow plugs are also HIGHLY recommended).

Hope this helps, some.

I have to second what raistlin12 said. For a first plane the Avistar is hard to beat. Don't let the idea of finding a local club worry you either. The club I'm involved with and all of the other clubs I've dealt with and heard of are filled with some of the most helpful and friendliest people I've ever met.

Sblaze,

I am in your area and would be happy to help you out. There are also a number of clubs in the area to get help from.

To get started, I would HIGHLY recommend purchasing from a local hobby shop. They will be there to answer your questions. After he gets into it, he can start ordering mail order.I know of two hobby shops that everyone seems to frequent, one is Doug's in Waldorf, Md (I haven't been there personally), and the other is Hobby Hangar Speedway in Chantilly, VA...out by Dulles (I go here).

As far as planes go, there are a number of options, I recommend somthing with a semi-symetrical wing as opposed to the typical flat bottom wing you find on most trainer type planes. The semi-symetrical wing, with a high wing configuration, will serve as a trainer but will also allow aerobatics as he progresses.

To answer a few more of your questions, ARF vs needs to be built. This depends on him. Does he like to take the time to build somthing, or is only interested in flying, or would he like to get flying, but then begin building from kits? Since you said he likes the CG chipmunk, I am guessing he is not afraid to build.

One option for you, is to purchase a gift certificate from the hobby shop of choice so he can make some of the decisions (It will be awful hard to be sneaky and find out the information you want from him).

Please feel free to PM me with any specific questions. I have been in the hobby for 20+years, and therefore have many useless opinions!

That's the main reason I recommended the Avistar, but I figured the additional info about aerobatics might be a little overkill, at this point. The major plus is that it's also a "complete" system. Just add fuel and an instructor (not necessarily in that order), and go fly. Yes, there are additional items, such as glow ignitor, extra props, extra glow plugs, and a chicken-stick, if you're so inclined, but the major portion of the investment is all in one box at a VERY reasonable price.

I think the gift cert to a LHS is a great idea! That way he gets the benefit of someone helping him get into the hobby(girlfriend) plus the help from the LHS. I assume (hate that word) that the two shops you mentioned will provide good advice, and not try to sell unnecessary stuff to a newbie.

If he is a fast learner, a trainer with semi-symetrical wing wouldnt be a bad thing. If he learns quickly, like alot of people do around here, then he will have a little more time till he outgrows his trainer. Plus it won't bore him to tears once he learns the fundamentals.

You may be able to tell if he wants to build a plane from a kit, rather than buy from an ARF (almost-ready-to-fly), by simply this: Is he a "tinker type"? Building a kit will be more time consuming by far, and you will have a few extras to buy that you wouldnt need firstoff for an ARF. Such as: knives, adhesives, epoxy, covering for the airplane, special covering iron, and other minor building tools... Building a kit will also require more room, a flat table, and you not minding the mess and sawdust floating through the room...

And, Absolutely find an instructor for at least his first few flights. He will also need to be an AMA member. You can get a membership form at your local hobby shop.

However, if he does crash his plane, only the $99 ARF airframe will be destroyed. He will most likely have the engine and radio gear still in operable condition; Maybe less a little mud...

Hope this helps, and good Luck

I would personally reccomend the aircore 40 trainer. It is an easy plane to build and fairly easy to fly. Also a good thing about it is the fact that it is nearly indestructable. I have crashed mine with full throttle and it only required about an hour's work to repair it. Lastly it is very cheap, to build and fly. My website www.geocities.com/rclinks2002 under "My Planes" has the story that I wrote about the plane. Have fun.

I don't know if it is still true, but I thought there was one manufacturer, could be Tower, that built a trainer that they would replace if it was destroyed while learning with a club instructor. Even if it isn't the most highly recommended plane, I would think that would be a good option, so you don't put him in the position of potentially losing a $100 or more plane while learning. Once he has learned, he could even unload it on Ebay and probably get back more than half the cost of the plane. Just something else to look in to.

Yes Tower Hobbies does have that gurantee that if you were to purchase the Tower Trainer and crash it on an AMA field under supervision of a instructor they will replace the plane.

www.towerhobbies.com

just my $.02 worth as I have the Tower Trainer 40

Good Luck...

SBlaze,
1) Have a look at the Hangar 9 Alpha trainer, It is ready to fly, (as they say) $309.00 with a good engine and radio installed, is covered in good covering,and can also be put through mild aerobatics later on.-It will be a while.
2) Find SOMEONE who can help instruct w/flying.
3) Ask A LOT of questions, (there are no stupid ones or to many of them).
4) You and your boyfriend have fun with this.

Jetts

It might be a better idea to take him to the flying field to look around. There you will be better able to grasp the whole picture of rc airplanes. Plus you get to see them in action. Ask questions of the people as to what type of plane, motor, radio, and field equipment you will need. Last but most important is to find someone to help build the plane of choice, and learn how to fly it. For the most part, trying this by yourself is almost a sure crash.
Most trainer planes are similar in design (flat bottomed airfoil,lots of dihedral in the wing, and tricycle landing gear) and most radios are similar in function. The most important is to get a radio that matches the one the instructor has. (the different brands usually are not compatible) Hope this helps, Loren

sblaze--here is another thought for you (like you need more at this point ;-) ). You evidently have a computer at home (I'm assuming)---does he have an RC flight simulator program? There are some AWESOME ones around, and there is no less expensive way to learn to fly--crashes don't hurt nearly so much ($$).
I've met 2 people this year that were virtually self-taught--they learned to fly with their simulators at home, and when they came to the field to fly the real thing, they were unbelievable--they knew how to fly. Maybe a simulator for X-mas, and the "Real Thing" for---??? Something to consider.
Hope this helps!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by raistlin12

I think the gift cert to a LHS is a great idea! That way he gets the benefit of someone helping him get into the hobby(girlfriend) plus the help from the LHS. I assume (hate that word) that the two shops you mentioned will provide good advice, and not try to sell unnecessary stuff to a newbie. [/QUOTE

I cannot personally vouch for Doug's, because as I said, I haven't been there. They come well recommended. I do business with Hobby Hangar and another local shop (these are much closer to me), and they should do a good job with the beginner.

f4you- Good suggestion on the simulator. Wish they had been around when I was learning.

Boy, you guys are slipping...

I can't believe I'm the first one to think of this...

sblaze, will you marry me????

Well put, MikeB. Sisters????
hehe

Wow - you have all been really helpful. I'm debating now between a kit or ARF. He would definitely enjoy building the planes (he is into engineering and product design), but maybe I should just get him the plane to fly with and then he can choose whatever plane he wants next and then build that. I'll have to think about that one. (And we actually live in different cities so the mess of building isn't my problem!)

I'm intrigued by the rc flight simulater. Any good ideas on where to get more info on that? And what's the normal price range for these kits and ready to fly planes?

As for the marriage proposal...I'll have to pass. I admit that I am a cool girlfriend, but I think it would be quite odd to put all this effort into my boyfriend but be engaged to some other rc junkie! : )

Well, it was worth a shot...

Simulators here:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXVW01&P=7

And here:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXK391&P=7

Get a kit (my opinion) Won't be much flying left this year, and beginner kits are easier to build than advanced kits. It's good to learn the building techniques early so you're not overwhelmed later.

Here are three good starters:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXDJB9&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXJ557&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...1&I=LXFG11&P=0

Minnflyer- I'll give an "A" for your effort. Don't cry :cry: to long over it though.

This stuff is so cool! I should be studying, but I can't stop reading about everything. Thanks for the info. The simulators look really fun...maybe I will start flying planes!

It beats the hell out of clothes shopping

!!! Is that what you assume I do? I'm insulted! When I had a life before law school, I surfed and practiced taekwondo - didn't leave much time for clothes shopping. No wonder you have to propose online to women you don' t know.... heehee.

A Lawyer!!??

I take back my proposal! LOL

Besides, my wife wouldn't like it.

Hi SBlaze: One more thing to consider is, if he should want to move up to a plane with more options, such as retractable landing gear, a bomb drop, flaps, and so on. It will take a radio that most rtf. (ready to fly) planes don't come with. Most come with 4 channels that control ailerons, elevator, throttle, and rudder. For each option he will need another channel. Now for example if he wanted the 3 extra options I have mentioned, he would need a 7 channel radio, see where I'm coming from. Someone else touched on getting a brand of radio that is widely used at the club he wishes to join. The reason for this is so a buddy box can be used. A buddy box allows his radio to be connected to another radio via a patch cord, so if he gets in trouble the person he is buddied with can take control in an instant. As a last thought, will you just buy me an airplane, I won't ask you to marry me. PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE. Always happy to help if I can. Garry

MinnFlyer:

Nice photograph!

Pretty lady, beautiful airplane, and the pilot looks like a "real doll." heeheehee.


sblaze, if you go the kit route I would highly recommend the Great Planes PT40 MKII. A very good kit for a first time builder, it has very thorough instructions.

Fever

Sblaze, I think it's wonderful that you are so nice to your boyfriend, but... I cringe everytime I see a parent in the hobby shop buying a plane for their kid, and I think I would cringe if I saw you in the same situation. At least you're smart enough to ask questions here. There are a couple of really big questions that should be asked BEFORE you purchase an airplane:

1. WHERE is he going to fly? The size airplane most of the folks here are talking about you can't just fly in your backyard. You need to fly at a flying field, and in the Washington area that means you need to join the AMA ($50 a year) and a club (another $50 a year, usually (plus some have initiation fees)). And that investment is BEFORE you even know if you like flying (OK, some clubs will let you fly one time before joining).

2. WHO is going to teach you how to fly? This is no small question. Most clubs in the Washington area (I am a member of two in the Maryland area) have good flight instruction programs, but even so, they only run on certain days, they can be very popular, and as a result, you may learn much slower than you expect. It would be a good idea to research (go to an instruction day) BEFORE buying a plane.

All the other ideas here are good, I just think that too many people focus their research on the equipment (what is the best plane to buy?), and much too little on the social aspects (who do I need to know to fly?). Some people are naturals and learn very quickly, but for most people, learning to fly takes much longer than they expect.

Good luck!