okay....i need some help picking out what to get.

What is the best trainer plane to get under $400?
(i was looking at xtra easy or alpha trainer, but any other good ones?)

Ive never flown a plane before or anything like that, but would really love to get into it.


Now, if i were to get one and try to fly myself without help from a pro....would i be screwed? Or would it be possible for me to teach myself somehow.

I mean, i would like to teach myself if possible.....but i think i might be able to find a pro somewhere to help me if absolutly i should.

Any info before i get started would also be greatly appreciated.
thanks!

Unless you are lucky or rich, you should go with an instructor first. I recommend you go to the local field and see what the people are using for trainers, radios, and equipment. This will give you an idea what is out there, what works, and what to stay away from.

I was told to get the Sig Kadet LT-40....which I did. I got the ARF which i prolly shouldn't have done cause now it is just sitting here taunting me. Seeing as you are from Ohio you understand the crappy weather that is coming. Usually, from what i understand, clubs don't train in the winter so you're gonna have to wait, which sucks. If you got the sack, like HAK over there, you can take it up yourself but make sure you can afford to lose it. Get a Sim if ya really want to fly....it seems to be quenching my need to take my plane out.

Whatever ya do....good luck and have fun!!!

the Sig LT-40 hands down

is the Sig LT-40 a RTF plane?

im looking for a RTF only really so that i can concentrate on learning to fly. Maybe later ill try an ARF.

But anyways, so which plane should i start with? Is the alpha trainer the best trainer? or is it the Sig LT-40, or the xtra easy?

Remember, i dont really want to spend more then $400

Also, we have the WACO field here in my city along with the WACO museum (spelling?) here, and im sure there are guys i can find to hopefully teach me.

I might go down to the hobby shop where ill probably get the plain from and ask if he knows of anyone that is willing to help.

but anyways, i really appreciate the help so far.

one more question real quick, what does the Sig LT-40 price at? and does it come RTF with all the equipment needed to go like the Alpha Trainer and Xtra Easy?

the lt-40 is a ARF made by Sig. It would only be the plane, you would have to glue the wing 1/2 together along with mounting the fin, rudder, servos, motor, battery and all that goes along with that deal. depending on were you shop its range is as high as 134.00 its low i don't want to start a war...... some one like towerhobbies can discount this type of deal along with your local hobby shop.....most LHS will do price matching. but by your last comments this doesn't sound like it will be up your alley....

SocMan,
the Xtra Easy comes with a better radio (JR421EX) and the MDS .40 engine that has some detractors. The ones I have seen run well.

The Alpha comes with the basic JR Quattro and the engine is a new design about which I'm unfamiliar.

Of the two I would get the Extra Easy for the better radio. The 421EX allows electronic servo travel adjust, reversing, 3 model memory and other functions not found on the Quattro. Plus it's 5 channels vice four.

Please find an instructor or it won't matter which you buy Good Luck.

I live near Dayton and there are several good clubs around.

Are you sure you understand the difference between ARF, RTF, and a kit? RTF includes the radio gear installed, engine too.

For an ARF, you mostly have to install the radio and engine. Of course, a kit is a kit.

I put together my LT-40 ARF in a few weeks. Since its unlikely that it will either be warm enough (say above freezing) AND calm enough to fly here for several months, I wouldn't be too concerned with the time to complete an ARF.

Of the trainers I saw this year, I wasn't very impressed with the quality of the RTFs I saw (Aircore being one). All in all, the LT-40 seems to be the best built of any trainers I did see (Eagle II, Xtra Easy...)

Just my thoughts...

GB

where at by Dayton?

I live in Troy, which is just a few miles north or dayton.

Know of any clubs that are in Troy? I know there has to be some since WACO is here in town.

anyways, were you saying not to get the Xtra easy or that is was good? Because thats the plane im looking towards right now.

I think there is a club in Piqua. I live in Beavercreek, and have been flying on base since the Wright State Renegades lost their field.

There is a large club called the Wingmasters http://www.wingmasters.org/ they fly just south of I-70 and just off I-75.

I wasn't trying to comment on the Xtra Easy since I've only seen it at the LHS. What I was trying to say was that I think most ARFs may be a better value than RTFs since you can pick your own radio gear. Of course, they may cost a bit more.

A big consideration on the radio gear (which you may be locked in to with a RTF) is buddy box compatibility. So, most people will say to find a club then choose your stuff.

This link will help you find clubs. I see there is one in piqua. http://www.rcairport.com/clubs/index...on=choose_club

Get a kit. An RTF plane is just going to sit there all winter collecting dust. You could be enjoying the fun of building!

the reason im probably gonna go with a RTF is because i dont have the money to spend on getting a ARF.

like i said before, im only going to spend up to $400.

Cant spend more, cause im paying $15,000 a year for college right now

I started with the LT kit but I would not recommend it again for first timer unless you want experience with building instead of flying. My second plane was the Armidillo from Airplane Factory. It is nearly indestructable with Coroplast plastic wings and tail assembly and ready to fly in 3 or 4 hours and all parts except engine and electronics are included. You can upgrade to sport plane later by adding a cheap smaller wing.I love the LT and it does fly well but I have more time in building and fearing crashing than in flying.

I wouldn't buy anything right now if you're limiting yourself to an ARF or RTF. Winter is just about here, and you really won't get much effective instruction until it warms up. There's a good reason why the vast majority of us don't fly in the winter: it's hard on the fingers!

If you wait until March to buy something, you'll have a lot of time to do research and find what is really the best outfit for you. You'll get a feel for all the terminology. Also, prices tend to go down with time and new products are introduced. Seeing as you can't do much flying until spring, why not wait and use the time to learn some background?

I feel bad for some of you guys. It's gonna be right about 90 degrees today in sunny SoCal I'm gonna have to worry about sunburned fingers