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Old 02-06-2006 | 01:15 AM
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Default New to flight, looking for advice

Hello, I recently (actually this evening) started having heavy interest in rc airplanes. I've been into rc cars years ago, I had an HPI sport so I'm somewhat familar with servos and electric motors. However I have little experience with rc planes. I've flown simulators for the PC a lot when I was younger but never flown an rc.
After reading several posts, I realize it would be a good idea to get an instructer. Where would I have to go for a good one? I'm currently in York PA for college and I do not know where they would be and where I could fly the model once I get it. Also looking to purchase a very simple and inexpensive trainer like this one http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE615&P=0 what else would I need to go with the kit? Thank you for your time.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:25 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

YORK AREA RC CLUB & STOVERSTOWN FLIERS are two clubs there. To find an instructor try the here @ RC Universe. Go to RC Community @ the top of the page, then RC Locater Tools, Then click on what you want to find. If that doesn't help find one of the two clubs that I put at the beginning of this post and see if there is someone there that would be able to help you.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:28 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Thanks, that helps out a lot. Any advice for a first plane I should purchase? I know I tend to want to have a plane that can eventually go into moderately fast speeds to me, above 30-40 MPH, however I know this isn't like an RC car where you can just buy a motor with a smaller turn. Also what would the aprox. cost be for a kit like the one above with all the added things I need?
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:30 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

it says what you need


Radio: 2-Channel w/2-Standard Servos
Engine: .049 Reed Valve Engine
Covering: One to Two 6 Foot Rolls
Misc. Items: Engine Mount, Prop, Foam Rubber, Two 1-1/2" Wheels,
Rubber Bands, Building and Field Equipment.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:31 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

by the way that would be alot of work
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:32 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

I see the one that you have a link to is a kit and was just wondering if you wanted to build a plane or get an ARF that has the building part already done for you?
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:35 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

So that would probably be atleast another 150+ dollars correct? also would it be a lot more work than as if building an RS4 Sport? And to the last post, I am planning to build my own because I realized it helps me understand my vechicle more when I use it or maintain it.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:40 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Welcome to the end of 'Free Time' and 'Disposable Income' as you currently know them.

I think it's great that you are starting with a kit for your first AC. I do, however, recommend that you consider a 4-channel model to learn on.

(One channel controls the rudder and ground steering (nose or tailwheel), one controls the ailerons, another controls the elevator and one more for throttle.)

You can have plenty of fun with a 2 channel rig, but if you want to get into flying glow planes and develop the skills necessary for scale etc., start with something a bit more like a standard trainer. Kits for these are very reasonable.

You will need a computer radio, (there are several below $200), at least 4 servos, (can be had for 10-12$ each), a glow igniter, (about 15$), Fuel, (as low as 12$ per gallon), and a fuel pump , (around 10$).

Everything else can be purchased later. ( you can make your own chicken-stick, use a crate for a field box and hold onto your cash until you find out what you like).

Some RC clubs will have a trainer you can start learning on. The most important thing is to get an instructor or experienced flyer to help you.

Find a club in your local area and talk to an instructor before you buy anything. http://www.modelaircraft.org

HAVE FUN!!
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:43 AM
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From: Blair, WI
Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Well, other than what it says you'll need you also have to get a sealing iron, a trim iron, a heat gun, a dremmel is always nice and helps a lot, a lot of CA glue, and a starter or at least a chicken stick. That's what I can think of off the top of my head.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:46 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Wow. What exactly are those? Do you think it would be cheaper to get a plane ready to fly then? Considering I have a tight budget.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:48 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Anyone else feel free to correct me but if using an instructor you could use the plane I started on. I used the Hobbico Avistar. You can purchase through the same website you were looking at for $280.00 in RTF form or $99.00 as an ARF and an ARF isn't as time consuming or expensive as a kit build, but it still lets you get the hands on finishing that it seems you're looking for.
Old 02-06-2006 | 01:56 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

I checked out the RTF kit, I think that'd be best for now. It's pretty obvious that planes are harder to build than cars and I think getting the necessary equipment to put it together is pricey. Plus $280 is a bit pricey for a full time student. I guess anything cheaper though isn't really worth it is it?
Old 02-06-2006 | 02:13 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

yup, it's a lot for a college student...been there.

The club may have a plane you can learn on while you work a few extra hours to get the RTF package put together. Building a kit is expensive if you don't have any of the equipment or supplies.

Check with your school too. Some universities have an aeronautical engineering department which may have labs for kit-building and sometimes they have agreements with local flying clubs as well. USE OUR TAX DOLLARS!!! ...to your advantage. My school had all of the above, but I never took advantage of it....darn it!

Learn now and you can have many enjoyable years of flying. I waited and wish I had done it sooner.



Old 02-06-2006 | 02:19 AM
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From: Lansdale, York (college), PA
Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Sounds very good. Looks like I'll check out what my school has to offer tomorrow and then see what I can do with the club near me on Tuesday. I'm thinking about checking out YARCC in York PA. See if they can let me get some flight time before I decide to get my own. If anyone has any experience with them, any advice or tips would be appreciated. Thank you everyone for your replies and tips.
Old 02-06-2006 | 05:25 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

i agree start with a 4 channel learn to fly correctly with all the basic throws that control all aircraft
good luck
Old 02-06-2006 | 03:16 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0

This isn't a whole lot cheaper, but it is a little less. This is still a perfectly good & capable Trainer to learn on & is the least expensive RTF on the market that I am aware of. Along with being the least expensive Tower allmost allways has some deals going on that bring the price down even more. Currently they are emailing me daily with $30 off any order of $199 or more, & they allways have some discounts going on. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Old 02-06-2006 | 03:24 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

ORIGINAL: [email protected]

YORK AREA RC CLUB & STOVERSTOWN FLIERS are two clubs there. To find an instructor try the here @ RC Universe. Go to RC Community @ the top of the page, then RC Locater Tools, Then click on what you want to find. If that doesn't help find one of the two clubs that I put at the beginning of this post and see if there is someone there that would be able to help you.

York Area is about 150 miles for him. He lives roughly 30 miles north of Philadelphia. The one that comes to mind is in King of Prussia at the park. For the life of me I cannot remember the name though

You can also go to the following link and put in your zip code and get clubs much closer to you.

http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx

Also track down a local hobby shop (LHS). They are usually good sources of info for local clubs that may not be listed on the AMA and RCU sites

Actually a quick check on the RCU search shows 4 clubs within 20 miles or so of Lansdale, 3 of them multi interest

http://www.rcuniverse.com/clubs/index.cfm

KEYSTONE R/C CLUB - Radio Control - All Aircraft
PHILLY FLIERS MAC - Control Line Flight
PITCAIRN RC FLYERS - Multi Interest Club
WARMINSTER-GLENSIDE RC CLUB INC - Multi Interest Club
Old 02-06-2006 | 10:22 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Right however I'm in york for college Also, what are your opinions on foam planes? I was looking into those and they seem pretty nice. I sort of favor military jets and I think it'd be awesome to fly a scale version of it like [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUT4&P=0]this[/link] It got pretty good reviews on here and towerhobbies' site. The video shows that it flies pretty well too. Finally, would a plane like [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/kitprofile.cfm?kit_id=2955]this[/link] also be a good idea for a beginner? I have some experience putting together motors, servos, and ESC on RC cars but I don't know how much of a factor itll be with this.
Old 02-06-2006 | 10:36 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Get a standard trainer, like an avistar or Nexstar. Even better, a SIG LT-40 kit to build while you save for radio gear. (Sig makes excellent ARF's too). Most instructors will likely refuse to, or very reluctantly agree to teach you on something like that.

You will appreciate it a lot more and get a lot more from it, if you learn the basics first, on a basic plane.

Just my opinion, but you would be amazed at what you can do with a trainer.
Old 02-07-2006 | 10:10 AM
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From: BinangonanRizal, PHILIPPINES
Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Hi Breakaz54z, I'm not an expert on r/c airplanes and helicopters when it comes to flying but I've built and flown a few. Honestly I've crashed a couple of planes because I thought I don't need an instructor. You need some one to guide you in the initial phase of flying but once you've learned take-offs and landings, the rest is easy. I have a site which might be helpful. Just follow this link: http://www.rcaeronautics4dodos.filip...rianrecipe.com
Old 02-07-2006 | 10:31 AM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

ORIGINAL: Breakaz54z

Right however I'm in york for college Also, what are your opinions on foam planes? I was looking into those and they seem pretty nice. I sort of favor military jets and I think it'd be awesome to fly a scale version of it like [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUT4&P=0]this[/link] It got pretty good reviews on here and towerhobbies' site. The video shows that it flies pretty well too. Finally, would a plane like [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/kitprofile.cfm?kit_id=2955]this[/link] also be a good idea for a beginner? I have some experience putting together motors, servos, and ESC on RC cars but I don't know how much of a factor itll be with this.
Your car experience wil carry over but not all of it. Orientation will be easier but now you have a 3RD dimension added and that is up and down. I would hold off on the Jet for now.

I must have missed when you mentioned you are in York, sorry. There are several in that area and if you want you can fly as my guest up here in Middletown which is roughly 35 miles north. I'd be happy to let you buddy box my 4*60 and get in a few flights.

That way you can get a feel for a light low wing plane that most consider to be a great 2nd plane but I have trained quite a few people from the start on it that have prior R/C experience like running cars. They usually pick up on this plane pretty quickly for basic stuff and the 4* will do most anything else you want short of 3D. BUT, I would not try it without someone letting you give it a shot first.
Old 02-07-2006 | 01:52 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

insted of buying that, wait till march and goto the lebanon fair grounds i think its the 12th, and find a good used trainer.
its a much cheaper way to get into the hobby.
ORIGINAL: Breakaz54z

Hello, I recently (actually this evening) started having heavy interest in rc airplanes. I've been into rc cars years ago, I had an HPI sport so I'm somewhat familar with servos and electric motors. However I have little experience with rc planes. I've flown simulators for the PC a lot when I was younger but never flown an rc.
After reading several posts, I realize it would be a good idea to get an instructer. Where would I have to go for a good one? I'm currently in York PA for college and I do not know where they would be and where I could fly the model once I get it. Also looking to purchase a very simple and inexpensive trainer like this one http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE615&P=0 what else would I need to go with the kit? Thank you for your time.
Old 02-07-2006 | 01:56 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

or if he isnt in a hurry, on May 20th we're having an RC awareness day at our field. Anyone who wants to try flying RC planes is more then welcome to come and fly all they want to. We'lll have 5 trainors flying pretty much the whole day.
ORIGINAL: bubbagates

ORIGINAL: Breakaz54z

Right however I'm in york for college Also, what are your opinions on foam planes? I was looking into those and they seem pretty nice. I sort of favor military jets and I think it'd be awesome to fly a scale version of it like [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJUT4&P=0]this[/link] It got pretty good reviews on here and towerhobbies' site. The video shows that it flies pretty well too. Finally, would a plane like [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/kitprofile.cfm?kit_id=2955]this[/link] also be a good idea for a beginner? I have some experience putting together motors, servos, and ESC on RC cars but I don't know how much of a factor itll be with this.
Your car experience wil carry over but not all of it. Orientation will be easier but now you have a 3RD dimension added and that is up and down. I would hold off on the Jet for now.

I must have missed when you mentioned you are in York, sorry. There are several in that area and if you want you can fly as my guest up here in Middletown which is roughly 35 miles north. I'd be happy to let you buddy box my 4*60 and get in a few flights.

That way you can get a feel for a light low wing plane that most consider to be a great 2nd plane but I have trained quite a few people from the start on it that have prior R/C experience like running cars. They usually pick up on this plane pretty quickly for basic stuff and the 4* will do most anything else you want short of 3D. BUT, I would not try it without someone letting you give it a shot first.
Old 02-07-2006 | 02:18 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

Lebanon would be a good choice also. You just have to be there about 1 hour early and you will still be in a very long line.

Where in Mifflintown are you guys at? I'd be more than happy to help out and bring the 4* and a bigger plane for show and tell.

We do something similiar at our club. We hold events for local speical needs children where we get them on buddy boxes and you would be surprised how well some of them fly. Here is a video of one that I did not train but took him "up the ladder" This kid can fly the snot out of my 4* as you will see.

He does have to remain on the box as he has limited head movement and occasionally he lets the plane get to far to his left but you mostly get a sore thumb from holding the switch for 4 or 5 10 minute flights. This plane can stay up allot longer than that but he gets a little tired after 10 minutes and you can see it in his flying

http://www.hiddenhangarrc.com/video/...xpert_test.wmv

The plane is a 4*60 with an O.S. 91 FS-II turning an APC15X6 prop. Most flying is done at half throttle and if you do nothing but touch and goes 25 minute flights are normal. 15 minutes if you wring it out. The engine has well over 400 flights on it and is currently out for a rebuild but you can bet it will be back in this plane by the time warmer weather hits
Old 02-07-2006 | 02:25 PM
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Default RE: New to flight, looking for advice

We fly at the Mifflintown air port every sunday. (actually we havent missed but maybe 2-3 weeks this winter)
Take 322 west and get off at the arche rock exit. Make a left at the stop sign. at the next stop make a left, and then make the first left. it will go past the state police barics and into a development, you'll see the air port on the right.

anyone is welcome to come up on sundays and ask to fly, we're more then happy to put people on the buddy box and left then try. In may though, thats all we'll be doing is having new people fly for the most part. ( you know the people there with planes will want to fly as well ). So everyones welcome to come up that day, or any other for that matter, we like to see new faces as much as possible. We have 2 RC awareness days over the summer, the 2nd one is in july i think. If you want anymore info on it feel free to ask!
ORIGINAL: bubbagates

Lebanon would be a good choice also. You just have to be there about 1 hour early and you will still be in a very long line.

Where in Mifflintown are you guys at? I'd be more than happy to help out and bring the 4* and a bigger plane for show and tell.

We do something similiar at our club. We hold events for local speical needs children where we get them on buddy boxes and you would be surprised how well some of them fly. Here is a video of one that I did not train but took him "up the ladder" This kid can fly the snot out of my 4* as you will see.

He does have to remain on the box as he has limited head movement and occasionally he lets the plane get to far to his left but you mostly get a sore thumb from holding the switch for 4 or 5 10 minute flights. This plane can stay up allot longer than that but he gets a little tired after 10 minutes and you can see it in his flying

http://www.hiddenhangarrc.com/video/...xpert_test.wmv

The plane is a 4*60 with an O.S. 91 FS-II turning an APC15X6 prop. Most flying is done at half throttle and if you do nothing but touch and goes 25 minute flights are normal. 15 minutes if you wring it out. The engine has well over 400 flights on it and is currently out for a rebuild but you can bet it will be back in this plane by the time warmer weather hits

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