I am a beginner. I have crashed my plane several times. i put it away a few years ago after hitting a telephone pole, but I got an urge to get it out again. I have if physicaly repaired, and the engine runs well. My question is: In order to simplify flying the thing, should I leave the ailerons in a fixed position and just use the rudder to fly? Is this a stupid idea, will it even work, is it easier than aileron flying, harder?? I dont have an extra servo (got lost in the shuffle) and I dont want to have to buy one if I dont have to. I am trying to just get this thing in the air and back down in one peice, and I dont THINK that I need the ailerons. The airplane is an OLD hobbico Flightstar 40.

thanks all in advance,
Marco Capote

I don't think you will simplify the situation by only using rudder. Models that are designed for rudder only, generally have enough dihedral in the wings to compensate for roll.
My advice is to set the plane up as it was intended to be set up (I'm guessing as a straight forward 4 channel trainer) The cost of an additional servo these days is minimal. My other advice is to go to your local flying club, have a qualified instructor go over your plane, then have him test fly it for you. Once all that checks out, I would then recommend joining that particular club, and have a qualified instructor teach you the basics of flying.
Trust me, in the long run, this is the best solution, in that you will more then likely learn to fly, with the least amount of damage to your plane.

Hope this helps

Ditto, buy an aileron servo. It should only cost you about $12. Then find a local club and ask someone to teach you how to fly.

For the most successs in this hobby the easiest route is to join a club and get training. If you are serious about learning to fly, then phone your hobby shop and ask them for the phone numbers of the nearest RC club. Flight training is usually free for joing the club and the club will probably have a nice safe flying area with good sized runways. You can proably get a few training flights in to see if you really like it before comitting to joining the club. You will be connected to a trainer box by a buddy cord so that the instructor can take over and save your plane when things get out of hand. Meeting other flyers is a big part of the hobby and half the fun. Trying to go it alone will most likely have your plane broken again in less than a minute wheather you have a 3 channel or 4 channel setup, won't make much of a difference. Bottom line here is "get some help or be prepared for repairs"!

My $.o2's,put the servo in for the ailerons.then take Fastsky's advice.With a good club,buddy box and instructor,there should be no wreaks,just keeps getting better.

sounds fair enough. I guess I 'll get the servo and restore full contol to the airplane. There are a few field people fly at here in town and my plan was to go there anyways. Thanks to all for the advice!!

Marco Capote