hey i was wondering if it were possible to learn rc on a fourstar 40? i will be using an instructor and will be powering it with a 60 sized four stroke engine. will i crash and burn or will i be successful. i have some experience with little electric foamies, so the basics of left and right, smooth controll inputs ect ect. i just want something that i can grow into and not grow out of.
any input would be great.
also, does anyone know where i can get a cowl or plans for a cowl? i plan to mount the engine on a 45 degree angle with a one piece motor mount

andrew, if you can fly the crap out of your foamie, and have an instructor, I don't see why you couldn't use a 4*40 for a trainer. I don't think a 4* is that big a step up from a trainer. Most people crash their trainer and a 4* would be a bigger loss financially if you can't re-build it. Same goes for a four stroke; more $ when you plant it.

the biggest differnce in a 4* and a trainer is the 4* won't return to straight and level flight without stick inputs. a trainer should return to level flight or almost level flight with no stick inputs barring wind of course.
If you have discussed using the 4* with your instructor and he doesn't mind go for it.
good luck

Fomies are not so easy to fly (in my opinion), In fact I think the fomies in some cases are more difficult than the 4* I say go for it.

thanx guys, i'll have to call my instructor. we'll have lots of time to discuss it b/c the club dont open til mid march

I went from a trainer to a Tiger 60, did it in a short period of time after solo'ing with the trainer. Later on, I picked up a 4*40.

Anyway, the first few flights with the Tiger 60 were under the supervision of an instructor but not on the buddy box. We both had the confidence (and kept the altitude at least 3 mistakes high ) that I would be able to land it after flying it. That worked out well.

As far as using a low-wing sports plane for a trainer, well, I see two concerns, one would be the issue of the self-righting after letting go of the sticks during a confusing part of the flight. If you buddy box with a qualified instructor, that should take care of that issue. The other one would be the faster (in some cases much faster) approaches and landings.

As I said, I have a 4*40. Bought it about 6 months after the Tiger 60. The engine of choice you are using may be a tad much for that plane initially. I had an OS 46 on mine at first and enjoyed flying it, or that is learning to fly it, then later on moved up to an OS 50, both two strokes. The difference was definitely noticeable.

Just learn some throttle control and make sure the CG is set perfectly and you should do alright, with an instructor, that is.

DS.

My first glow plane was a 4*60. I started out with electrics (100% self taught) then moved onto to faster electrics. I instructed a buddy on his glow trainer liked the power and speed so I jumped right into a 4*60 powered by a TT.91RFS swinging an APC 14x6 prop without an instructor. Even flew its maiden flight.

I'd say go for it. You'll be fine. Take is easy the first few flights until you get your feet wet. Good luck.