My boyfriend has recently started taking flying lessons on the Cessna 172.

He's talked about RC cars that he's had when he was a kid, so I thought it would be fun to get him an RC plane that was similar to the plane he's learning on now. I've read through a few of these threads and a lot of RC model kit sites and I'm just really confused.

What I'd like to buy him is a RC model of the Cessna 172 or something pretty similar. Something that is really realistic and doesn't have anything fake that wouldn't be there on the real thing. Also something that will be on the easier side to put together. I don't think he can go to a special place or will have someone with him teaching him how to fly the RC plane.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Also, what do I need to buy that doesn't come in the kit?

Thanks,
Sabrina

Well, if you're serious, you're a very sweet girlfriend, indeed
I assure you though, with the parameters you specify, you would set him up for certain failure.

A scaled out Cessna isn't the best first airplane, for one.
Especially when a person isn't going to have access to experienced help.
"Flying" the full scale is easier than flying the models, though neither are that difficult.
It just that, like flying the full scale plane, he will require at least some instruction and help,
to become proficient with the models. A person can teach themselves, if they
have unlimited patience and money. The crashes are usually frequent and painful.

RC can be a bit more difficult, because the controls are reversed when flying toward you,
you're not IN the plane, so you lose the "seat of the pants" feeling, and you lack
an airspeed indicator, stall warning horn, and all other helpful full-scale amenities.
The trashcans are full of plane pieces, from full-scale pilots who tried it without anyone's help.

It would be far better if he were to get involved with a local club, and if he obtained
a "trainer" plane, at least until he becomes totally comfortable with RC flying.
There's no shame in that game! We didn't teach ourselves to read, either

Just my $.02.
Hope it helps!

Chris

Hello,
Excuse my poor english I am overseas modeler.
As first R/C airplane, I strongly suggest you a SIG Kadett LT40.
the plane exist in two version, build it yourself or almost ready to fly.
Its a very good trainer, one of the best on the market actualy

Sabrina,
Take Chris's advice and get your boyfriend a trainer to start off with. Also get him to go to the nearest club for some flying lessons. I have just started out and have crashed my plane twice because I do not have access to an instructor. Luckily for me the damage was fixable but it might not be next time.
Regards,

Troy.

Hi Sabrina, joining an RC club is the cheapest, safest route to learn to fly RC planes. Most RC clubs have training programs run by by qualified instructors which is free when you join the club. Most hobby stores that sell RC planes can tell you where the the clubs are and probably get you some contact phone numbers. I recently aquired a Cessna RC plane and it would not make a good trainer. Its fun to fly but its fast and very responsive and the landing speed is much faster than any trainer plane. I would instead suggest a plane from Sig called an LT40. It has precut interlocking pieces and very easy to follow instructions which makes it very easy to build. You can also get the almost ready to fly version which will save a few months of building time. The advantage of building it yourself is that you know how its put together. This makes repairs a lot less scary to attempt if repairs are needed. Best of luck.

Get the Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer at www.horizonhobby.com and type Alpha in the Porduct Search. The engine is broken in (ready to run) the radio is intalled, and everything is made for beginners. Then find an instructor at your local flying field, which you can find through either your local hobby shop or the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Or you can take the easy way and just get a simple electric park flyer. Hobby Lobby has some good, easy park fliers, such as Wingo, or you could get him the Graupner Mini Piper. www.hobby-lobby.com

It is just as important to have someone train him on RC as it is in the full scale. He wouldn't just climb in and fly it, why try on a model. You might consult him and see if it is something he is interested in so you don't waste a bunch of money. If he is actually interested in RC, get him a good trainer like the Eagle 63 or Sig LT-40 and get him a good club to fly with and instructor to help set him up right. There is a lot of time dedication to this hobby, if he isn't that interested, he will never build the plane and you will be out a lot of money. It is a great hobby though if he is really interested enough to spend a bunch of time with it.

seagull models has a cesna look- a- like trainer in 40size i have seen lots of them fly , ask webferret for seagull and see it. if you cant find mail us in israel and i forward you to our local importer

Thanks everyone for your help. So, I'm convinced now that I should definitely go with a trainer plane and just assume that if he really gets into it I'll get him more stuff in the future.

I'm still not sure, for this particular guy, if it would be better to get him a plane he can fly alone the first time( and maybe crash) or to take him to a club. I feel like I'd like to get him something that gives him the option.

Does this mean that it has to be a park flyer? Is that the only option? I'm still not so clear about all these terms.

Also, how do you find a club close to you? I tried a google search and came up with only broken links to a los angeles club.

Thanks,
Sabrina

Sabrina,

something to remember before you buy him a plane

This is for most of us serious addiction!!!!


I'd have you ask my wife and kids but I can't remember their names!!!



Seriously..
The idea of getting him a plane like the one he is learning to fly is a really nice jesture but take the trainer advice given by other I would hate to see your gift end up as toothpicks.


BTW you do realize that to get him everything here needs to be able to fly the model will cost you somewhere between 300-500 dollars?

Sabrina.

This link will take you to a list of Clubs in Calif. Find one close to you and take your boyfriend for a visit.

http://modelaircraft.org/templates/a...791D6B4B644DF4

Sabrina:
There are two trainers (tha tI know of) that come in White and Red trim colors simialr to that of a Cessna they are the
RCM Trainer
Thunder Tiger MKII trainer 40

you can buy them at www.towerhobbies.com or www.quantummodels.com

Tower hobbies have combos (which probalby will be easier for you as a first time buyer); the combo includes the radio, airplane and engine; as mentioned before Alpha Trainer at www.horizonhobby.com also is a combo

If you don't want to spoil the surprise check the various clubs in your area on-line and include a list with the gift so he can take your (your's and his') pick. Hey maybe you can get into the hobby too!!
BUt for starters please join a club .. it will make starting a lot easier.

Regards,
Patrick

Hi sabrina,
What a sweet heart! Your boyfriend is a fool if he ever lets you get away. :-)

I build cardboard airplanes that fly like the real thing. They are excellent to start on and also to continue to learn more advanced maneuvers. Which he will undoubtedly want to do if he gets involved with this hobby. Although these planes will survive a minor crash I still don't suggest your boyfriend try it alone ... it's just not fun.

I have an aol webpage if you or your friend is interested in seeing these planes.

Ace

Well, I finally broke the Christmas surprise and told him about the RC plane.
It was too agonizing trying to figure out the relative value of easiness to fly or fun to build.

But now we're having fun looking together. Thanks for all the info.
It's pretty fun checking all this stuff out.

Sabrina

What he said !!!!!! - It is the way to go. We have helicopter and regular pilots in our club and they all agree that on a certain level the real thing is easier.

Dear Sabrina, it is very generous of you to accept the possibility that your man may want to spend considerble time, money and interest on something other than yourself. We in the modeling community will welcome our new brother with open arms...perhaps you could even see him now & then down at the field or mayby in the workshop where his new love will be absorbing all of his attention.

P.S. (Do you have a sister?)

Something tells me Sabrina is going to want to fly it after her man becomes the next Chuck Yager. I think were looking at two hooked on the hobby.
Ace

one more thing! Don't forget about learning on a simulator also.

here is a link to a real good sim:

http://www.towerhobbies.com/products.../gpmz4203.html

they are very realistic and can give a lot of help getting used to controls and what they do with your plane. This is a very helpful tool when learning to fly.

C_Watkins said it all.

Dear Sabrina,
I love you. Will you marry me?......... O well Ill try to help then.
The above mentioned simulator idea is without dout the best idea for new modelers. You can pick up a Real Flight lite version for $129, later you can get fancy add ons.
Even with a sim., DONT go it alone, modelers are the greatest most helpfull people in the world, find them, youll like them.
The only other option would be to get a park flyer to go it alone and that would be no fun at all, wont even remotely compare to the experience of model aircraft flying.
The LT40 really is a great machine to learn to fly with.
Eveyone has different opinions about how to get started, myself, Im an advocate of building the 1st plane, its designed to be easy, terms used only in regards to aircraft are expained and detailed with trainer kits, the next plane built wont likely be as detailed in instruction.
When he has misshaps, hell be well equipt with knowledge and tools to get flying again without having to send his plane home with someone else.
I built my 1st plane, learned to fly on a buddy cord without major incidence. I never broke anything I wasnt able to fix on the tailgate of my truck and fly again the same day.
I wish you the best, let us know how your endeavor goes.
Good luck and have fun!!!!!!

hey flap---she's taken! She does have an available sister, though.... :thumbup:

Thanks for all the advice--I think we'll get involved with a club and stick with something nice and slow to start out with. See you all out there,
Keith

The Alpha trainer system rocks. And by the time you both become familiar with this plane you will be ready to move on toward the goal of flying scale. The G2 Real Flight sim is super, and is a great tool to sharpen your stick skills. But get some help as has been advised. It can mean the difference between success or failure in this hobby.

Sister????