Hello, I was looking for suggesstions on what would be a good first plane. I really dont have anyone i know to help me in my area but if anyone in gilbert/pheonix area would love to help it would be great. I am actually an aerospace engineer student at ASU. I was wondering what you all would reccommend as a good beginner plane. As a college student i am obviously poor as hell so i do want to limit how much i spend on my first plane. I would love to learn on a glow plane but i doubt that is in my price range of about 200$ max if a glow 150 max if electric. I am pretty good with circuitry and do have some experience putting model rockets together from my past although it was a while ago i built them. I could probably build a ARF model myself if i had to but most of the ones i find need an expensive remote control. I am pretty good with electronics and eventually want to build a camera that sends a signal to an lcd screen so i can watch where i am flying and record it this is something else completely so i would like this to be a test plane for that once i get better at flying. I was also wondering about the building aspects of them. Why arent any of the planes built out of aluminum sheeting. I would think that would be one of the easiest materials to use that can stand a good beating granted you need some better tools then most people have lying around to get the angles and bends right. Anyways what do you all reccommend for a good trainer that is reasonably priced. I was actually looking at the http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h...rd_freedom.htm it has plenty of power and a xport spot means it was built to be able to handle a little extra weight so i can use that area for my camera circuitry when i built it.

Maethor, welcome. Most, myself included, will suggest starting with a 40 sized (uses a 0.40 cu.in engine or similar) trainer. This is generally considered the “standard” entry level airplane. I hear the poor college student part… been one myself, but it was quite awhile ago. The cold reality of the situation is that a “typically” beginner setup, when everything is included, plane, flight gear, tools, membership dues, etc., puts you in the $500 range on average.

However, it can be done cheaper, sometime a lot cheaper. I’d suggest something along the lines of this plane. It is RTF (Ready to fly.) Engine and radio is installed and setup. I think you tighten a screw, maybe put a piece of tape, charge up, fuel up and go – very quick and simple. It would also carry about any camera setup you could think of.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=7

It is $250 new. But you’d still need flight gear, club membership, etc., which will probably push you into the $400 range. My suggestion is to find the local clubs in your area, and talk to the members. Often many will have a complete used trainer system they will sell cheap or sometimes even give away. Also, most clubs run auctions where you can buy everything you need for pennies on the dollar. You can find a listing of AMA clubs at www.modelaircraft.org

The issue others and I will take with the firebird you mentioned is that it is more of a flying toy. They really don’t handle well in the air, can’t deal with anything more than a light breeze, they lack ailerons. $140 for the firebird vs $250 for the tower trainer… the tower trainer is 10 times the plane for less than double the cost.

Aluminum is generally not used for structure because of weight, and it is also overkill strength wise. Aluminum is much heavier than traditional model builds using balsa, foam, film coverings, etc. More durable, probably, but the durability comes at a huge weight penalty. The only aluminum found in planes is generally landing gear and engine bits. I have seen some honey comb aluminum plate used before, but it too is overkill. For super light weight application where strength is still needed, Nomex honeycomb is used, either faced with glass or carbon. But this type of material and build technique isn’t really a beginner item, not to mention the stuff costs an arm and a leg.

Welcome to the addiction... uh, I mean hobby!!!! John gave some great advice on getting started. You mentioned in your original post that you didn't know of anybody in the hobby to help you. Most new people that get started are in the same boat as you are when it comes to finding help. The AMA's club locater is a great tool for finding clubs in your area that can help you get started. I did a search on your zip code and came up with 9 clubs within 20 miles. You can see the results of the search here: [link]http://modelaircraft.org/ClubZipLocator.aspx?z=85233[/link] . Most clubs will have instructors that can train you to fly. Normally most clubs won't charge for training. And many clubs will set aside one or two evenings a week for instruction only, no other flying is allowed. Check around at the local clubs and find one that fits you (or more than one, you're not limited to just one club). Explain to the club that you are a student as some clubs will have reduced dues for students.

Hope this helps

Ken

While you are checking out the clubs, ask around about used planes. Sometimes people in the clubs want to get rid of their trainers ( I don't know why ) and will give a good deal, sometimes the instructors know of something. They also sometimes have a lot of the extras you will want.

In respect to your dream (?) about a camera with a down link. You may want to stick with glow/ gas for now, not many electrics can handle the extra weight needed for this and you don't need to have another learning curve. ENJOY !!! RED