Ok so I'm re-entering the hobby after a college hiatus. It's been 5-6 yrs since I've flown last but I'm hoping (praying) that it comes back to me quickly w/ some training again.


What would be a good ARF to get that is not a trainer??


I know I might be jinksing myself, but I really think I'll be able to pick it up quickly so I don't want to waste $$ on a trainer. With all of you guys's experience what ARF's would you recommend?


I'd like a scale or sport plane...one of the planes I like is the GP Lancair ES. Does anyone have any experience with it or can you make some suggestions?



PLEASE HELP

At what level were you flying before you took a break? If you were comfortable on lots of different planes, it should come back quickly.

Lou52onu,

I hate to say this mate but get a trainer even if it's only been 5-6 years its best to spend that extra $100 on a trainer than say $200+ on a nice scale only to lose it within 30 seconds of flight, don't rush yourself take your time you have many flying years ahead of you i know this is'nt what you wanted to hear for that im sorry.


Happy flying
Paul

After I trained on my Eagle 2 I had an ACE Bingo 40 and a Cherokee 40. I was a very competent flyer, but my worries are that it's been too long

The Sig 4 star might be a good choice. Can do aerobatics, but also floats and lands like a trainer.

I Agree The 4* Is A Great Flyer.I Have A Tiger 2 That I Have To Get The Winter jitters Out Of My Flying.A Great Ship On Dule Rates.Tame On Low Rates And A Fun Flyer On High Rates.
I Might Sugest A 6 Chanel Radio So You Can Use The Dule Rates.
Good Luck And Welcome Back

I too was going to suggest the SIG Four Star. Available in 40, 60 and 120 size.
If I where you I would also invest in a good simulator. Not only to get your thumbs back without worrying about crashing your real bird but also to practice whatever aerobatic maneuvers you want to learn.
If money is tight at least get a USB cable for your radio and download the free FMS simulator (not as good as other sims but better than nothing)

Perhaps my background will help. I took about 17 years off. When I started again, I used a fairly aerobatic, mid wing plane that I still had. It took 3 sessions at the field to get signed off. The only reason it took that long is I was having problems with the engine and it kept dead sticking. The first two times at the field we only got in a couple flights. The third time, with the third instructor, he told me to not play around in the sky, just get in the requirements so he could sign me off. We did all this without a buddy box and the instructors didn't need to "save" the plane during any of the flights.

So, if you can still visualize flying in your head, one of the commonly recommended second planes and an instructor with a buddy box should get you flying again in short order.

A couple of suggestions: The 4* and Tiger recommendations are good ones. I`d throw in an Avistar and a World Model T-34 as well. Yes, the Avistar is considered a " trainer " , but with a good 46 up front it would make a great reintroduction plane IMHO. PLENTY lively! The T-34 is also a trike gear, but a sweet flyer and a low wing.

Hi guys don,t know wether u can get seagull models over there but they do a nice semi scale arf of the australian aerobatic team pilatus pc9, a really good second model but it will also do the book. it will fly very slowly and is very stable.

another 4 star recommendation. I flew one to transition from trainer to low-wing and I loved it.

A World Models Mentor or WM Super Sports, or even a Rambler 45