After a lot of research and searching I purchased a Hanger 9 Xtra Easy for my son who wants to learn to fly. It seems like a great plane with some nice features for a trainer.

So, we have it all put together, joined the AMA and our local club, and are waiting for warmer weather to get started with lessons.

I read alot about adjusting the trim throws, etc on the plane. I adjusted the everything visually so that, when the radio is turned on and the radio trims are zero all the flaps are level. Is there anything else that needs adjusted pre-flight? The JR XRF421EX radio comes with all kinds of possible adjustments, but I am honestly a little confused about what should be changed, if anything, before the first flight.

Thanks ahead for the help!

Other than checking the other surfaces to ensure they are level, you will want to check the direction of the controls. Your instruction manual should show the correct directions of travel. Other items to accomplish are balancing the aircraft, ensuring you have a full range of throttle travel and can completely close the carb barrel with the throttle stick all the way down and trim all the way down. Tug on the controls to make sure the hinges aren't weak, and also make sure the nosewheel turns the same direction as the rudder. Before you fly it you should have an instructor check over the plane, so don't worry if you feel that you are missing anything.

Test flight of model can be done by instructor . Trims can be set in flight. Do not hold instructor liable for any damage that may accure but may save a lot of time down the road. Make sure to do previous posts.

Hopefully this snow will thaw out and the weather will warm up so we can fly. When you go to the field for the first time the instructor will go over everything for you and make any changes that are needed before the plane ever leaves the ground. Make sure both your transmitter and reciever batteries are fully charged and enjoy. I hope you and your son find this hobby as rewarding as I do.

The H9XE is a good plane to learn on I had two of them still have one. It will teach you to fly but it does have a problem with the wing saddle I believe, will need some down elevator to trim it out but don't worry your instructor will handle this. Just a thought the MDS40 is a Little fussy and will work but a OS46 will work better and you will need it down the road anyway....GOD SPEED

The Xtra Easy was one of the planes i was looking at, please tell me how it flies! If it is underpowered, does anyone know how hard it is to replace the included engine with a .46 sized one?

The H9XE flys... The motor mount will take the OS46 with no problems.. You don't have to change, but Like i said It's what i did, the 46 is a sweet engine and will work but not necessary! But if you have a club make sure someone can buddy box you with the JR radio..

I'm on the west side, Galloway, respond if you would like some help looking over the ship....

Thanks, all, for the help! I will wait to do any more adjustments until the first time out to the field with an instructor.

Not too worried about the engine being undersized. There is a pretty good review out there on the web, can't remember exactly where, but it did not say anything about being underpowered. Since it is a RTF plane, it does not really matter anyway, what is installed is what you get. I would rather not spend more money on another engine right now. Pygmy, I will let you know although it may be a few weeks before we are flying. Flybuy, where is the "wing saddle"? Just curious, I understand your comment about adjusting trim to compensate, but I am not familiar with the term "wing saddle".

Thanks, Kevlar! I am up in Westerville, and will be flying with the club that meets up at Alum Creek (Westerville Model Aeronautics Association). That is where I hope to find an instructor. Do you ever get up there?

I just discovered that the JR radio is only compatible with other JR boxes for training. On balance, I hope that the benefits of a computer radio was worth it, and that there is a compatable box at the field. If not, I will just have to buy a compatable buddy box.

In the mean time I am building a field box, getting my fueling and starting accesories together, and talking with my very excited son about when he can start flying. Looking forward to starting soon!

Thanks again!

My father-in-law had an xtra easy. The engine is fine for it. He crashed it (instructor wasn't paying attention on a windy day) and now has an Sig Kadet LT-40. He says the LT-40 is quite a bit easier to fly.

The term "Wing Saddle" refers to the area of the fusalage where the wing sits.

Thanks, MinnFlyer!