It's plain and simple, could I learn to fly on the typhoon? I don't have access to an instructor, and want to learn on my own. Good plane? I hear the parts are cheap, so if misfortune comes about, It won't be too expensive. So, go idea?

yes i have one

This probably isn't what you want to hear, but maybe it's what you do need to hear. Considering your choice of airplane and you attitude towards seeking instruction into flying I would say that your chances of succeeding are very very small. If you are going to try to learn to fly without an instructor then you should at least get an airplane that will lend itself to that goal. They Typhoon isn't that plane.

Ken

RCKen,

I have to agree with you. While it is not impossible, it will be very difficult to learn RC flying on a Typhoon without an instructor. zildjian1992, there are so many good RTF packages out there that are designed for this purpose that it seems ill advised to try and bypass them to go to an advanced aerobatics/3D plane as a self trainer.

If you want examples of good self trainers in electric, I can give you a good list. Even then, I would hope you could find someone who knows something about flying. Even a little coaching can make a world of difference.

I don't normally suggest self training on glow planes but others who know glow better than I can comment further on that.

You've probably read some of my threads about the Typhoon as my first plane. The plane is good and yes parts are cheap, but I'll admit that without also having a flight simulator (G3 in my case) it will be extremely difficult to learn with because everything happens so fast.

When I bought this as my first plane I was clueless and didn't even know there were local clubs, so I wasn't being rebellious just a little ignorant. I learned real quick after my first couple flight/crashes that I needed some help and went to the simulator for that help. Once I spent a few weeks on it, then my time between crashes drastically decreased.

Ken and the other guys have your best interest at heart and don't want you to get discouraged and quit this great hobby before you get started and I'm the same way. Check around for a local club and go pay them a visit. My club has several club trainers that new students can fly for free. If you can find a club like this you can get a lot of stick time on a trianer and learn the basics before you move up to the typhoon.

Either way, good luck and make sure you get some "foam safe" CA, you'll need it.

Tony

I have beeen practicing on a flight sim for a couple weeks now, and will propbably continue to do so. And I guess maybe I'm being a bit stubborn about all this, I may look into the Slo-V, or something like that.

Where are you in MI, I can just about bet you DO have access to an instructor if you would like one.....

If you would like to see if there are clubs in your area, visit
this link. Remember that the address shown for the club is usually NOT the
flying field, but a member's house. In the case of our club, they are
probably 20 mile apart.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmain.asp
For other countries, use this link:
http://www.fai.org/fai_members/addresses.asp

You have to contact them to ask where the field is located.

Do this even if you are not going to join the club. If you are close enough
to the club field, you could run into radio interference from the club field
which could result in the crashing of your plane, or the crashing of one of
theirs

well Exeter, It's not that I don't have a access toa club it's just that I have a tendency to be very stubborn and like being independent. And, I'm only 15, so i can't drive myself anywhere.

SPACE

How much space do you have for flying? If you have totally clear space of
at least 600'X600', about 9 square acres, approx 4 square
football/soccer fields, then I can recommend one class of plane. Call this
class 1 - CL1

If your space is more like 200X200 (one square acre) then a different plane
is in order. Call this class 2 - CL2 If it is less than that, different again.
This we will call this class 3 - CL3

These are my own designations and are based on my subjective ranking of the
space a new flyer should have when learning on his own. An experienced
flyer can fly faster planes in smaller spaces, but a new flyer wants to have
more
space so you are not in a constant state of panic trying to turn. Now, you
can get above the edges of the field and expand your space, but if you lose
control, you drop in woods, on top of kids or smash someone's
windshield. If that windshield is in a car is traveling down a road when
you hit the windshield, you could cause an accident or worse.

So much for space. You get the idea.

I don't recommend pretty planes as first planes. They are too easy to
break, too hard to fix and look bad in short order. Make one of those
your second or third plane.

I don't recommend two channel R/T electrics, so you won't find any on
the list. If you want one of these, I would suggest the Firebird series
from HobbyZone. They can be very easy to fly and can be a lot of fun, but they
can also be very easy to lose. You should plan to fly them in dead calm air
when you are first starting.

I feel a high wing three channel R/E/T plane is your best choice for a first
plane if you plan on teaching yourself. These use
the same control inputs as more advanced planes and can be flown in
more wind once you have mastered them in calm conditions.

Below I list electric planes for beginners. If you are looking for your first
plane, you should find something here to peak your interest.

If you are totally new to RC Flying, this article may be helpful.


Six Keys to Success for new e-flyers
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355208


READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box
These also glide well so you can thermal soar
with them under the right conditions.


Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 - Class 2/3
I have flown the slo-V. My RTF of choice for small spaces.
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/tm.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://users.cwnet.com/dhsc19/Slo_V_Aerobatics.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8

T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $150-170 Class 1
I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Comes with extra wing, tail and battery
Flies well and stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.toytx.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html

Easy Star - RTF - $170 Class 1
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Believe this goes easily back in the box to keep in the car
Super tough foam. Comes with 72 MHz radio in the US.
Good parkflyer and a good glider
Radio in RTF package can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Add Ailerons - Start at post 195
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&page=13&pp=15
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...5&goto=newpost

Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $110 - Class 1
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 600 flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane. Flies well and stands up to hard
landings.

Their add on fun accessories for night flying, air to air combat and drop
module add to the fun! Great keep in the car plane - take off the wing and
it goes
back in the box fully assembled. Most can't do that!
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h...challenger.htm
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/a...nger_loops.wmv

Hobbico Sky Fly - $100 Class 1
I have flown this one personally. About the best landing gear and ground
handling of the planes I list here
NOTE: Radio range is only 500 feet. This is adequate if you are careful
but about 1/4 of the range of the others listed here.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV7&P=ML
Video
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/hc...961-deluxe.mpg
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489248
Discussion thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...t=493271&pp=15
Recommended wing reinforcement by mdp17681
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...8&postcount=16


ESSENTIAL ADD-ONS AN POINTS TO CONSIDER

When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.

For the Aerobird and the Sky Fly
2 Spare wings ($25) and 1-2 battery packs ($20-$30 each)

The T-Hawk comes with spare wing, tail and two battery packs,
so factor that into the price and you will see it is closer in price
than it first appears. You might wish to add a 3rd battery pack.

For the Slo-V, two extra props and 1 gearbox seem to come in handy
as this is a front motor plane and these parts really take the damage
of nose in crashes. Don't know about other parts. The others are
pushers so props are less at risk. Add that extra 1-2 battery packs.

The Easy Star really does not need a spare wing or tail. The wing is
very tough and very repairable. The Easy Star is a little heavier than
the others, so add-on battery packs should be 7 cell 900 MAh or higher
2/3 or 4/5A packs, if you are using the RTF charger. The Aerobird 7
cell, or the parkzone 7 cell packs will work if you don't mind changing
connectors. The Easy Star RTF stock 6 cell is OK in calmer conditions
but get 7 add-ons. Figure at least 1 added battery pack at $25 each.

If you have an 8 cell charger you can go to 8 cells on the Easy Star, but
no more or you will burn up the motor. Be sure to check the balance with
the different battery packs.

The Easy Star and the T-Hawk are a little more versatile than the others
because they use standard electronics. Makes it easy to replace parts or
to upgrade the motor at a future date, if you wish.

Well...that is completely different... in your first post you said you do not have access.......

You're too stubborn to have somebody teach you to fly, but you not stubborn enough to listen to our advice??

There isn't anything wrong with having somebody teach you to fly, it's probably the quickest and easiest way to learn to fly. Yes, it's true that some people are able to teach themselves to fly but those people are rare (around 1 in a thousand or so). And I can assure you that those who do teach themselves to fly don't usually do it without damaging or destroying at least one plane. We have somebody at our field now in a similar situation. He doesn't want to learn to fly on a "trainer" airplane because he doesn't want to look like a beginner. So far this summer he's destroyed 4 planes trying to learn and still isn't anywhere close to being able to solo yet.

As I said above, I'm not sure that you want to take our advice here. After reading this thread, and they other thread you have similar to this one ( [link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4536002[/link] ), I have a feeling that you have already decided what you want to do and you are simply asking these questions so you can find somebody to agree with your decision. If this is not the case then I will apologize and tell you that everybody here in the Beginner's Forum (myself included) will do what we can to help you learn to fly. But if this is the case I can assure you that you're going to find help here to be very scarce indeed.

The above statement may be a bit harsh and I am sorry if it does upset you, but I am trying to make a point. Many people who want to "teach themselves" to fly just don't realize how dangerous this can be. I'm not referring to damaging the plane, but rather I am referring to damaging property or even worse injuring or killing another person. While it's true that these are "toys", they are very dangerous toys that are capable of inflicting severe damage to a person..... or even killing them. Recently the AMA's insurance payed out a claim to someone injured by a RC airplane that was well over a million dollars, and that was after the person's home owner's insurance payed out on the claim. I don't know of too many RC pilots that have a spare million laying around. It's quite possible that when you try to teach yourself you can loose control of your airplane and hit somebody with it, putting you in a position to be liable for all injuries to that person. If for nothing else you may want to get in contact with a club to learn to fly just to avoid this very situation.

Ken

I have plenty of room where I fly, It's atleast 4 1/2 soccor fields long, and 3 wide. And, there's a sidewalk running right through the middle for take off's.

For a glow powered airplane that is not "plenty" of room. A glow powered airplane can travel the distance of 4 soccer fields in several seconds. Even a trainer plane can fly 40-50 mph. A soccer field is normally 120 yards long. 4 soccer fields is 480 years which converts to .27 miles. At 50 mph it doesn't take very long to cover a quater of a mile.

Ken

What is your total budget for your first plane, radio, and all that you need to get in the air. You were looking at the Typhoon, so I presume it was at least $250, and closer to $300.

Confirmed?

Does it have to be RTF?

Will you do some assembly and install the electronics?

Are you interested in kits?

Do you have any flying experience?

If you just want to get your feet wet, real cheap, check out the air hogs aeroace. People are raving about this $30 two channel plane. It is not, what I would call a trainer. More of a fun toy, but a lot of experienced pilots are buying them.


Here are some, RTF packages for you to consider. I don't normaly recommend these as first planes but many people have self taught on them. They are not as stable as the ones above but better able to handle the new flyer, self trining crash alot than the Typhoon, which is CLEARLY not intended for new flyers. These are about as advanced as I would push for a self trianer, and since they are made of foam and plastic, they can stand up to some serious abuse and still be quicly fixed and put back in the air.

I still recommend you start with one of the planes above, but if your stubborn streak demands something a bit more lively then look here.


F27-Stryker B - RTF - $170
(Not the Stryker C)

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdId=PKZ1200
Discussion
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233
Video
http://rc-galaxy.com/Video/F-27_Stry...ris_7-9-04.wmv
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...240x180_nb.wmv
http://www.break.com/index/planenuts9.html
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=392


Multiplex Space Scooter - RTF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV5&P=7
ARF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV4&P=7
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=548
Video
http://www.bungymania.com/videos/fil..._sun_stunt.wmv
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi...aceScooter.wmv
Brushless - 2 cell Lipo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MnPuV8Zlhc

Multiplex Magister - RTF - $299
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGZV3&P=ML
This plane is much larger than the others
Close to a .40 glow trainer in size
Reviews
http://www.smoothair.ca/reviews/Magister/magister.htm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=519
Going busheless
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=621
Discussion
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309397
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=248624
Touch and Gos
http://www.plawner.org/video/magister_touchngoes.wmv
Video - Take off from grass - standard motor/battery
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi.../magister1.wmv
Towing up a glider
http://plawner.org/video/Magister_easy.wmv
Video - This is not with the standard motor
this plane has an upgraded brushless motor
http://plawner.org/video/magister_te...ister_test.wmv

BeginAir - RTF or Receiver ready
RTF - $180
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/begin-air.html
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=443
video
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi...3/BeginAir.wmv
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445663

Cesna 182 - 4 Channel RTF - $180
http://www.ewebcart.com/cgi-bin/cart...=1&item_id=144
Includes 72 MHz radio and wall charger.
Sku# 4303 $179.99 4 Channel with 72 MHz Radio
(Intermediate Level Recommended)
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/cessna_long_movie.html

Hey, I'm 15 also. I now fly glow models, but I first started flying on my own when I was about 12. My first plane that I attempted to fly myself without any training was the T-Hawk from [link]http://www.readytoflyfun.com[/link] Even with a simple plane like this, on the first flight I ended up planting it on someones roof. This plane is awsome and has survived many many crashes. This plane isn't like those cheap "V" tail flyers it is a very responsive 3ch flyer with rudder elevator and complete throttle control. It is also capable of loops after loops and stall turns. The RTF package for this plane comes with al least 2 of almost everything. Comes with 2 wings, 2 batteries, 2 rudders, 2 stabilizers, 3 props, and plenty of rubberbands. You can also buy a quick field charger that can plug in to the car or house. As for flying, this thing takes off of the ground with out any problems at all, and can also be had launched. You can get flight times of more than 12 mins if you are careful with the throttle. So if you are determined to learn to fly by your self (which is not recomended , but is very do-able with this plane because it is so durable), then check out the RTF T-Hawk which is available for under $160. I have made hundreds of flights with this plane, tons of crashes, a few simple reapairs using tape, and this plane is still flying today more than 3 years later.

Have fun and good luck!

T-Hawk is also one of my recommended first planes for self traininers. Info on T-Hawk is in post 10 of this thread.

Thanks a lot guys, I'm sort of starting to "See the Light", and realizing my needs as a "semi' beginner. I really can't thank you people enough for taking the time to help me out.

zildjian,

I am also 15 years old and i fly glow(althought it has been months since i went out to the field), but have recently aquired a taste for electrics, because i can just fly them a the park. But besides the point, if you ever do decide to go glow, or get the typhoon (or any plane for that matter) i would suggest to get an instructor. To me, it is really stupid to want to go and crash several airplanes just to learn to fly; because for 15 year -olds like us we dont have all the money in the world to spend. Besides, most of the instructors are very friendly, (at least mine was) and are dedicated to teach you how to fly.

Long story short, dont be arrogant and want to fly on your own, get an instructor.

Zildjan, I'm 14 years old and got into the hobby around mid-August. I started with the P-51 Mustang PTS, which not only looks awesome flies well too. I am being trained by one of the guys at the field. I like it much better than trying to learn on my own (Piper J-3 Cub which turned out very. very poorly). There is much more input and insight into the hobby and really helps believe it or not. I made my first solo the other day and it would not have been possible without all of the great guys at the field.

i disagree you can learn to fly farely easy with the typhoon although you will need some spare parts. I have a friend who has the typhoon a first ariplane it flies well but the servos are junk and at the first sign of stripping should be repalced otherwise yes you can learn on this one

Well, guys, after thinking it through, I decided on a PZ Cub (this was two months ago) I can fly it, pretty good actually. Little while ago, I bought the typhoon. Tomorrow, I'll hopefully be able to have a good maiden flight. I know that this is sort of different then what you guys said, but I'm glad that I can say I learned on my own. I also am glad because I really like electric flight and have really become comfortable, and when I see these glow guys where I fly, they always seem to be doing more tuning and tweaking then flying. And, if things go ok with the typhoon, maybe a mini ultra stick PNP will be in my sights for Christmas! What do you guys think is a good idea for me to think about before and to prepare me for my maiden with the typhoon? One more thing, I did an motor test with my typhoon, and every once in a while, I get a really nasty sound from the gearbox when I start, or get close to full throttle, it doesn't happen a lot, but sometimes, whaddya think???

I mostly fly glow, but just recently bought a typhoon. I think when it comes to learning, glow is the best bet. It seems to me that the bigger glow planes are more stable in flight and easier to take off and land. But thats just my two cents.

Now about the Typhoon...

The plane itself is a cool little flyer. Its just the crap that came out of the box is a whole different story. I had to replace those junk servos with my own (I just happened to have some hs55's lying around). I also had to replace the reciever with one of my own. None of the stuff that came with the airplane itself worked, including the battery charger. The charger wouldn't charge the batt's at all. I contacted the good people at Parkzone and they sent me a new one. That one worked a couple times but it quit also. I haven't flown the plane for a while.

I believe there is an option that will enable you to use a different battery and give the plane a bit more power. I haven't done much research on it yet. I'll be looking at that once I finish typing. I might have better luck with the new setup.

But like I said, the plane is a blast to fly. Great for "micro" 3D. My backyard is just big enough that it will fly with no obstructions.

Pilot kid, I'm sore glow planes are great, but I just LOVE the ease of a nice electric. The only problem is, I'm getting the urge to move to bigger planes, unfortunately electric power can't make the trip with me

Zildjan.

One thing nobody has mentioned about being at a flying field/instructor.

You might be able to teach yourself to fly, but what about the other 80% of the hobby. The planes spend minutes in the air, there is generally an equal or greater amount of time working with them.

Like trim. I would bet that your typhoon is NOT trimmed correctly. It should fly straight and level with the trim adjustments on the transmitter centered. If you are flying with the trim on the TX set to compensate for the planes tendancies, you are getting into a really bad habit. Planes should be mechanically trimmed, not electronically. And to that point, a plane will rarely stay in trim forever (especially foamies) and will probably need to be adjusted every 10 or so flights to keep them in. On that typhoon, it probably wont hurt much being a little out of trim, but on bigger planes, especailly if you do any kind of performance flying, electronic trim = bad.

What about your flying procedures. That typhoon blade hurts like hell. Ask me how i know ( ). Basically, was helping a newer person at the LHS fly it and it bumped the stick while i was holding it (my fault, i shouldnt have had it on yet), got 4 pretty decent cuts (no stiches, but they could have been justified for it). Things like that, lessons that you need to learn...you can learn them 2 ways. From someone else's mistakes, or from your own.

Plus, in the end, you will want to go to a field. No field is going to just let you in the air with foamie experience. You will have to be cleared and you will be treated like a new pilot. Very little translates from electric to glow...again, moving the sticks is just 10% of what your doing in the air. You may as well find your field and go to it, see if someone has a trainer to train you on, some fields do.

I say you will probably end up at a field for a couple of reasons. The first, you already mentioned, you want bigger planes. Even if you could get a 40 sized electric, flying it at a public park is dumb, too much risk. The second reason, is that you will learn that the best part of the hobby is the people. When you pull some crazy move, its more rewarding to have someone else see it. When you crash, its better to have someone talk you up right then.

And as far as the engines. If you see guys messing with their motors everyday...then they have issues. Bad motor/bad pilot/bad fuel. Probably the first or more likely the second. If you have to touch your motor everyday, then there is something wrong. I have a Saito .91, and OS 46, and a TT 39 (in my heli). I might touch one needle among the 3 all sumer long. You get is close, and leave it. It will never be perfect every day, and trying in vein to keep it perfect is the sign of someone who doesnt really know what they are doing. There are exceptions to this, pattern or extreme speed guys have a reason to keep their motor at 100%, but sport flying...not neccessary, and is often worse. A guy at my field bought a plane from someone, a plane that i had seen fly fine for a year...never seen it deadstick...first day out with it, hes messing with the needles, dead-stick on takeoff, went from a perfectly good warbird to toothpicks really quick. Stupid move.

Im not telling you to go glow, do what you want. But think ahead a little. Your 15 now, you will be able to drive soon, until then get a ride to the field...and a ride home. Hell, you might be lucky and be near another member and ride with them while you need to. Just dont close doors over stubburness...