I was wondering if any other newbies oout there or even any veterans could tell me what plane they thought was best for a first timer, and also how I should go about learning how to fly an RC? Hope to hear from someone soon!

There are several very good trainers on the market.

If you build your own:

PT-40 or Sig Kadet (there's 4 different Kadets, all are good The LT-40 is easiest to build)
OR... NEW, the "SPADET LC-40" will suprize most of the veteran instructors. It a Coroplast plane that looks and flys like the LT-40, not a kit... free plans, about as easy as you can get for construction. www.spadtothebone.com The plans are under the SPADWorld link. (detailed like any GREAT kit's instructions!)

If you want to go with an ARF... I'll again point you toward that SPADET. Its almost as easy to prepare for flight as some f the ARFs.
OR The Kadet LT-40 comes in ARF form
The RCM Trainer 40 is also excellent (If you coat the engine compartment with 2 hour epoxy. That will soak in and cure a potential poor engine mount joint, as it fuelproofs the area.)

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These are by no means the only good choices... these are some good options out of a long list of good trainers currently available.

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Don't forget to get tgether with an experienced R/C pilot. If your instructor helps choose the trainer, it'll be one he's familiar with. (better success rate... more accurate identification of potential problems.)

Also, your instructor can help you choose the best radio for your needs and your budget. You will want one that is "trainer cord" compatible with the instructor's. (4 major brands, 3 trainer cord systems... several off-brands, which are usually compatible with one major brand.) There are a LOT of good radios on the market.

I've been flying for about 13 years, and I'm an instructor at the River City Radio Controllers field in Louisville KY. I learned to fly on a Goldberg Eagle 63. The current version is called the Eagle 2. I recommend this plane because it looks good, is easy to build, and it comes out light. The light weight allows it to fly and land nice and slow. Another good kit is the Midwest Aerostar 40. It's a little heavier, but seems to be a little more sturdy too.

If you would rather go with an ARF, Tower Hobbies makes several versions. If you have never flown before I would stay away from the Avistar. It's got a semi-symetrical wing which makes it a little more zippy than the flat-bottom wing trainers.

If you can afford it, get a .60 size plane instead of a .40. They are easier to see and the wind doesn't effect them as much.

Actually the plane you get doesn't really make a HUGE difference; most trainers fly about the same (give or take a few MPH), but try to spend a little more on the ENGINE! Get a ball-bearing engine instead of a bushing one, get one with a twin-needle carb instead of an air-bleed carb. It's really true that you get what you pay for. So many times I've spent hours at the field trying to get a student's engine running right. The OS engines seem to be the easiest to get set up; also the Magnum and Thunder Tiger run well too.

It's important to have an experienced flyer help you learn. Ask at your local hobby shop where the nearest club is, or check the AMA web site. Talk to the folks at the club field. I'm sure they'll be happy to get you started. Good Luck!

i would think an ARC Ready 2 they're rock steady and will get you through anything very durable and aerobatic but a floater when the throttle is reduced plus! they're ARTF so you'll be in the air in no time

http://www.ripmax.com/FS_Aircraft_ICTrainerARTF.html

Another good "First Airplane" would be a Hobbico Avistar. I had one for about 3/4 of a year (untill my midair, oops) This plane is RTF. All you need to do is to put the two wing halfs together and put the rear end of the plane together with a couple of bolts. The only dissadvantage with this airplane is after about 50 flights, the wing screws in the wing will start to strip. My dad and I fiber-glassed the wing and tryed flying it. The fiber glass started to crack. We didn't crash the plane at all. Then we fiber-glassed the wing again and it was fine untill my midair and the plane blew into 1000 pieces. Don't try to compete with a plane with a 1.20 in it. It will tear your Avistar to pieces. Hope I could help. This airplane comes with everything.

Airplane_boy

Thanx to everyone that has replied and have shared their resources and stuff, it is greatly appreciated!

What is the AMA Web site????

Reeno03,

AMA
http://modelaircraft.org/

Bill

Here is a pic of what i was recomended . Don't know how it flies but it's realy good looking!
Came with a jr computer radio.(Hangar9 Xtra Easy)
It was an rtf.
You can see the specs at this location.
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=HAN1300

Hey,
If you are a really newbie to the Radio Controled things go with the E-Gull, if have some exxperience with RC than go with the T-Hawk. Both kits are RTF and are cheap.

http://www.toytx.com

CU

i have the hanger 9 alpha trainer and it fly's like a dream. low cost ready to fly has radio, motor, and about an hour its ready for charging. today was my third day with instructor. i soloed most of the day. good luck and have fun
spooner

Take a look at this one:

http://www.sigmfg.com/

Then find the "SIG Kadet Senior ARF"


I bought one and many of the guys at the club are more anxious for me to get it put together and in the air than I am. I'm picking up the radio and engine this weekend and I can finally start putting it together. My trainer is helping me with it since he has all the tools and the know-how & how-not-to's.

Hitec Laser 4 and TT Pro 61. I'm eventually going to install pontoons on it and do some lake flying.

VERY good advice given so far...I'd like to add the Midwest AeroStar .40 ARF to the list - high quality all the way!

Jerry

Actually I am looking for an Electric beginner plane...any info on that one?

The GWS Tiger Moth is a great first timer plane. I started with it and was able to pick it up very quickly! Really fun. Buy a bigger batt and have some fun.

I built and Eagle 2 several year ago. Built the wing nearly flat and I still have fun with the plane. It's got a Magnum 40 on it. Lands slow, and flys great.

I have a suggestion to make about the H9 Solo. This was my first plane. It came as an ARF, which is very handy to the newbie. It was relatively easy to finish w/ minimal things to do. I havn't flown it yet though because the weather just hasn't been cooperating. Good luck!

The sig LT-40 has got to be considered as one of the front runners.The only problem I had with that plane a few years ago was to get it back on the ground and make it stop flying.It will float forever on final if your airspeed is only a little bit to high.It is a very complete kit,and as I remeber,all you need to complete it is covering,an engine,glue and a radio.It's a pleasure to build.Only my two cents worth.

Bill

From what I've read the Sig Kadet Senior with its low weight and light wing load can be flown like a kite. So lack of fuel and windy days doesn't have to keep you from flying as long as you have some string.