lkjetjoc

Greetings to all
You're probably tired of seeing the new guy solicitng advice but try to stick it out just one more time.
I'm a 33 year professional pilot (Citation 5, HS125) and am getting close to retiring. Ain't it something that my new hobby will still involve aviation?
Anyway, I would like to get experienced opinions or even other newbies' opinions on how to start (with a minimum of club contact).
My tendency is to build a model from plans. Good idea or asking for trouble? Maybe start with a kit instead?
Also need advice on publications that may deal with shop set- up (tools list, mimimum space requirements, etc).
I don't believe my flight experience will be a whole lot of help since our aircraft flies best with computers and auto-pilots so would appreciate advice on aircraft that would be "forgiving".
Thanks so much in advance for helping me into the RC world.
Lloyd

rorywquin

Lloyd

You are going to get a huge amount of advise - most of it good - some of it will be jazz - but read itall and take on board what you think fits your plans best.

The only recommendation I will make is that you join a club. They will make sure you buy the right gear, advise you on the building / assembly, and get you flying with a minimum of crashes (none if your are lucky) and in a safe manner (those props spinning at 10k rpm can do a lot of damage to a hand).

You might be able to learn on your own but you will most likely find it a frustrating experience.

Other than the above you will find that by joining a club, you make a bunch of new like minded friends.

Good luck whichever route you choose.

twilli77

My Feedback: (2)

From most of the things I have read (speaking as a newbie myself) is that being a full scale pilot doesn't help much and that an instructor is the best way to go.

In a nutshell, most people recommend a high wing trainer with at least a four channel radio/receiver setup. I would get an ARF (almost ready to fly) at first because you are going to bump it up (see my post about my first solo). At least then you don't have many hours of emotional investment, get frustrated and quit.

I have also gotten alot from a computer simulator that works with my radio. Not a substitute for the real thing but it helps. You will have some benefit from your flight experience. You will already know alot of the terminology and know aerodynamics.

good luck,

try your local Hobby Shop. They are usually very helpful. A club is invaluable if possible. If you are going to be self taught may I recommend SPAD. Made of basically indestructable materials. Can still be damaged but MUCH easier to repair, sometimes same day.

mgmoore7

My Feedback: (5)

I second the above. You will find that if you join a club you will learn at a much faster and less frustrating pace.

As far as plane, if you want to get in the air fast then a ARF is good, if you want to build but leave the cutting (most of it) to someone else then a kit would be good. If you want to cut all the pieces and sand alot then built if from a plan.

Be sure to get a plane designed for training and someone to train you.

You are right that your full scale experience will not have much value when learning to fly a RC plane. The only advantage for you is that you understand aerodynamics and control surfaces and how the plane should respond but even some of that is different on a RC Plane.

Tom Nied

Loyd, I learned with minimum help, but I had about 35 years previous experience building controline and free flight models before I decided on RC. The Great Planes RealFlight Simulator helped me imensely. As for planes, there's a lot of good ones, but definitely checkout the Sig LT-40, comes in an ARF or kit version. With an OS .46 or TT Pro .46, it makes for even a fun sport plane. If joining a club is not your bag (and I fall into this category), you should still find an experienced RCer to give you a hand. I'm lucky and found individuals who were able to lend me a hand in the very beginning. Get as much simulator time as you can before first flights. It's not perfectly real, but it sure helped me. . Tom

vegas mossie

Ikjetjoc, I would recommend you find a place to fly first, then approach the locals, find out about getting an instructor. Also a good chance to see the planes, and see what kind of equipment people are using. At this point, you will need your radio gear to match your instructors. (a buddy box is a must) Once your on your own, you can pick and choose as you please. Arf packages are a good way to get started, and you can start building your second plane while you are learning on the first. Good luck, Loren

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Many people do not care to join a club for whatever reason, and While I recommend it, I won't insist that you do it. I would at least recommend two things; first, find a club and either join long enough to get some training, or find an instructor to teach you at the place you intend to fly.

Second; make sure that where you are flying is - A) Safe, and B) not near a field where your radio may interfere with others.

Also, a trainer kit (or ARF Almost Ready to Fly) is the way to start out, just as you learned in a Cessna 172 before you flew Citations.

Post Hole

lkjetjoc,

What can I add to the great advice already given?

Well, hmm, first things first, find a local club. Many of them have trainer planes and equipment to help new people become acquainted with this sport.

Second, I would invest in an ARF trainer and kit-build your second or third plane (starting now, if you are so inclined). That way you can get in the air sooner and learn faster. All this on a plane with very little emotional attachment.

Heck, my first RC aircraft was a Hobbico Superstar .40. I still have it. I use it to take friends and family up that want to try RC. I also put a mount for a wireless video camera on it. I have flown it at our field and gotten some great aerial footage with it. So, your ARF or RTF trainer has a lifespan much longer than your personal training period as long as you don't post-hole it... hehehe.

Oh, two more words of advice - buddy box. This is actually covered in the "find a club" portion, but I will say it once again. Find an instructor that uses a buddy-box set up. Much like a full scale trainer your instructor can take over when you get into trouble (such as getting your rights and lefts crossed up when inbound vs. outbound).

Welcome to our sport/addiction!

Cloud Puncher

Lloyd,
I whole heartedly agree with the previous replies.
1. Start out with a high-winged trainer...you can get all the info you'll need by searching the threads in this forum and the ARF forum.
2. Get hooked up with a good instructor and a buddy box. They'll help you avoid a lot of stuff you don't want to happen and will probably be a tremendous source of information to you. Also, try out your local club, you'll probably find a bunch of the best folks you'll ever run into there.
3. Get a copy of the Real Flight G2 simulator. That way you get to crash your airplanes on the computer where they don't cost you anything to replace. I'm also a "full-scale" pilot and the G2 got me to the point where I solo'd on my third flight. Can't say enough good about it.

Hope this helps.....good luck with the flying...

Rick Flora
Albuquerque R/C Club

Goinstraightup

My Feedback: (26)

Welcome to the hobby and RCU!!! The advice that has already been given is very good. I've been an instructor for a while and you are on course to be very successful as you are asking the right questions.

MikeL

My Feedback: (3)

I think a kit is a fine way to start out. Most plan-builders have previous experience with kits, which helps them select the right wood and construction methods. The Midwest Aerostar and Sig LT-40 are both great kits that'll give you the knowledge you need for future projects. They'll also give you the satisfaction and enjoyment of building your own model, without putting you in the deep end right off the bat.

I don't know what's availible for clubs and hobby shops around Bluegrass, IA. I can understand not wanting to be in a club. I fly at a public field here in MN. Some instruction would probably be really beneficial to you. While I'm not part of a club, I really do enjoy the friends I've made out at the field. Perhaps there might be something similar around your area?

autopilot

Welcome to the world of RC, fellow Iowan, well, at least I lived in Iowa for 14 years. A couple of things that I did early on that I'm GLAD I did was: buy a 6 channel computer radio, and to NOT buy the cheapest engine out there. If you plan on getting more planes you'll need the model memory of a computer radio, and dual rates come in handy, too. Also, you may want retracts and other fun things later which will take another channel. About the engine - I bought one with some plastic parts on it which I quickly got frustrated with and gave it away. So my opinion is to get an O.S. FX or Thunder Tiger PRO, and not a cheap one. You can always take it out of your trainer and put it in your second plane.

n7tb

I think you have been given alot of good advice. One thing to be ready for is the difficulty you will face when the plane comes toward you and trying to control its flight.

This is especially hard for anyone who has piloted an aircraft because you are used to looking out of the cockpit and flying from that perspective and not the ground.

The advice about a simulator is good because it will help you retrain your thinking and landing as the plane comes toward you will become automatic.

Good luck and enjoy RC flying!

Terry

Goinstraightup

My Feedback: (26)

Push the stick on your TX tward the down wing when the plane is coming at you. 14 years of flying and I still think down wing, not right or left. Works like majic. Very simple.

lkjetjoc

Thanks to all who replied to my post.
I've decided on the Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer for my first aircraft.

vegas mossie

Its a good choice, though you might want to consider using two bladed props after the 3 blade breaks. use a spinner nut instead of a regular spinner. Good luck Loren

WORNBOOTS

My Feedback: (33)

lkjetjoc

Welcome and enjoy,

Dan Z

spooner

i have the alpha and its been nice to learn on. you should do a few upgrades first... (1) use loctight on the screws that hold the motor mount to the firewall, i lost 2 in the first day...(2) epoxy the wing halves together. (3) put a piece foam behind fuel tank to make it tighter. (4) check the fuel lines, had two with pin holes. The prop. will break very easy, so think of getting 2 more of them or get a spinner nut and some 2 bladed props (10x6)... have fun i am ........spooner

lkjetjoc

Wornboots----Thanks

Justgotr---Thanks for the tips. I'm sure I'll use them.

redneck

Sig publishes a great booklet called "The Basics of Radio Control" which if full of good info. It comes free with all Sig kits (which are fine kits I might add). I think they would probably send you a copy if you request it. I also recommend the Sig LT-40 for a first-time builder and flyer. It helped me by building my first plane. Its much easier to trouble-shoot if you know the plane inside-out.