Getting back into flying...need some help
02-21-2007 | 11:25 PM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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Getting back into flying...need some help
Spring time is here, nice weather is coming, and I think it is time for me to get back into flying. I am a newbie when it comes to flying. The last plane i had, which i really enjoyed was the TigerMoth, but my neighbor who helped me get it all setup is no longer available due to my move.
So....I would like to get a great beginner plane, foam perferably and one that looks pretty cool.
I really liked the tigermoth flight model, with NO ailerons, so it was easy to fly.
I need a RTR, I cant find my JR radio. What about this one?
Bellanca Decathlon 480 RTF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/bellanca.htm
Or...do you have any other suggestions???
Thanks for the help.
URC
So....I would like to get a great beginner plane, foam perferably and one that looks pretty cool.
I really liked the tigermoth flight model, with NO ailerons, so it was easy to fly.
I need a RTR, I cant find my JR radio. What about this one?
Bellanca Decathlon 480 RTF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/bellanca.htm
Or...do you have any other suggestions???
Thanks for the help.
URC
02-22-2007 | 01:07 AM
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From: Sac,
CA
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
it's hard to find a hobby quality trainer with that budget. you are going to be limited to proprietary electronics similar to the one you linked, which are made of stuff that you'll likely throw away instead of reuse as you progress in to the hobby.
it's ok to start with a "toy airplane", but remember that when you do get in to it, you're going to end up getting a 9c radio or better anyways. if you stick with electrics, you're going to end up with a collection of lipos and some fance charging equipment too. if it's nitro you go to later on, you'll end up with some high end os motors instead. bottom line is, be aware that getting in to the hobby can be more affordable by going for the gold and buying equipment that will do what an rc addict needs it to do.
if proprietary is the route you want to start with, you should check out walmart & target's selection of airhog rtfs. i know they look cheezy, but for $30 they'll be probably as much fun as the decathalon. have fun with it and get familiar with airplane stuff, like airpeed, stalls, approaches... all the while saving for a 9c and to kick off a more fruitful rc aircraft (&/or heli) experience.
it's ok to start with a "toy airplane", but remember that when you do get in to it, you're going to end up getting a 9c radio or better anyways. if you stick with electrics, you're going to end up with a collection of lipos and some fance charging equipment too. if it's nitro you go to later on, you'll end up with some high end os motors instead. bottom line is, be aware that getting in to the hobby can be more affordable by going for the gold and buying equipment that will do what an rc addict needs it to do.
if proprietary is the route you want to start with, you should check out walmart & target's selection of airhog rtfs. i know they look cheezy, but for $30 they'll be probably as much fun as the decathalon. have fun with it and get familiar with airplane stuff, like airpeed, stalls, approaches... all the while saving for a 9c and to kick off a more fruitful rc aircraft (&/or heli) experience.
02-22-2007 | 08:25 AM
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From: Jacksonville, FL
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
the best way is to get a 4 channel airplane and a good instructor. the hardest student I ever had was a guy that learned on 3 channels. he would always go to the rudder instead of ailerons.
good luck
good luck
02-22-2007 | 08:51 AM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
ORIGINAL: Truglodite
it's hard to find a hobby quality trainer with that budget. you are going to be limited to proprietary electronics similar to the one you linked, which are made of stuff that you'll likely throw away instead of reuse as you progress in to the hobby.
it's ok to start with a "toy airplane", but remember that when you do get in to it, you're going to end up getting a 9c radio or better anyways. if you stick with electrics, you're going to end up with a collection of lipos and some fance charging equipment too. if it's nitro you go to later on, you'll end up with some high end os motors instead. bottom line is, be aware that getting in to the hobby can be more affordable by going for the gold and buying equipment that will do what an rc addict needs it to do.
if proprietary is the route you want to start with, you should check out walmart & target's selection of airhog rtfs. i know they look cheezy, but for $30 they'll be probably as much fun as the decathalon. have fun with it and get familiar with airplane stuff, like airpeed, stalls, approaches... all the while saving for a 9c and to kick off a more fruitful rc aircraft (&/or heli) experience.
it's hard to find a hobby quality trainer with that budget. you are going to be limited to proprietary electronics similar to the one you linked, which are made of stuff that you'll likely throw away instead of reuse as you progress in to the hobby.
it's ok to start with a "toy airplane", but remember that when you do get in to it, you're going to end up getting a 9c radio or better anyways. if you stick with electrics, you're going to end up with a collection of lipos and some fance charging equipment too. if it's nitro you go to later on, you'll end up with some high end os motors instead. bottom line is, be aware that getting in to the hobby can be more affordable by going for the gold and buying equipment that will do what an rc addict needs it to do.
if proprietary is the route you want to start with, you should check out walmart & target's selection of airhog rtfs. i know they look cheezy, but for $30 they'll be probably as much fun as the decathalon. have fun with it and get familiar with airplane stuff, like airpeed, stalls, approaches... all the while saving for a 9c and to kick off a more fruitful rc aircraft (&/or heli) experience.
Any other tips?
Thanks.
02-22-2007 | 08:54 AM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
ORIGINAL: jetmech05
the best way is to get a 4 channel airplane and a good instructor. the hardest student I ever had was a guy that learned on 3 channels. he would always go to the rudder instead of ailerons.
good luck
the best way is to get a 4 channel airplane and a good instructor. the hardest student I ever had was a guy that learned on 3 channels. he would always go to the rudder instead of ailerons.
good luck
Thanks for replying. Unfortunately, I dont have a ton of time to allocate to a instructor. I think I would pick up flying again really quickly, especially if the plane was right. I think I could get use to a "tigermoth" (tail and rudder control) very quickly again and fly this for a while.
does all that makes sense, and help provide a path that I am trying to go down?
BTW: I already have all the lipos, expensive chargers, etc from my 18th scale cars and helis.
Thanks
02-22-2007 | 09:30 AM
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From: Land O Lakes,
FL
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
ORIGINAL: Pete1burn
Multiplex Magister?
Edit: although that's 4 channels.
Multiplex Magister?
Edit: although that's 4 channels.
after my tigermoth, I build a HellCat Balsa plane which was 4-channels, and I had problems flying it. It was the ailerons that I never really got under control. While I could look at flying one later (4-channel), I really need to start without Ailerons. Now whether its a 4-channel plane that the ailerons can be disconnected for the learning part, or i just buy a plane that does not have ailerons period, I am open to this option.
02-22-2007 | 09:34 AM
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From: Malden,
MA
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Yes, four channels mean ailerons, but trust me, you will want to learn with them. The only difference is the plane uses ailerons to turn instead of the rudder, making it more responsive.
Think of it as being able to do barrel rolls when you turn the stick instead of just turning the plane into a dive.
I was scared of ailerons at first, but the first 4 channel plane with ailerons I flew was natural to me. I could never go back to a 3 channel plane, although I like taking me Easystar out to bash around.
Give serious thought to four channels. It's much mopre realistic and enjoyable.
Think of it as being able to do barrel rolls when you turn the stick instead of just turning the plane into a dive.
I was scared of ailerons at first, but the first 4 channel plane with ailerons I flew was natural to me. I could never go back to a 3 channel plane, although I like taking me Easystar out to bash around.
Give serious thought to four channels. It's much mopre realistic and enjoyable.
02-22-2007 | 09:36 AM
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From: Malden,
MA
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Or, don't use the ailerons at first. Get used to turning the plane with the rudder only. That will also train you how to fly a four channel plane with the rudder when you do move to them.
Then when you're comfortable using the rudder to turn, you can try some slight stick movements with ailerons.
Trust me, it's worth learning 4 channels if you plan on sticking with the hobby.
Then when you're comfortable using the rudder to turn, you can try some slight stick movements with ailerons.
Trust me, it's worth learning 4 channels if you plan on sticking with the hobby.
02-22-2007 | 09:42 AM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Pete,
I totally agree with your points, and I think that long term you are correct.
Now...on your statement on "just done use the ailerons at first" here is how I understand how it would work (flying, and pardon for the incorrect lingo):
Using a 4-channel plan, and NOT using the ailersons:
To increase altitude: Right stick pull back, to decrease, right stick push forward
To turn left and right: left stick, left and right
Throttle: left stick, up and down.
I am really considering this plane in the 4-channel version now....what do you think:
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/cessna_182.html
Its scale looking, 4-channel, its RTR.
I totally agree with your points, and I think that long term you are correct.
Now...on your statement on "just done use the ailerons at first" here is how I understand how it would work (flying, and pardon for the incorrect lingo):
Using a 4-channel plan, and NOT using the ailersons:
To increase altitude: Right stick pull back, to decrease, right stick push forward
To turn left and right: left stick, left and right
Throttle: left stick, up and down.
I am really considering this plane in the 4-channel version now....what do you think:
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/cessna_182.html
Its scale looking, 4-channel, its RTR.
02-22-2007 | 09:46 AM
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From: Malden,
MA
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Your stick assumptions are correct.
I have no experience with the plane you linked, so I can't comment.
You may find, however, that a 4 channel plane might not have the rudder authority to turn the plane as effectively as you want.
Try turning down the throws or something, meaning, adjust where the pushrods connect to the servo and control surface to give you the minimal amount of throw. (ONLY on the ailerons!) Then you can adjust the rudder for more throw.
Practice using the ailerons on low settings, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
I have no experience with the plane you linked, so I can't comment.
You may find, however, that a 4 channel plane might not have the rudder authority to turn the plane as effectively as you want.
Try turning down the throws or something, meaning, adjust where the pushrods connect to the servo and control surface to give you the minimal amount of throw. (ONLY on the ailerons!) Then you can adjust the rudder for more throw.
Practice using the ailerons on low settings, and you may be pleasantly surprised.
02-22-2007 | 09:50 AM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Ok, that makes sense.
The only thing that is concerning me about the multiplex is the size of it, and the large motor. Would it be too fast? Remember, the Tigermoth (my confort zone) could fly so slow.
Thanks Pete.
The only thing that is concerning me about the multiplex is the size of it, and the large motor. Would it be too fast? Remember, the Tigermoth (my confort zone) could fly so slow.
Thanks Pete.
02-22-2007 | 09:57 AM
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From: Malden,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Check out some of the videos of it on the web. It seems to be a very stable plane. You will need a large area to fly it in, such as a large baseball park or open field. I had a Multiplex Easystar (my first plane) and had a blast with it. Good quality planes and very resilient with the foam they use called Elapor.
If you're looking for something that flies really slowly that you can fly in your back yard, you'll need to look into something else.
If you're looking for something that flies really slowly that you can fly in your back yard, you'll need to look into something else.
02-22-2007 | 04:46 PM
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From: Galloway,
NJ
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Slow affordable rtf with 3 channels and electric
Take a look at this. it is a High wing trainer and should be semi forgiving.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXAWF5**&P=0
Take a look at this. it is a High wing trainer and should be semi forgiving.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXAWF5**&P=0
02-22-2007 | 04:57 PM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
OverB,
Thanks for the suggetion. I have found a, what has been described to me as a great learner plane and it is RTR and Foam.
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/cessna_182.html
I am thinking about the 4-channel version. But, the owner said that I could disconnect the ailerons, and then move the tail servo the ailerons slot in the RX, and it would be a great learner (like my old Tigermoth).
When I am ready to take on Aileron flying, just connect it back to the stock form and bam!
What are your thoughts?
Thanks for the suggetion. I have found a, what has been described to me as a great learner plane and it is RTR and Foam.
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/cessna_182.html
I am thinking about the 4-channel version. But, the owner said that I could disconnect the ailerons, and then move the tail servo the ailerons slot in the RX, and it would be a great learner (like my old Tigermoth).
When I am ready to take on Aileron flying, just connect it back to the stock form and bam!
What are your thoughts?
02-22-2007 | 05:34 PM
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From: Poland,
OH
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Or leave it like it is and fly the way you described earlier. The only difference is what stick you will use to control the rudder.
I have a plane almost identical to that one. If you are flying off grass you will want to take off the wheel pants and put on some bigger wheels.
I have a plane almost identical to that one. If you are flying off grass you will want to take off the wheel pants and put on some bigger wheels.
02-22-2007 | 05:48 PM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Missle,
Let me make sure I understand your message, using this text from above:
Using a 4-channel plan, and NOT using the ailersons:
To increase altitude: Right stick pull back, to decrease, right stick push forward
To turn left and right: left stick, left and right
Throttle: left stick, up and down.
I would not switch anything out, and bascially not use the aileron stick (right stick, left and right). correct?
URC
Let me make sure I understand your message, using this text from above:
Using a 4-channel plan, and NOT using the ailersons:
To increase altitude: Right stick pull back, to decrease, right stick push forward
To turn left and right: left stick, left and right
Throttle: left stick, up and down.
I would not switch anything out, and bascially not use the aileron stick (right stick, left and right). correct?
URC
02-22-2007 | 06:03 PM
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From: Poland,
OH
RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
yes, you are right.
Or you can switch the servos and fly with only the right stick (which is the same as flying with ailerons except you are using a rudder instead)
Your best bet is to get a RTF deal that comes with a sim cable for your computer and practice flying with ailerons.
It actually is easier to fly with ailerons than with rudder.
Turn right= give a little right aileron and a little up elevator. left turn=left aileron and up elevator. (up elevator maintains altitude while turning and tightens up your turn)
Or you can switch the servos and fly with only the right stick (which is the same as flying with ailerons except you are using a rudder instead)
Your best bet is to get a RTF deal that comes with a sim cable for your computer and practice flying with ailerons.
It actually is easier to fly with ailerons than with rudder.
Turn right= give a little right aileron and a little up elevator. left turn=left aileron and up elevator. (up elevator maintains altitude while turning and tightens up your turn)
02-23-2007 | 06:43 PM
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From: Land O Lakes,
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RE: Getting back into flying...need some help
Gentleman,
I have made the purchase. I purchased the Cessna 182 from parkflyers.
http://parkflyers.com/html/cessna_182.html
The RTR includes an extra battery (but will be going to lipo right away), lights and a free simulator.
Thanks for all the help, and will post updates as they progress! Maybe a video as well.
URC
I have made the purchase. I purchased the Cessna 182 from parkflyers.
http://parkflyers.com/html/cessna_182.html
The RTR includes an extra battery (but will be going to lipo right away), lights and a free simulator.
Thanks for all the help, and will post updates as they progress! Maybe a video as well.
URC
