1. RTF or ARF and why? What's available that is really ready to fly (all components - open box and go)?
2. High wing, low wing or bi-wing and why?
3. Glow, fuel or electric motor and why? What size minimum? What size maximum?
4. Controller brand and why?
5. Controller minimum features (channels, etc.) and why?
6. Minimum wing spand and why? That is, very large scale or smaller - like 30" plus vs. 70" and larger and why?
7. Trainer or other type and why?
8. Recommended minimum accessories to support and enjoy RTF or ARF?
9. Can you teach yourself and if not, why not?
10. Anything else from an experienced person or experienced new person to provide me with a minimum learning curve?
Thanks.
Bill

One at a time. All my own opinions. Others may have more/better insight.

1. RTF or ARF and why? What's available that is really ready to fly (all components - open box and go)?

Depends. If the RTF comes with a quality radio/engine/whatever that you can use in future planes, it's a pretty good investment. Be aware RTFs usually come with 4 channel radios, and you'll want more if you stick with the hobby for future planes.

2. High wing, low wing or bi-wing and why?

High wing. More stability, easier to fly for a beginner.

3. Glow, fuel or electric motor and why? What size minimum? What size maximum?

Depends on your preference. I prefer glow. Fuel it up and fly. No waiting for expensive batteries to recharge.

4. Controller brand and why?

Everyone has their preference. The major contenders are all good; Futaba, JR, Hitec, Airtronics.

5. Controller minimum features (channels, etc.) and why?

4-6 to start with. 6 for anything that you want to eventually use in another plane.

6. Minimum wing spand and why? That is, very large scale or smaller - like 30" plus vs. 70" and larger and why?

A 40-60 size trainer is good. 60 size = larger, easier to see, more stable in wind, etc.

7. Trainer or other type and why?

Always best to start with a trainer. High-wing for stability, more dihedral for righting itself, etc.

8. Recommended minimum accessories to support and enjoy RTF or ARF?

Good glow fuel, glow starter, chicken stick or electric starter for glow, for electric, just need a charger and a few other little things.

9. Can you teach yourself and if not, why not?

Sure you could teach yourself, but you'll end up crashing and spending lots more money on new planes, engines etc. Best to go with an AMA chartered club with an instructor to minimize your chances of crashing and wasting money.

10. Anything else from an experienced person or experienced new person to provide me with a minimum learning curve?

Hook up with a club, talk to a few people, get their opinions on stuff. Ask questions here on RCU. 99% of the people here are very knowledgable and a great help. It's where I got my start and still get help almost every day.

My biggest tip is above: get a club, get an instructor, learn everything you can. It's a rewarding hobby if done right, frustrating and maddening if done wrong.

A 40-size ARF trainer with a .46 engine and 6 channel radio are your best bets to get started. All of the equipment can be used in future planes when you decide to move up. That's the avenue I took over getting an RTF, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The radio flies all 4 of my planes, and the engine I started with has gone into another plane. It might be slightly more work to get everything together and flying, but it's worth it because it also teaches you how to assemble the plane.

My fourth plane I'm working on now is a kit and it's a lot of fun. Once you put one together from scratch, you'll have no problem repairing damage, etc.

My advice is to get with a club and instructor, start with a 40-size trainer, 46 engine (OS 46 AX, TT 46 Pro) and a good 6 channel radio, then learn with your instructor.

You made the first great step by joining RCU. Also check out http://airfieldmodels.com and Pete1burn is right on, IMO.

Pete1burn - wonderful advice. Thank you. Bill

Can't get much better advise than that (Pete1Burn). Find a club, get a trainer.

That's a lot o questions, there is a pretty good post at the head of this beginners forum that list the trainers that are out there, but I try to answer you the best I can.

#1 If you go rtf, most of your other questions wont matter because they already have specific brand radios and engines tied to that manufacturer. That's not a bad thing and they are easier to assemble, just make sure you like what they come with.

#2 High wing with flat bottom, it creates more lift and thus, slower stall speeds. It also makes the plane very stable in flight.

#3 I prefer glow or gas to electric but its just that, a preference. If you by glow you will need a starter, fuel filler/pump, glow starter and a few other things. Electric will also require additional purchases like extra batteries a good quality charger, cell-balancer for li-po, stuff like that. I like to hear my planes fly, so I fly glow.

#4 If you can swing it the new spektrum DX7 will be the only radio you may ever have to buy. It's sythesized so you don't have to worry about messing with other peoples frequency on the flight line and It's also a 7 channel computer radio. But it's about $310. You can buy a JR or Futaba standard four channel radio/flight kit for around $110-120

#5 Buy the best you can afford so you wont have to spend it later, minimum is four channel

I will address your other questions shortly, I must go to work.[&o]

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm] Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 1-19-07) [/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

Good job, just what i would have said