Hi. I started flying for the first time January of this year with the HobbyZone Fighterbird. I have to say that for my very first time it was pretty easy to fly, in low winds off course.

I got pretty good at it until I thought I was too good when last Sunday I went flying with winds of 25+mph. I thought that the reason they told you not to fly it in high winds was because you could crash it, but no. I never crashed it on Sunday, instead I went so high that the wind took it very far away from me and it disappeared.

I am still not over it!, I keep getting nightmares about it. Anyways, I got my self the G2 flight simulator from Great Planes and I like it a lot. Once I get good enough in this simulator what do you guys think I should do next?

I don't have a plane any longer, and I am not planing on buying one any time soon, but what should be my next purchase?

I hear that the LT-40 is a good trainer.

Let me know please!

Thanks.

yep, a sig LT-40 is a good choice. Comes in either kit form or ARF

Yup, that does suck. Although 25 mph winds are strong, you can still fly in them, but you must be prepared for stronger gusts, uncontrollable maneuvers and such. Plus, planes that light will feel the effects of thermals. See ya!

If you’re just starting out, keep the wind factor to a minimum. I’d also recommend putting an information sticker/tag inside all your future models. It should contain your AMA number, Name, Address, Phone, and Email. Actually I think it’s required by our governing body, the AMA, or was it my last club?

Someone might find the plane and if you’re lucky, they’ll contact you about it. Down side, let’s say that lost plane caused some harm to person or damage to property…if you’re an AMA member, we’re insured, but???

That DOES NOT MEAN you have an open invitation to ATTACK!!!!!

I got a Fighterbird last summer and flew it almost daily on my lunch hour in a vacant factory parking lot nearby. They will thermal, and with no down elevator you have to fly out of lift areas. All was fine, it's a neat little aeroplane, until one day I got into trouble with wind shear (couldn't have been pilot error). Ended up climbing a spindly 25' flowering pear tree in front of a thriving factorydown the road from where I started in a dress white shirt, dress slacks and leather-soled Oxfords. Climbing trees was easier 30 years ago. (I remembered my safety lessons and removed my tie first). I was finding twigs and caterpillars in interesting spots all afternoon.

Not the machine for winds over 10 mph. And don't leave it where the sun can get to it while in the car. The "V" tail turns into a twisted tulip.