Second Plane - Extra 300???
07-13-2007 | 10:31 AM
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From: Mississauga,
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Second Plane - Extra 300???
I have been flying since May of this year, so still very much a new pilot (I do have my wings). I have started to look for a second plane, I would like the thoughts of some folks here.
My original thought was to build a 4 * .60 over the winter and put a OS .91 4 stroke in it, however, I have a line on an Extra 300 ARF .60 that I could get cheap and get into the air with little work (saving my valuable winter building time the 1/4 Chipmunk I have on the board right now).
I know that almost everyone will say that the 4* is the PERFECT low wing second plane, I am interested to hear if you all think that the 300 is too much for a second plane, especially for a pilot who is somewhat inexperienced.
I am not an ARF guy, this opportunity just came up and I wanted to hear the thoughts of those who have some more experience.
Thanks in advance for your input!
Manks
My original thought was to build a 4 * .60 over the winter and put a OS .91 4 stroke in it, however, I have a line on an Extra 300 ARF .60 that I could get cheap and get into the air with little work (saving my valuable winter building time the 1/4 Chipmunk I have on the board right now).
I know that almost everyone will say that the 4* is the PERFECT low wing second plane, I am interested to hear if you all think that the 300 is too much for a second plane, especially for a pilot who is somewhat inexperienced.
I am not an ARF guy, this opportunity just came up and I wanted to hear the thoughts of those who have some more experience.
Thanks in advance for your input!
Manks
07-13-2007 | 11:06 AM
#2
RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
It depends. What was/is your first plane? What is your age group? (this matters, because if you're my age...an Extra 300 would be a little much for your reflexes to handle with that little experience). Why do you want a basically unstable model for your second plane? I know that some Extra models have been described as flying like a trainer, but if they do, they are not real Extra's. I would reccomend either the 4 star, or the Venture 60 from Bruce Tharpe. It is a better building plane than the 4 star, and the look is similar.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
07-13-2007 | 11:14 AM
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From: Mississauga,
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
ORIGINAL: Stickbuilder
It depends. What was/is your first plane? What is your age group? (this matters, because if you're my age...an Extra 300 would be a little much for your reflexes to handle with that little experience). Why do you want a basically unstable model for your second plane? I know that some Extra models have been described as flying like a trainer, but if they do, they are not real Extra's. I would reccomend either the 4 star, or the Venture 60 from Bruce Tharpe. It is a better building plane than the 4 star, and the look is similar.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
It depends. What was/is your first plane? What is your age group? (this matters, because if you're my age...an Extra 300 would be a little much for your reflexes to handle with that little experience). Why do you want a basically unstable model for your second plane? I know that some Extra models have been described as flying like a trainer, but if they do, they are not real Extra's. I would reccomend either the 4 star, or the Venture 60 from Bruce Tharpe. It is a better building plane than the 4 star, and the look is similar.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
Thanks for your ideas, I will take a look at the Venture .60 - not sure I have ever seen that up here in Canada.
07-13-2007 | 11:15 AM
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
With your low flying time, the 300 MAY be ok for a 3rd plane and would look very good for a 4th plane. I feel the plane will be too sensitive for a person with limited experience/flying time.
Extra's, Caps, Staudachers, etc are VERY aerobatic planes easiy capable of 3D. They are VERY easy to tip stall and (depending on the manufacturer of the kit/arf ) will snap if you blink hard.
For a 2nd plane I would suggest something along the lines of a 4*, Tiger II, World Models Rambler 30 or 45 (46 size ARF, but very well made ). The Tiger II can be set as a tri gear or tail dragger, the others are taildraggers.
A 2nd plane is USUALLY a low wing, tail dragger. They are not as forgiving as a trainer, but a lot more forgiving than an Extra. With a 2nd plane you will be getting used to a taildragger, more sensitivity, faster landing speed and a "point and go" type plane ALL AT THE SAME TIME. That is quite a bit all together.
Depending on how well you progress with one of the planes I mentioned, you SHOULD be able to handle the Chipmunk for a 3rd plane.
I hate to discourage you, but I would hate to see you waste your money also. Talk to some of the instructors and more experienced people at your field and see what they say. It is extremely hard to judge a person's flying skills without seeing them.
Extra's, Caps, Staudachers, etc are VERY aerobatic planes easiy capable of 3D. They are VERY easy to tip stall and (depending on the manufacturer of the kit/arf ) will snap if you blink hard.
For a 2nd plane I would suggest something along the lines of a 4*, Tiger II, World Models Rambler 30 or 45 (46 size ARF, but very well made ). The Tiger II can be set as a tri gear or tail dragger, the others are taildraggers.
A 2nd plane is USUALLY a low wing, tail dragger. They are not as forgiving as a trainer, but a lot more forgiving than an Extra. With a 2nd plane you will be getting used to a taildragger, more sensitivity, faster landing speed and a "point and go" type plane ALL AT THE SAME TIME. That is quite a bit all together.
Depending on how well you progress with one of the planes I mentioned, you SHOULD be able to handle the Chipmunk for a 3rd plane.
I hate to discourage you, but I would hate to see you waste your money also. Talk to some of the instructors and more experienced people at your field and see what they say. It is extremely hard to judge a person's flying skills without seeing them.
07-13-2007 | 11:17 AM
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From: Nutley,
NJ
RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
Hanger 9 Pulse XT? Some have compared its flight characteristics to the SIG 4* in a more modern package. What do you guys think? I havent assembled mine yet.
07-13-2007 | 11:20 AM
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
... I have a line on an Extra 300 ARF .60 that I could get cheap and get into the air with little work ...
Some Extras can fly as nicely as a 4-Star, if you know how to reduce the control throws and manage the throttle. However, the reason they are popular for aerobatics is that they are easy to stall, snaproll, and spin (read "unstable" ) under most flying conditions.
A little more information would be good, but I think most will suggest that you select a fairly stable plane for your next.
Good Luck,
Dave Olson
07-13-2007 | 11:20 AM
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
I've got to agree with the others here. This plane will probably be too much for you as a second plane. If you try to fly it you may find that the plane is "flying you" instead of you flying the plane. By this I mean that you are always trying to keep up with what the plane is doing instead of being ahead of the plane and making the plane do what you want it too. I'd hold off on it until at least your third plane.
If you have the chance to get the plane there is no reason why you can't get it and hang it up until you are ready for it. Get a good second plane and get some airtime until you are ready for the 300.
Hope this helps
Ken
If you have the chance to get the plane there is no reason why you can't get it and hang it up until you are ready for it. Get a good second plane and get some airtime until you are ready for the 300.
Hope this helps
Ken
07-13-2007 | 11:21 AM
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From: Mississauga,
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
ORIGINAL: Campy
With your low flying time, the 300 MAY be ok for a 3rd plane and would look very good for a 4th plane. I feel the plane will be too sensitive for a person with limited experience/flying time.
Extra's, Caps, Staudachers, etc are VERY aerobatic planes easiy capable of 3D. They are VERY easy to tip stall and (depending on the manufacturer of the kit/arf ) will snap if you blink hard.
For a 2nd plane I would suggest something along the lines of a 4*, Tiger II, World Models Rambler 30 or 45 (46 size ARF, but very well made ). The Tiger II can be set as a tri gear or tail dragger, the others are taildraggers.
A 2nd plane is USUALLY a low wing, tail dragger. They are not as forgiving as a trainer, but a lot more forgiving than an Extra. With a 2nd plane you will be getting used to a taildragger, more sensitivity, faster landing speed and a "point and go" type plane ALL AT THE SAME TIME. That is quite a bit all together.
Depending on how well you progress with one of the planes I mentioned, you SHOULD be able to handle the Chipmunk for a 3rd plane.
I hate to discourage you, but I would hate to see you waste your money also. Talk to some of the instructors and more experienced people at your field and see what they say. It is extremely hard to judge a person's flying skills without seeing them.
With your low flying time, the 300 MAY be ok for a 3rd plane and would look very good for a 4th plane. I feel the plane will be too sensitive for a person with limited experience/flying time.
Extra's, Caps, Staudachers, etc are VERY aerobatic planes easiy capable of 3D. They are VERY easy to tip stall and (depending on the manufacturer of the kit/arf ) will snap if you blink hard.
For a 2nd plane I would suggest something along the lines of a 4*, Tiger II, World Models Rambler 30 or 45 (46 size ARF, but very well made ). The Tiger II can be set as a tri gear or tail dragger, the others are taildraggers.
A 2nd plane is USUALLY a low wing, tail dragger. They are not as forgiving as a trainer, but a lot more forgiving than an Extra. With a 2nd plane you will be getting used to a taildragger, more sensitivity, faster landing speed and a "point and go" type plane ALL AT THE SAME TIME. That is quite a bit all together.
Depending on how well you progress with one of the planes I mentioned, you SHOULD be able to handle the Chipmunk for a 3rd plane.
I hate to discourage you, but I would hate to see you waste your money also. Talk to some of the instructors and more experienced people at your field and see what they say. It is extremely hard to judge a person's flying skills without seeing them.
Thanks for your help, I think I will stick with the original plan and buy / build a 4* or Tiger II in the fall.
07-13-2007 | 11:29 AM
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From: St. Joseph,
MO
RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
I have one of the cheep extra 300s. I'v had two in fact. I built a Four Star 60 last year. I LOVE IT. I did Not ever love the 300s. I thought I would too much too soon. Tere is a reasion the Four Star searies has lasted so long. They fly great. My Four Star will do anything that the 300s would do.
Mine is the AERO Sport 300S. I know it looks like a plane, You want someting that looks good on the ground for a short time or something that flys great.
I had a Four Star 40 "used" , I loved it. My next build will be the Four Star 120 with a gaser up front.
Mine is the AERO Sport 300S. I know it looks like a plane, You want someting that looks good on the ground for a short time or something that flys great.
I had a Four Star 40 "used" , I loved it. My next build will be the Four Star 120 with a gaser up front.
07-13-2007 | 11:33 AM
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From: Alexandria,
MN
RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
some of the guys at the flying field were tellin me to get an Ultra Stick for a second plane. I think the Ultra Stick is a plane for a wide range of experience because a bunch of our really good pilots have Ultra Sticks and they love them. and there's one guy that has an Ultra Stick and i think its his first or second balsa plane (he flew spads before that) and he likes it too.
07-13-2007 | 11:36 AM
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
ORIGINAL: RCKen
I've got to agree with the others here. This plane will probably be too much for you as a second plane. If you try to fly it you may find that the plane is "flying you" instead of you flying the plane. By this I mean that you are always trying to keep up with what the plane is doing instead of being ahead of the plane and making the plane do what you want it too. I'd hold off on it until at least your third plane.
If you have the chance to get the plane there is no reason why you can't get it and hang it up until you are ready for it. Get a good second plane and get some airtime until you are ready for the 300.
Hope this helps
Ken
I've got to agree with the others here. This plane will probably be too much for you as a second plane. If you try to fly it you may find that the plane is "flying you" instead of you flying the plane. By this I mean that you are always trying to keep up with what the plane is doing instead of being ahead of the plane and making the plane do what you want it too. I'd hold off on it until at least your third plane.
If you have the chance to get the plane there is no reason why you can't get it and hang it up until you are ready for it. Get a good second plane and get some airtime until you are ready for the 300.
Hope this helps
Ken
07-13-2007 | 11:38 AM
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
ORIGINAL: Scar
What Extra? If it's a Vector Flight, I'd grab it, even if you don't put it in the air right away. If it's a VNH Line Extra, I'd pass even if it was free. Great Planes ARF? Kit?
Some Extras can fly as nicely as a 4-Star, if you know how to reduce the control throws and manage the throttle. However, the reason they are popular for aerobatics is that they are easy to stall, snaproll, and spin (read "unstable" ) under most flying conditions.
A little more information would be good, but I think most will suggest that you select a fairly stable plane for your next.
Good Luck,
Dave Olson
... I have a line on an Extra 300 ARF .60 that I could get cheap and get into the air with little work ...
Some Extras can fly as nicely as a 4-Star, if you know how to reduce the control throws and manage the throttle. However, the reason they are popular for aerobatics is that they are easy to stall, snaproll, and spin (read "unstable" ) under most flying conditions.
A little more information would be good, but I think most will suggest that you select a fairly stable plane for your next.
Good Luck,
Dave Olson
07-14-2007 | 06:15 PM
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RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
Thanks Campy - I am sure you do not recall, but you helped me with some Fiberglassing tips over the winter- BTW - the project worked out very well. I did it as a learning tool for the Chipmunk, which is now fully built and needs to be glassed (fuse), covered and painted. I am thinking that it will be ready for a winter beauty pagent or two!
Thanks for your help, I think I will stick with the original plan and buy / build a 4* or Tiger II in the fall.
I am glad I was able to help out with the glassing. This is what RC Universe is supposed to be about - helping each other.
I am pretty sure you will like either one of them. They are both nice flying planes.
As for the Extra, if you have some spare money and want to pick it up and store it for using as a 4th plane, go for it. Blackhorse makes some very nice models.
07-14-2007 | 07:15 PM
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From: Paris, AR
RE: Second Plane - Extra 300???
I have a Blackhorse Extra.I have also hade an old Hobbico ARf and am currently building my 3rd Goldberg Extra.I have also managed an AK models arf Extra in between.The Hobbico I owned 15 years ago was my second plane.Great little plane(I think a person could have used it to learn on).The Goldberg Extras are my all time favorite.I know with you could learn from scratch on one of them.I got out of flying for about 10yrs.My 1st plane back in was the AK arf.Not a true mid wing and it flew like it.I never crashed it,in fact flew it unasisted the 1st flight,it didnt like to slow up though.I then bought the Blackhorse.It is the greatest arf Ive ever seen.Everything fit perfectly.Some of the hardware was not up to standards,who cares.With all that Ive said,The BH arf maybe a little much going from a high wing trainer.They fly well but are still not a Goldberg.The goldberg is a lot bigger and it shows when its time to land.
