I am new to the world of RC planes. I am looking to get my first plane. I was wondering if anyone had any sugestions for a plane to get I would like to get a gas trainer. Does anyone have any suggestions? Would I be better off to get an electric?

If I could give my very humble opinion, as I have only been flying for about 11 months or so, but the route I took was to buy a simple 2-channel and get used to flying it and learning the orientation of the plane in the air. If you put in some simulator time, and are a quick learner, then I don't think that many could recommend a better first "trainer" plane than the Hobby Zone Super Cub:

http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h..._super_cub.htm

It really is a great first plane and is forgiving. I've learned a lot from flying that plane and hope to move up soon

Good luck, if I can help you get started I will.

God Bless,
Daniel.

I have had a small Skisprite plane flew that for a total of about 3 hours but I didnt really consider that to be a first plane since there wasnt much to it and was only like $40 I always liked that but the control puked on it and I have always wanted another. I now work for a hobby shop and so can get one for a discount price

You should order yourself a Thunder Tiger Pegasus .40 Super Combo from Ace Hobby. It's part number TTR4556-F12.

It includes the outstanding Pegasus .40 airframe with a 70" semi-symmetrical airfoil, the Thunder Tiger GP-42 glow engine with propeller and glow plug, and a Hitec Laser 4 radio system. Your dealer cost should be just over $200 or so.

My recomendation is a Sig LT-40. You won't have any complaints about that plane. Last you for years.

pop in to the local flying club, and see what they are flying, and what type of radios are most common or popular with the instructors first.
then check RCKens list at the top of the beginners section to get a idea of whats out there every one has there favorite,or the one they learned on.

to add to big tim's suggestion ask about radio frequencies. Seems almost everywhere you go there is an issue with this channel or that , either gets hit or everyone is on 49 for example

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

first thing i suggest is go to your local flying field and find an instructor, see what they suggest before you buy anything (no point turning up with a big low wing gasser if they are flying little foam park flyers)and then go by your instructors advice

Being new to the hobby, I've done a LOT of research into my first plane. There are so many choices, it can get quite confusing when trying to select the one plane you will begin with. I ended up choosing the Sig Kadet SR ARF. There are many reasons for this choice, not the least of which is my instructor still flies his Kadet Sr as much as any of the others he has (he made some modifications). I'm currently learning on an LT 40 that belongs to the club, but I find I lose orientation when turning from base to final approach. The Kadet Sr is much larger and will give me a better profile, thus allowing me to keep the attitude of the plane as it should be. (I hope) I can also fly it much slower than the LT 40. Fast planes + small mistakes can equal large rebuilds for us noobs.

The Sr will allow mild aerobatics as you improve your skill, and is capable of doing some intermediate aerobatics with a larger engine, in the hands of an experienced pilot.

There are already a few threads on this site that discuss first planes and if you read them all, you will see the Kadet Sr ARF to be a popular choice, along with many others. We will never all agree on the "one" first plane you should get, but we will definately all agree that no matter what your choice is, be absolutely sure you get a good instructor and don't push the edge of the envelope when you begin flying. Depending on your bank account, you may want to opt for a higher end Transmitter/Receiver package that you can use later with more advanced planes. Then there is the engine you will use. Lots of choices there too.

ARF is supposed to mean "Almost Ready to Fly". This may be true for experienced builders, but for me it should be called "NWNRF" (No Where Near Ready to Fly") If you get a kit or an ARF, be sure to ask questions of others in the hobby until you exhaust their knowledge. Then ask more questions. I've found that the people I've met in the local club are more than willing to share their enthusiasm for the hobby as well as their knowledge. There are tons of things you need to know when assemblying your first plane that are not covered in the instructions, like "...thin out a little epoxy with alcohol and brush on your firewall to keep it from becoming saturated with fuel". So many little things to do that will help your plane last years and maybe even save some re-building from that inevitable dirt dive that so many have experienced.

No matter which plane you finally decide on, find a good instructor at a local club... and welcome to the hobby.