Hi all!

I would like to know what your opinions are on an RTF kit for a first-time flyer. I am open to other ideas, but I think I have decided my first plane will be an RTF from Hanger 9. My question is, should I go with the Alpha 40 or Alpha 60? From what I have read, they are both excellent choices. I am leaning towards the 60 because it seems as if it would be easier to see and the larger wing area would help in stability.

I appreciate your input!

Mike V.
NE Ohio

They are both outstanding trainers. If you can swing it I would say go with the 60. Larger is almost always better when it comes to planes. They are smoother flying and, as you said, easier to see. The only downside of a larger plane is that they will use a bit more fuel. But not enough to make a huge difference. Definitly a good choice.

Ken

Good choices, but as Ken said, if you can do it, go for the 60. It's larger, which makes it more visible, and a tad bit more easy going in the air. Turns are slower and more deliberate (seemingly that is) and in reality, this gives you a bit more time to understand and absorb what's going on. You will defiintely see a difference in landing, too. You can watch the plane react to your inputs during landings much better (visibility) than with the smaller trainers.

I have absolutely nothing against smaller trainers, but prefer the larger ones just for the reasons above.

As for the Hanger 9 Alpha 60, the only objection I would have is the Evolution Power System. I have had my share of problems with ths Evo engines and really prefer the OS engine lines. My personal experience, and that of many others, is that they are more reliable and, in some cases, have more power.

Best of luck with whatever you choose.

CGr

The above advice is right on. I have an Alpha 40, and have had great luck with it. Like they said, if you can afford the extra $100 for the 60 size, it will be much easier to see in the air, and less affected by wind. The three blade props they come with really slow the plane down. After I soloed, and broke the last of my three blade props, I went to an APC 11x6, and it is like a whole new plane.

After talking with some of the other trainees at my club, and hearing how much time they spent getting their ARF trainers in the air, I am very glad to have gotten the RTF package. It doesn't teach you anything about building (until it starts to break), but it does get you in the air fast.

As for my "until it starts to break" comment, I just had a few minor issues where glue joints in my Alpha failed and needed to be reinforced. I would recommend that the firewall, horizontal stab, vertical stab, and wing joint all be reinforced with epoxy and tri-stock (except, no tri-stock on the wing ). I had my firewall pop out on an early hard landing, but after reinforcing it, I have hit hard enough for the nosewheel to make skid marks on the fuselage without damage.

You can definitely get in the air cheaper by going with a tower trainer ARF, and buying an engine and radio. This would let you choose your engine and radio for personal preference, but I don't think you would get in the air much faster than with an Alpha RTF.

Good luck.

I trained on a 40 sized trainer ( Avistar ), still have it, still fly snd enjoy it. Great plane. Having said that, if I could and had it to do over, I`d go with a 60 for all the reasons mentioned in this thread.

True to all above. I trained with the 40 size and Its been a great plane. Likewise I changed my prop to the 11, 7 and it is a whole new plane. Pretty quick. The wind can make the 40 a little sketchy on landing but the wire landing gear will take a beating, bend it back and up you go again. As for the evo engine .46, I have never had a better running engine than the evolution. Besides having to wrap the head in the winter time with metal tape to do some ski flying, otherwize its been a great motor.

WOW! Thanks for all the quick (and very insightful) responses! I was pretty sure that I was going with the 60-size, and this has definitely convinced me that a 60 is the way to go.

I now need to consider the excellent point that mclina makes re: the ARF vs. RTF. This is something I want to do right. I am not in a rush to get into the air, and a few dollars more or less doesn't really matter. I just want to make sure that I can get in with something good, and something that will last and let me move up as I get better. But the ARF vs. RTF is another topic, so maybe I'll make another post with that question, but I'll check the forum first - I can't imagine I would be the first one asking that.

I still welcome other opinions and comments, but from what I have read so far, I don't think anyone is going to recommend the 40 over the 60!

Again, my sincerest thanks to all of you that have offered their opinion. I am (obviously) new to the forums and it's nice to have a warm welcome.

Mike V.

I have the Alpha 60 and it is a dream to fly. Very Stable. I bought the ARF version and put an OS 61 FX on it with a 13-6 prop. I fly it at about half throttle and it's a blast.

I'll second the Alpha 60. I've flown the Alpha 40 and currently have an Alpha 60. I feel the 60 is a better flying plane, and the Evolution .61 fired right up for me. After a tank through to break it in (I removed the limiters) it performed flawlessly for me on the first flight. The version I got was the RTF and while mine had damaged wings I knew I had to repair, I spent around 40 minutes to assemble it. The basic 4-channel radio works great for a trainer and will be fine for future aircraft.

Hogflyer

I have an Avistar and a Hobbistar 60, while I enjoy both of them, I prefer the Hobbistar 60. Mainly because it handles the wind better. RTF from Tower less a few necessary items is 379.98, on the three pay for 126.66.

I have the 60 and I love it , I am about to order the Ultra Stick by Hanger 9