A question for the experienced pilots. I have flown a trainer for some time and I'm thinking of moving into a second plane. I was thinking of the Sig somethin' extra ARF or the Magic extra 300.
(Any comments on these tow choices?)

I was considering setting the plane up with flaperons (To allow for slower landings) and wanted to know what may be a good starting point for mixing down elevator with the flaperons setting. I know each plane is different, but there has to be a starting point, or will this just get me into trouble?

Thanks for your help.

Ron

Either of the planes you have chosen will be good. I personally like the Sig plane as a first choice. It is available as a kit or ARF. I have not been satisfied with the quality of the Global products (Magic specifically).

I would not suggest you try using a mix in the beginning. These planes have very thick airfoils and will fly well slowly and are easy to land if set up with the low rate control throws. The mix to slow it down can cause an abrupt stall which can be a problem for the beginner. I use 2 mixes on these types of planes.
1. Elevator to flap for "wall" maneuvers. This also works well for inverted "harriers" and "elevators"
2. Landing mode is set up with the flaps raising as spoilerons. You will need to mix in some up elevator to keep it level. Flaps at 10 to 15% (raised) and up elevator at 5 to 10% (up) should be good to start. You can land in this mode with the nose high and "harrier" across the field. DON'T TRY THIS LOW UNTIL YOU ARE COMFORTABLE WITH FLYING IN THIS MODE! You will need to try this at altitude and know where the mix switch is to turn it off/on as needed.

EXCAP232

For what it is worh, I am a relative beginner as well, and have 3 planes. The trainer, a SIG 4*60 and the Ultra Stick 60. The 4* has flaperons, and the US60 has flaps and crow. I set each according to the manuals, and have had them checked by my people in the club I belong to. Even though I have them programmed, I still haven't used them. You do have that option if you want, and when you believe you are ready, you have the option.

Boy, I re-read my post, and I sure could have said it better than I did. I should have said: "You can program the features, you don't have to use them till you are ready" There, I feel better. I must need some flying time bad.

Tecstar1,
I put in another vote for the Sig SE, it's an excellent plane.
I wouldn't suggest using flaperons or spoilerons until you get familiar with the plane, they're not needed at all for good easy landings and will probably only complicate things for you at first. Fly the plane at the low rates listed in the manual with about 30% expo on elevator and ailerons because it will feel like quite a handful if all you've flown is a trainer. Once the plane gets some altitude, throttle back to about half until you get more comfortable with it. Good luck!