Having a hard time finding a second plane, since Im having a hard time judging my own skill level. I have a Superstar EP trainer, that I've beaten up but it still flies, and I can now consistently take off, fly around, land, without much effort. I'm decent with wind since theres ALWAYS wind around here any way. I also have G4, and use it daily. The thing that confuses me is that I find that I'm suspiciously good at flying in the sim. I can easily handle and land low wing faster planes, and some of the bigger aerobatic ones as well. I highly doubt I'm anywhere NEAR that skilled with a real plane.

The first plane was an easy choice, since I knew exactly how much I knew - nothing.

I'm looking for something thats large but not too large, like 50-70" wingspan, I enjoy relatively slow and stable flight, but I do want to get something that'll push me a bit more than my Superstar trainer.

I'm looking at the P51 PTS, but I don't know if I can handle it yet, its just so hard to tell. If the sim is any indication then I can definitely handle it, but I know not to get to cocky about my skills in the sim.

I'm also going it alone basically, which I know wont get me much respect around here but thats what I have going on right now. No club, no instructor, just a willingness to take it very slow and a huge open space

As far as kind goes it can be nitro, electric, gas, RTF, ARF, etc. doesnt matter to me really - I have some experience with all from my RC car hobby.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

How about the Pulse XT .40 or the Sig 4 Star?

If you want to stay with an electric aircraft, you might want to take a look at E-Flight's Mini Pulse XT PnP or Mini Ultra Stik PnP. They're both largely pre-built with motor, speed controller, and servos pre-installed. You just need to add a receiver and an appropriate LiPo battery and they're ready to fly.

Both the Mini Pulse XT and the Mini Ultra Stik are good "second" airframes that can slow down and land like a trainer, but are far more aerobatic than your Superstar EP.

The new Parkzone T-28 Trojan RTF would be another good choice. Unlike the previously mentioned E-Flight airplanes, the T-28 is made of foam instead of balsa and covering. It comes with a 72Mhz radio system, brushless power setup, and LiPo battery with charger all for around $200 or so, though. It also offers the similar "faster and more aerobatic but still stable and easy to land" characteristics that you want for a second plane.

I have a hard time recommending that anyone tries to learn how to handle glow engines all alone. I think you should stick with electric aircraft until you can find a flying buddy with glow experience to help you. Even with glow car/truck experience, tuning a glow engine while a sharp propeller spins an inch away from your hand at 13,000 rpm isn't something to figure out on your own.

Good luck and good shopping!

Pulse XT.

Mmm the Mini Pulse XT seems like a good choice, looks scary and fast [X(]

As long as you remember which stick is the throttle, you should be OK.

I may give it a shot, the price is right. It should all come to under $500 with a radio and battery.

Also, do you recommend getting a base model 4 channel radio, or spending the money and getting something nicer that I can use for future planes?

u can allso get a sig mayham 40 size it is a gentle plane but can do 3d if set up for it it floats very well take offs r easy so r landings u can use os 46 2 stroke or go for os 70 4 stroke will fly it very well i have wore one out starting on my second one

Mmm I went ahead and ordered a Mini-Pulse XT, can't go wrong at that price it seems. If I crash i'll just blame you all


Also, it didnt say in the specs page, but I presume a normal size receiver can fit right?


I also got tempted and ordered a Slo-V RTF, it'd be great to have something I can fly literally right outside my house

Well for my 2nd plane, I'm going to be flying the Phoenix Dolphin.

The Mini-Pulse XT will hold a normal 7-or-8 Channel receiver without any problem. Buying a nice 6-channel computer radio like the Hitec Optic Sport or JR Sport SX600 will only cost you a little more than a basic 4-channel radio, but give you much more room to go. Congratulations on a very nice airplane!

TakingFlight96, congratulations to you on your Phoenix Dolphin. It's a really great value for a top-quality low wing trainer and it's nice to see it becoming more popular as word gets out. Have fun!

How about a Sig 4 star .40? Or a Goldberg Tiger II if you want to stay with tricycle gear...you can always make it a tail dragger.

There'sots to choos e from. My second plane was the Great Planes Easy Sport, which is a "Stick" type and an excellent flying plane. The Tower .40 Kaos is also an excellent flying plane.

bhady

Bigedmustafa,

Thanks. But, It will be some time before I get to fly it. I still have training in the spring on my Hobbico Nexstar. Actually, the plane belonged to my dad first and he gave it to me as my second plane, once done training. Saw it fly many times at the field, can't wait til I can fly it !



-- TakingFlight96

Well you certainly have a lot to look forward to! I solo'd on my Nexstar Select RTF a couple of years ago. I spent 2006 learning and practicing while flying sport planes. I've been working my way up to pattern planes and scale aerobats.

You'll likely read some negative comments about the Nexstar's flying characteristics, but overall it's a terrific trainer if wind conditions are low to moderate. When it comes time to land, there may not be a better trainer than the Nexstar. The first time I landed mine, the instructor just kept talking me through it and I didn't even realize I was landing the plane until the wheels touched the grass.

My wife happened to be out at the field with me that day with camera in hand, the picture below is of me shooting approaches with my Nexstar shortly before my first ever landing:

Very glad to hear how well it flys. Still, go a little ways til its warm enough and the winds calm down in WI. But, until then its practice, practice, practice on the simulator.




-- TakingFlight96