Well, if you say you can get the engine, plane, and radio all for $330, yes I'd say so. I spent $150 for plane, $120 for engine, and $200 for a 6-channel computerized radio, so $470, and then the aformentioned accessories. Keep in mind some tools you might need, but not have, I found that my prior knife wasn't that great, and went out to get a X-Acto Knife, also wire cutters, which despite my cable installation days, I didn't have, and one or two drill bits [by the way, do you have a drill?]. So, all in all I got in for more than $500, but I've been having good times building my ARF, as well as some frustrations in mistakes, but I can't wait to fly!

noooo impulse,,, If you buy the plane, motor and radio combo and show up at the field with fuel and a AMA card, I am willing to bet that you could get most of the field equipment at a fraction of the cost. There are lots of flight boxes out there, and people don't want to throw them away, but would give them or sell them cheep to someone who would really use it.
If you were around here I would give you a used one that I have. I have had and given away three and still have two.
People are upgrading all the time. I started with my stuff in a cardboard box and it worked great. But one day I had to have all the goodies and made a box,,, that was 4 boxes ago and when you get tired of the off the shelf one you will build your own.

Also people will let you fly with their start up stuff. You show up and talk to them when looking over the field and just tell them that you need help getting it started, someone will offer to help and using there stuff to get into the air until you can get your own is never been a problem around here.

Some people feel good when they get to help a new guy,, but only if it really does someone some good. A show of good faith, like getting the plane there with fuel is a sign that your not a leach and will be a asset when you are in the club.

Good luck,
MR Flyer57

Wow i hope people are realy that helpfull like you telling me Mr.flyer. I was thinking that too. Cant i just have some plain tool box. Do i realy need a fuel pump. Can't i just pour it in with a funnnel. And can't you start the engine with your finger? I dont get all these fancy tools????

Impulse

I repeat DO NOT ATTEMPT TO START GLOW ENGINES WITH YOUR FINGER,

It is very dangerous , they generate enough power to cut your finger off ,

as for fueling , these tanks are fueled thru a tube , and caanot be poured , you can however use a squeeze bottle if that is all you have ,

as has been suggested , get what you can show up at the field anything you dont have someone else will , and most will be more than glad to lend and help you get started ,

Highlander

Thats what i meant those little squeeze bottle. *note to self* dont start engine with finger.

hey impulse this stuff is good advice listen to them......i'm 13 so one year yonger than you and i've been flying for 2 years it's alot of fun but make sure you suck up all the info you can cuz it helps with the $$ a sim like g2 also help.

?? doesn't make since but alright??

Hi again impulse,

Please don't use your finger to start the engine. Most of the time it won't start anyway.
It cost nothing for someone to let you use a starter.

You can rig up a big squirt bottle for almost nothing and a glow starter is not too expensive.
Getting a battery is something that you can find around also. Most people use a motorcycle or lawn tractor battery.

For the whole package to get flying it will cost about 40 bucks, and that is with fuel. Get a cardboard box or design your own fight box.
The best way to make this happen is just to ask if anyone has one for sale cheap. There are lots of them around.

The way it works is someone at the club knows someone who has a bunch of stuff and wants to sell it. He buys it and has stuff he wants and stuff that he doesn't need.

The stuff is too good to throw away but not good enough to use (he has a great box already). So what is the answer?

It is not worth much to people who already have the stuff and how many power panels and starters, and fuel pumps can you use. Lots of stuff is of lower class and after a few years you will change out to better and much more expensive stuff, and getting rid if stuff that is taking up space in your airplane room is hard to do. Airplane guys are pack rats by nature.

We had a guy show up at our field with the plane combo that you are talking about, and after making contacts has made deals that I can not believe. They won't sell me the stuff because I would just be collecting it and not using it.

The last thing to keep in mind is that as popular as the sport is, there are not that many of us around. When you actually begin to fly you will be talking about it and people will be talking about you.

Deals from people who bought a bunch of stuff and then crashed right away because they wanted to do it alone or never got it built are everywhere, and those people will seek you out with some fantastic deals. The world is full of half finished planes with all kinds of equipment.
If you have the cash then get what you want, but on a shoestring you will want to keep your eyes and ears open.

Lots of broken dreams out there. That is why I am trying to show you a way to get into this sport without getting your dreams crushed.

From as long as I can remember I have loved the thought of flight and I always wanted my toys to really work. There are lots of interests that this hobby lets you expand on, but the fact is that some of us would do this even if we had to do it alone.
For those guys to see another of our kind is rare and if you are one, they will know and will help you along.

MR Flyer57

Ok. How much are those little starting dealys. Look like their about $30 or so. But i think im going to my local fields this weekend and just look around. But thanks for everything Mr.Flyer you have been a great helper. Thankyou.

So can i connect the starter thing to my flight box if i get one or do i need a 12v battery?

Just my two cents,

Get a hot shot,, just a D battery with a end on it, it comes with a charger. That should be the biggest expense at first.

I'm not counting fuel. If you have a way to start your plane, at least you can test the engine and run it up at home if you want to.
A starter is expensive and I would wait to get one until you go to the field a few times, get a hardwood dowel and make a "chicken stuck" just put some tape on one end so you don't damage the prop. If you have a good motor you might be able to start it with a chicken stick. Some of the motors will start right up and some won't.
you can buy a squeeze bottle cheap or make one and use it to fuel your plane, they are a big hassle and anyone who has one will most likely give it to you.
I had a hand pump but wanted a electric one, it took me over 3 years to give it away... to someone who needed it.

Keep in mind that the most helpful are not always the most knowledgeable, so keep you eyes open.

In an earlier post I was exploring the question: who would be best to help, even though you will have to seek out his time and he might not be the first to rush in to help.

I think your yardstick should be landings... It has been my experience that the guys who do the best landings are the ones who really know there stuff.
I don't have any thing but my own experience to call upon, but as I look back, it has been the ones that everybody stops just for a second to watch land that have been the shining stars.

Good luck Impulse,
MR Flyer57

Hmm....? Alright. I'll just ask the people at the hobby store and just look around. Thanks everyone!!