About 15 years ago, I built a sailplane (a Goldberg Gentle Lady), and used a Cox Black Widow mounted in a pod over the wing to get it to altitude. It was a lot of fun, but for various reasons, I got out of the hobby. Now, I'm looking to get back in, and don't know what I want to do. Sailplanes don't excite me anymore, and I think I would rather go glow rather than electric (though that isn't set in stone).

So, the question is, with some (albeit old) experience, flying a powered, 2 channel sailplane, should I go with a typical trainer? I think I really want a plane with ailerons, but is that too much at my limited experience level? What plane would you suggest (I probably want to go ARF for now)?

Another question. I removed all the electronics from the sailplane, and gave the plane to my brother in law and nephews for a father/son project. The radio is a Futaba Attack 4, bought new back in '92. The batteries hold charges, and everything seems to work as it should. Is there any reason why I can't use that radio?

Thanks!



Scott

about 5 or so years or so ago I made the same decision, after alot of research I went for a "ready to fly" RTF trainer the Nextar, and joined a local club, the 2 best things I did to start getting back in to the swing of things.

there is a listing at the top of the beginners page of many trainers all pretty good to start,I like powering my planes with fuel mainly because its where I started many years ago but there is alot of electric planes that fly good as well.

I dont know much about the radio you have, but for starters it sounds like it would serve you well for at least your first trainer,the radios that are available are unbelievable they do stuff that was not reachable when I first got into the hobby, but a basic 4channel radio will get you started for a trainer plane for sure.
a good size to start with is a 40 size trainer,and a 46 size engine.

the 40 size is big enough to be stable in most wind conditions,as well as being large enough to see at a safe altitude.
a 46 size engine my favorite being the OS46 for reliable running and ease of tuning,will give you years of performance, and also work in many planes you might want in the future,since getting back into RC I have found that WWII planes are my personal favorite, but there is so many cool ways to have fun in this hobby,just remember start with the basics and build from there.

I should add when I first started the only simulator was for scale pilots and NASA, the ones that are available are not only fun but are a huge training aid and have helped me learn so much faster than if I had to rely on actual stick time,the variety of planes to try is just endless.
I have a G-3.5 from great planes its a great sim there is alot of free downloads as well when you get the sim from www.knifeedge.com welcom back and have some fun.

When I started one of my instructors had equipment that by standards in 2000 would have been considered antique at 25 years old, and it still worked real good for him

If you learn on a regular trainer, then you could go back to sailplanes or go to sport power whatever you like.

Sig has made good trainers. I did not learn on a Sig buy my son is learning on one LT40 with a supertigre GS40

Richard

Going from 2 channel with a 15 year gap I would lean toward a trainer for sure but you can really do alot with a trainer and most are 4 channel w/ ailerons.
There is a good list here:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm
Can't help with your old radio. I am not sure if you can get compatable receivers.Someone else may chime in on that one.

Get a trainer. Radios have come a long way, and so have planes. Dish out the 400 and get a new plane. It's worth it. And it's easy.

Thanks for the help, everyone. I've found a couple of clubs that are close by, and I will be visiting on Saturday, and see if I can get some instruction. Definitely buying a trainer.

Yeah... and you know, a lot can be said for the recommendations of the people at the club, especially the one that will do the training. Listen to what they have to say and go by what they recommend. That way, the instructor will be happy to work with you considering you had the courtesy to listen to what he/she had to say and followed suit.

CGr.

you said a mouth full there, remember these people are willing to give you thier time and energy. Its a lot to ask them to learn new radio's and how to build a different plane. Many clubs have a trainer plane and radio to help people get started, and would reather use it. You may not need to even buy and build a trainer, start your second plane while learning to fly.......
just my .02 worth