Hi all -

I am returning to the hobby after about eight years of not flying. I was in the hobby for about six months before when I was flying. I am looking to get my first plane after the eight year lapse and was wanting your recommendations. I have been considering the Hanger 9 Cessna 182 Skylane ARF, the Great Planes Piper J-3 Cub 60 ARF, or the Great Planes Cherokee .56 ARF. I'd like to hear your comments and recommendations.

Thanks,
Kyle

Absolutely none of the three. Problem is here eight years later after one season or thereabouts and probably did not fly any of those type airplanes before. Returnee's frequently will quit at a skill level that is just below that required of their next dream airplane. Then after x number of years come back and try to start on the those airplanes that was the next level before. Needless to say it does not work very well and gets expensive.

I very much enjoy working with returnee's and have mentored a lot of them. In the majority of cases a good trainer (airplane and instructor) is the key to their continued success and finding a mentor to work with them. The only airplane I would recommend for you is the Sig LT-40 Arf.

John

Here is a good place for a lot of great info: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm
Hope it helps answer your question.

What about a beginner plane that is RTF? I'm interested in seeing whats out there. I'm flying heli's now but only have a coaxl that's pretty easy to fly. I'm already looking to upgrade to a FP heli so it will give me more of a chalange. Thanks, Joe

Thanks for the replies and recommendations. A trainer it is then

The Hobbico Avistar is my favorite trainer. It's easy to fly, yet a bit sportier flying than the other trainers out there.

Thanks i'm going to look into it now.

Actually I was looking for something in electric to start out with. Priced around $150 or less. Any ideas?

Take a look at the Super Cub:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ7100

super cub! you might lost your touch already...

but if you're pretty confident, checkout the [link=http://www.twift.com/RC%20Toys%20&%20Hobby/Cessna%20182%20Skylane%20-%204%20Channel%20RC%20Plane.html]skylane[/link]!

<font size="2" color="#00265e">Kyle3309</font> </p>

     If you had soloed out with your trainer during your 6 months in hobby, you could try a low wing trainer. My choice Tiger 2, but there are others out there also. Get with a instructor and buddy box till you get back in the swing of things and have some fun.</p>

Another vote for the Avistar, if you`re interested in a high wing. An Avistar with a 46 is, IMHO, a more capable "trainer" than the usual high dihedral, flat bottomed wing trainer. A buddy box for a few flights would be a good idea.

If you've been out of the hobby for eight years and were only in it for 6 months before, you need to start from scratch again. When I started several years ago I bought a Global Hobbies Right Flyer 40T MkII from the LHS. It was a great trainer and very rubust. It has a foam sheeted wing that has survived several crashes. I hung it up in the garage as I moved on to more advanced planes. Due to work and life I had to leave the hobby for a couple of years and have just recently returned. Instead of trying to fly any or emy sport planes or warbirds, I went back and started flying the training again. I was pretty rusty in just that short time and it took a few tries before my landings were good again. So I would definitely suggest that with you being out of it for 8 years that you start over and get a trainer like the one I mentioned, or one that the others have mentioned.

I just checked and found a Right Flyer 40T on Ebay with an opening bid of $9.99. That would be a very inexpensive investment to get you going again.

cgi.ebay.com/NIB-RIGHT-FLYER-40T-Mk.II-Remote-Control-Airplane_W0QQitemZ120429456134QQcmdZViewItemQQimsx Z20090603

AVISTAR!!!! Get you an Avistar man... I found mine for 75 bucks used with radio. Like I've told many on here before LOOK AT THE RCUNIVERSE MARKETPLACE you can find 100 dollar or less trainers RTF used but still absolutely perfect trainers. and the Avistar is the top trainer in my opinion as well as many others opinions, very capable airplane with trainer characteristics. Actually just came in from a quick flight with mine

Hi!
Forget those small electric toy airplanes! They don't fly well ! Have no powerfull motor (Brushed)! and use NiMH batteries! No good in todays world!
Better use one of ther best high winged trainers on the market ; The Kyosho Calmato and a .40 glow engine

Kyle, first question.  Do you have anything left over from when you were flying before?

If so you can get a Trainer ARF and drop your radio and engine in and go at it.  If not, you will need to get the RTF version or buy everything seperately.

Also if you do have the radio gear and engine, be prepared to replace the battery packs for the Transmitter and Receiver, and Glow Igniter, and also replace the glow plug.

Since everyone is suggesting planes, don't exclude the Tower Trainer.  For the price you can't beat it in eather the ARF or RTF versions. 

Before you buy, join the Tower Super Saver club and wait for a few days and Tower will send you a coupon code that will more than pay for the fees, and give you free shipping as well.  I have been getting coupon codes for up to $60 dollars off of a $300 dollar order regularly.