Hi all

One quick question:

Would you recommend a Ultra Stick 46 as a first plane or not (no r/c flying experience other than simulator (FS ONE) and then also a Blade CX2)? Why would you say if you say you wouldn't?

Regards

WITH AN INSTRUCTOR, MAYBE.
I would prefer a standard trainer which will be more forgiving, self leveling, slow flying and easier landing but a Stick with low throws and a good instructor on a buddy box could work for you.

I have to go with no. Might be a second or third plane, but it is tough to learn with out a good trainer and instructor. Good Luck, Dave

I'd rather see you try something on this list http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm or something similar that is available in your area that we (in the U.S. ) don't know about.

The Ultra Stick could be used as a secondary trainer, but not a primary trainer. RCKen has put together a good list of available trainers (Bruce already posted the link for it in). Take a look through it and continue to ask questions here also.

Before you commit to a trainer, look into a club and an instructor before you do anything (if you haven’t already done so). They will be able to guide you to getting set-up on a trainer and may also help you pick up a good used trainer at a cost much less than a new plane. You can locate a club through AMA’s website using their club locator.


Hogflyer

They have AMA clubs in S. Africa?

Didn't catch that part - it too early in the morning and I haven't had enough caffeine yet................................

Thanx Guys for your input and I do note it.

The guy at the hobby shop, where I bought the plane, is going too be my instructor also a friend of mine who flies. The hobby shop guy is the one who recommended the Ultra Stick rather than a trainer - due too the fact that I might get bored of the Trainer in about 4 months. He said you can set up the Ultra Stick to be more like a trainer etc. If this is true I don't know?

You may get bored with a trainer after a while but they are still nice to have around.
Many people, myself included, that have flown for many years still enjoy breaking the trainer out for a relaxing flight now and then.

The key here is "to be more like a trainer". Still not a trainer. IF you are a fast learner you may do OK. And just because you learn fast at one thing doesn't mean you will learn flying fast but you may. In the end you may be fine. What kind of replacement warranty did your "friend" offer if you can't handle the plane?

The Ultra Stik can be set up with gentle control throws so it isn't so twitchy, then they can be turned up as your experience and comfort with the plane increases. If you're going to be flying it with the hobby shop guy and/or your friend on a buddy box setup, I believe that the Ultra Stik can serve as your trainer.

I solo'd four years ago and I fly a wide variety of sport, scale, and pattern planes. I'm still not "bored" with flying my trainers, however, and in fact I keep one around so I can offer flying instruction to folks who want to give it a try.

You can learn to fly on the Ultra Stik if you desire. A good trainer is fun to fly, too, and they're always nice to have in your hangar for teaching others, putting floats or skis on them, using them to tow gliders, or taking out and flying when it's too windy to risk flying your "good" planes.

With experienced pilots working with you on a buddy box setup, you will be successful either way.

I was thinking today about getting a electric park flyer - Parkzone Spitfire RTF - just for those days which I can't go out too the farm. I know it's probably not closely even a good idea and cannot be seen as practise for the stick (the controls differ etc). Should I perhaps look into getting a trainer body and 'rebuilding' the sticks servos etc into the trainer?

Get a Hobbyzone Super Cub RTF for days when you can't fly the Ultra Stik on the buddy box. It's designed specifically for folks to teach themselves how to fly. The Spitfire wouldn't be easy to fly on your own. The Parkzone Slo-V would be another good choice, but it won't handle much wind.

A 4-channel glow trainer wouldn't be any easier than the Ultra Stik to fly without help.

I train people to fly and that is what i tell them to purchase(Ultra stick 40). You can adjust the throws so that it flys like a trainer then when your are ready for it crank up the throws and have a blast. Here you have your first and second airplane.

It seems people have a lot of different views on the Stick as a first plane/trainer.

Well, here is what I have decided for now...

I'm not going too buy myself a park flyer - rather going too save that money and take the chance with the Stick (I'm going too be on a buddy box of course with my instructor). If something should happen and I crash it then I will go buy a trainer.

Thanx a lot for all your input

I don't think you'll crash it, as long as you keep the rates down and the instructor is quick enough should you get into trouble. A high wing is inherintly stable, by virtue of its center of gravity. The big difference with the Ultra Stick, is that it will fly inverted just as well as right side up. It will roll faster and loop tighter, for both inner and outer loops. Yet, it will fly and land fairly slow. It is also among the planes that are more forgiving of mistakes; it's just not going to be AS forgiving as a trainer.

NorfolkSouthern

I think you will do just fine.
Best of luck to you.

I have seen many people learn to fly on a Great Planes Easy Sport. This is a great flying airplane with a large wing chord. You can literally drag the tail of the plane down the runway without it stalling and before the main wheels touch the ground. It also has a symmetrical airfoil which makes it mildly aerobatic (loops rolls spins).

New Gas Trainer for 26cc engine

The Ultra Stick 46 is a Great choice as long as you have someone to help you.

Okay so I haven't flown my Stick yet - I did, this weekend however flew my first r/c plane in real life.

I bought a buddy cable and my friend told me which highed I must preferably fly and so off we went with a Super Air (Don't know if anyone knows the plane). I didn't take off or land it - my friend just switched over the control after take off and told me now it's your turn. So I flew for about 8 minutes and he came too land it again.

Can anyone tell me how big a difference the Super Air is too the Stick?

I know it's still waaayyy too soon for me to ask that question, but I'm just curious.

If you are referring to the Black Horse Super Air, the Ultra Stick will be more docile and forgiving, allowing for slower flight and easier landings.

NorfolkSouthern

Korps - is this it? http://www.cmfhobbies.com/photos/1.50613a-bh002.jpg

That's the plane yes