Newbie Needs Help
06-22-2003 | 10:59 PM
#1
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From: Nova Scotia, Canada
Newbie Needs Help
I am new to the hobby and not sure whether my first plane should be gas or electric. any sugestions of planes to start with would be great
06-22-2003 | 11:11 PM
#2
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From: Lynnfield, MA
Newbie Needs Help
Find out where your local RC flying clubs are, talk to them about getting started, they'll love to help you out. Go to their meetings if you can, you'll learn a lot!
Electric planes are not usually used for training since the flight times are so short and the planes are not likely to handle wind too well (and I think in Nova Scotia you will see a bit of wind)!
Most of our planes run on glow fuel, which is alcohol, oil, and a bit of nitromethane. We usually don't call this mixture "gas", we call it glow fuel, or just fuel.
Some larger models do actually run on gasoline, but you won't be learning to learn to fly on these planes.
A handy place to learn more about the hobby is right here at RC Universe, you might also try www.towerhobbies.com where you will find a lot of information, plus you can see typical training planes and the cost of these items.
Try to talk with your local club before buying anything, they may have a special way of training newbies (certain radio equipment, etc.). Don't try to do this alone!
Electric planes are not usually used for training since the flight times are so short and the planes are not likely to handle wind too well (and I think in Nova Scotia you will see a bit of wind)!
Most of our planes run on glow fuel, which is alcohol, oil, and a bit of nitromethane. We usually don't call this mixture "gas", we call it glow fuel, or just fuel.
Some larger models do actually run on gasoline, but you won't be learning to learn to fly on these planes.
A handy place to learn more about the hobby is right here at RC Universe, you might also try www.towerhobbies.com where you will find a lot of information, plus you can see typical training planes and the cost of these items.
Try to talk with your local club before buying anything, they may have a special way of training newbies (certain radio equipment, etc.). Don't try to do this alone!
06-23-2003 | 12:56 AM
#3
My Feedback: (4)
Newbie Needs Help
I generally DO NOT recommend that anyone attempt to learn this on their own, but a few have done it.
I would rather suggest that you find a club close to you and spend the $400 or so to get into a glow powered trainer WITH an instructor.
If the cost is a problem, some have managed to learn on the small foam Parkflyer type planes, but you'll still spend around $250 once you buy plane, radio gear, battery charger and extra batt. pack or two.
Some have also been happy with things like an "Aerobird" (in the $160 range), but they're more "toyish" and even further removed from the larger, more powerful glow planes.
Keep this in mind. IF you enjoy this hobby, you WILL want to move to larger, better flying planes pretty quickly. The foam Parkflyers and "aerobird" types will require making another substantial investment to move up. A glow trainer will make your next step smaller and easier.
(My opinions of course.)
Dennis-
I would rather suggest that you find a club close to you and spend the $400 or so to get into a glow powered trainer WITH an instructor.
If the cost is a problem, some have managed to learn on the small foam Parkflyer type planes, but you'll still spend around $250 once you buy plane, radio gear, battery charger and extra batt. pack or two.
Some have also been happy with things like an "Aerobird" (in the $160 range), but they're more "toyish" and even further removed from the larger, more powerful glow planes.
Keep this in mind. IF you enjoy this hobby, you WILL want to move to larger, better flying planes pretty quickly. The foam Parkflyers and "aerobird" types will require making another substantial investment to move up. A glow trainer will make your next step smaller and easier.
(My opinions of course.)
Dennis-
