Hey folks,

I spoke to the president of my local flying club today, and as I've seen posted here so many times in several threads, he was quiet friendly and passionate about his hobby. He turned out to be quiet helpful also. However I'm still a little confused as to what would be a good trainer to begin with. I took the advice of some here and asked him what the instructors were most comfortable working with. He told me that I should be more concerned about what would be most comfortable for me to fly with. The only problem is I have no clue what would be a good quality product, or a piece of junk.

I'm going to make a trip to the field this afternoon, and talk to some of the guys. My learning process continues, and I haven't even purchased my first plane yet. I think my patience will pay off in the long run. However I think I'm leaning toward a ARF model. such as the Hobbico SuperStar 40 Select, or the Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer. What do you guys think of my choices so far?

Anyway just thought I would let you know where I'm at so far.

Those both are great planes and I have seen both fly. I would lean towards the Hobbico.

I started with the Hobbico Avistar select and like it. Before I flew it, i practiced landing and reverse controls (when plane is flying towards you) for over 50 hrs. I flew the simulator for about 1 hr. a night before bedtime.

On my first flight with a trainer (using buddy box) he took it up, adjusted the trims, and let me fly some circles. On my 2nd flight with instructor, he took off, I continued doing circles, did a loop and a roll. I than proceded to practice landing by lining up my plane with the runway. Gas was almost out, so the instructor landed. On my 3rd flight, he took off, than I flew and practiced setting up for landings. When gas was low, I lined up the plane and pulled the throttle to idle, kept the plane steady, and landed.

I went to the field a week later. Nobody was there. I took off by my self, flew in circles, and landed. I did this 3 times without a crash. I'm looking forward to flying soon. This hobby is great.


I'd suggest to practice with a simulator as soon as possible. It helped me out a lot.

Either one should work, just take your time putting it together and get help. I never advise flying it by yourself the first time. I know there are a few that have done it, but why chance piling all that into the ground and maybe hurting someone.

Make sure to get a good radio you can buddy box with so you can learn now and teach later. The radio will be with you longer than anything else. Don't skimp on it.