I have a question that someone here could probably answer. I started out by myself with a Hobbyzone Super Cub, then went to a nitro trainer. I have been flying the trainer for a while now and can do anything the trainer can do...no accidents and can land it perfectly every time. My question is, would it be possible to go from the trainer to a 75" Edge 540 with a 26cc gas? I know that this is a 3D capable airframe...but I want to know how the plane flies when the rates and throws are turned down. I can fly all day including a full 3D routine on the simulator, and I know that there is a large difference between a sim and a real plane. My only curiousity is, can I fly something like the edge through a few flights without turning it to toothpicks? I dont want to purchase and build another aircraft that I will not want to fly forever, just as a stepping stone. I am not an advanced pilot, but I would think I could turn the rates on low and decrease the control throws and make it through a few flights to get the feel of it...

Has anyone else made a jump like this? I found a great deal on about a quarter scale edge/engine combo, and desperately want to go to gas and get away from nitro...

Any opinions would be appreciated!

Thanks,
TonyG

Personally I would avoid the Edge given your limited experience. This type of airplane maneuvers very quickly and can get you into trouble in a big hurry. Even with low control throws and a forward CG, it still isn't the best idea. Do some sort of low wing sport plane first. After that, move onto something like the Edge.

The safe money is on ChuckW's advice...

Having said that, after a 20 year break from the hobby, I jumped from my trainer into a U-Can-do 40 as my second airplane. However I was a club instructor pilot in 1989, and spent many hours on the simulator in 2009. Even so, my cautious side said I was pushing it a bit, and my first few flights with the u-can-do were less than relaxing...

My advice - No matter what you fly, its always nice to have a sporty little plane that you can throw in the car for days when you want to get out and fly with too many hassles. If you think you are that good, I would strongly recommend something like a GP Super Sportster before you go to the Edge. You'll gain a lot of confidence with the SS and odds are you'll want to keep it even when you get confident later with your 3D

I would recommend against jumping to the Edge as your second plane. As Chuck said, it can get away from you VERY quickly, even on low rates. I'd save it for my 3rd or even 4th plane if it was me. Look into a 4-star for your next plane. Low wing and sporty but won't bite you in the butt when you least expect it.
Paul

Thank you gents for the great advise....unfortunately that is exactly what I was afraid of. Here is another question....I know of several guys around here that are very proficient with their Edges and Extras. Would it be feasible to get one of them to maiden it and then plug into a trainer box with one of them to get proficient with it? Given the fact that Im not crazy about nitro or electrics, I thought about going to a Great Planes Giant Stick with something like a 26cc, but my interest is in the 3D aerobatic aircraft and scale aircraft. I dont know...maybe patience really is a virtue...need to know where I can buy some of that!

Thanks!

TonyG

It is so difficult for us to predict what you can and can not handle. So, advice wise, it's always prudent of us to advise on the side of caution.

However, there is always the exception to the rule. I once had a student who soloed his first day (He never used a simulator) and his second plane was an Extra 300 - which he flew effortlessly.

So, only you can decide.

If you feel confident in your skills, go for it. But just to play it safe, have someone buddy box you for the first flight and then you can decide from there.

Thank you all for your expert opinions! I think I will probably go ahead and get the Edge...and get someone else to do the maiden. After that, I will give her a shot on a buddy box with one of the competition pilots Ive met. If it looks questionable I will just put it on a shelf for a little while and go to a Super Sportster or something.

Thanks again,
TonyG

Keep it conservative at first. A lot of guys who fly this type of airplane like huge control throws and a rearward CG for ultimate maneuverability. Resist that temptation at first. Keep it tame and take it slow and you might just be OK.

Yes, as I said I know there is a large difference between a sim and the real thing. I just cant pass up the deal...

Im thinking set up the control throws per the manual on my high rate setting, and if they seem to much switch it to low and see how it does. There are a few good 3D comp pilots in the clubs down here that could handle the plane with their eyes closed...I think if I got them to plug up with me we should be safe. Of course, I could just wind up with a good box of toothpicks on the first try...but I will never know unless I try!

thanks!

TonyG

Obviously that'd be up to the folks you approach, but is it feasible? Absolutely! I've buddy boxed 3 different people...all supposedly "not ready for a big gasser" on my 100CC WildHare Edge. They had a blast, and all 3 flew it just fine. One even stepped up to the "Holy crap, that's FAST!" high rates, and flew it like a champ.

Personally, in my experience, those of us who've gotten into the "big gasser" obsession are just DYING to get others hooked, and will happily spend a fair amount of time helping you discover the obsession.

Now...I should probably say this...

I DO think the advice above is sound. If you thought a .40-sized trainer could do some damage (and it sure as heck can), you ain't seen nothin yet. Big gassers can hurt people, property, and your checkbook in a BIG hurry. Serious consideration should be given to how prepared you are for certain types of flying, certain behaviour of the aircraft, etc.

Having said that, however, imo there's just not much sense in slogging through a bunch of airplanes you're not going to enjoy, JUST to meet someone ELSE'S criteria of "readiness". This hobby's supposed to be fun...and if you're flying a plane you hate you're not having a lot of fun.

If you're not comfortable, or not sure about a certain plane...say, your ~70" Edge idea...then yes...be cautious, and use sound judgement...but don't just drop the idea because someone else (who's NEVER seen you fly, and CAN'T be in your head) says you're not ready. If you think you've got what it takes, then do exactly as you suggested...find someone experienced who will guide you and mentor you, who can give you some time on the buddy box, and go for it!

If, after a few flights, that mentor says "Hey..look..probably not time for this yet. Why don't we try a _____" then you'll still have the airplane, and she'll be ready when you are. Meanwhile, you'll know for sure where you stand, and won't have endangered anyone else, yourself, or your airplane.

It's a win win.

If you can keep the wing loading low ( to prevent the Edge from dropping a wing at stall ) and dial down the throws, plus get some help transitioning to tail draggers ( buddy box ) then yes, I'll bet you can deal with an Edge.

With some HELP at first.

Most of the Edge's I've flown have a tendancy to drop a wing and snap when they get slow, if you go beyond a critical weight.

If the plane is lightly loaded as with some of the light ply electrics, they do great.

FYI: The U-CAN-DO already mentioned in contrast, though a 3D plane, can land SOOOO slowly that I would put it into the hands of someone coming off a trainer, long before I'd recommend an Edge to that person.

The UCD is a VERY easy to land plane and a gentle flyer if you keep the rates way down... but like most 3D planes, it is so lightly built, that it will not last long in the hands of a novice.

Thank you gentlemen, this is invaluable information... I may go ahead an pull the trigger on that and see....while also trying to avoid the "Ready, Fire, Aim" mentality. If the worst happens, Ill know better the next time but it never hurts to try. The combo I have been staring at is a 75" Edge 540 with a SPE 26cc engine. It looks fairly well built, but information on the manufacturer is limited. Its on texasrcplanes.com, the red bull 26cc combo. After I am proficient with a 3D capable aircraft I eventually want to get into the 150cc size planes. Granted, this is years down the road, but as I said I am not crazy about the looks of alot of the 40 and 60 size low wing trainers and sport airplanes. The super sportster is somewhat attractive in my opinion, but after learning with that, and then getting a larger gasser, I will more than likely lose interest in the Super Sportster and park it on a shelf somewhere. Same goes with a giant stick...thought about getting a giant stick with a small gas engine. However I would eventually outgrow it and be limited once I am proficient with all of its capabilities.

I am thinking the 26cc is a tad bit on the low power end of the spectrum for a 75" aerobat, so hopefully it would be a bit tame. Im going to think on it a bit more, and if I do decide to get it I will employ some help from the local club members around here to help me set her up and perform the maiden. Who knows, after I get the bill for my wife's christmas shopping I may have to go back to my little electric cub!

Thanks again,
TonyG