Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

This is my first post on these boards so, hi everybody!

I've had an interest in RC flight for a while and am now looking at taking the first step. So I am looking for recommendations on a good affordable electric beginner plane to learn on.

Looking forward some valuable advice!

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

Welcome aboard mate!

As I am not an 'electric guy' I won't make any recommendations. But you will shortly be seeing many good suggestions from the knowledgeable folks on here.

In the meanwhile, I'm glad you have decided to take the plunge into the world of R/C and wish you much success.

Augie

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

If you'd like a nice in-depth answer, look at the list of threads in this forum.

There is a thread stuck right at the top of this forum that covers your answer like fog covers London.

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

Yes I am aware of that thread, however it only covers glo powered aircraft whereas I am after an electric. Which is why I decided to post this thread. Cheers for the reply though!

To add more info I am looking for a RTF model or one that doesn't require a great deal of construction.

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

There are many good electrics to start with. A lot of reccomendations are personal preference, and your prior experience can make some difference in finding the best choice for you. If you read thru the threads like Da Rock suggested, you will probably notice a couple that seem to get most of the attention. My personal preference to teach completely new folks to fly with is the Hobbyzone Super Cub. It is a three channel plane that is very stable and easy to learn with and is usually the one I reccomend. If you are experienced with other RC vehicles, have some other flight experience like full scale or on a simulator and have an experienced pilot to help you on a buddy box, then you might be ok to start with a four channel plane like the E-flite Apprentice or Multiplex Mentor. ;)

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

Welcome to the forums! I only have the one little electric plane myself with another one being built so I too can't say. I know next to nothing about electrics but when I built my first one I went to the bottom of the header page and went to the bottom, there is a site called watt flyer and if you go sign up on that one you will find some of the nicest people there and all they fly are electrics. I got all the help I needed there.
The electric power system can be installed in any of the glow planes and in any size so that is no problem, a plane is a plane and converting is easy. In watt flyer there is a thread called everything you need to know about electrics and is well worth reading. Good luck.

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

The Horizon Hobby "SuperCub" is as good as it comes. It's foam and parts are commonly carried by your local hobby shop so repairs are easy and cheap.
It comes with everything you need including a sensor which is switched on/off from the tranny. The sensor keeps the plane upright to keep newbees out of trouble in the event you get inverted in a loop or stall.
No ailerons and a dream to fly. Can be taxied or hand launched easily.
The price is right! A great investment.
Get the 44" version, it's much easier to see and maintain orientation.
Good luck and welcome to RC flying.

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

X2 on the Super Cub LP

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T8JsAQPyI8[/youtube]

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

I have seen many people learn to fly with the GWS Slow Stick. I would recommend using a brushless motor. I have mine set up with the brushless motor and speed control combo from www.headsuprc.com. This will provide more power than the stock motor and will make it allot more fun to fly. Also, when you are learning you can just throttle back for slow flight. I have been flying now since the mid 80's and I still enjoy taking the slow stick out for a fun afternoon of flying.

RE: Looking for beginner plane recommendations
 

I actually started on the RTF Park Zone Micro Cub and Night Vapor. You can fly them on a football field but there has to be little or no wind. They allow you to practice the basic skills for larger planes. They are very easy to repair and parts are available on-line. I practice with my Night Vapor in front of my house in the evenings because it has lights. My 1st true RC plane was the ARF GWS Slow Stick F. Easy to build and very cheap for a first plane. I bought a Spektrum DX5e radio/receiver combo for $80.00 and the GWS F Stick for $40. Throw in 2 micro servos for $20 and a 450 Lipo Bat for $10 and thats $150 for a very good flight system. I luv that plane. No crashes or repairs and I have been flying for about 3 months. I just added a Blue Wonder brushless system for $20 bucks and the plane climbs straight up and I can just cruise it around in circles like a Hawk looking for dinner. Very forgiving aircraft. I made my 1st touch and go landings this weekend. People thought I had been flying for years.