Second Plane
 

Hi,

I know this is a common question that is asked all the time, but I am thinking about a second plane
and would like to know about the Sig Somethin' Extra. My first plane was a Great Planes Big Stik 40 with a
O.S. 46 AX on it.
I soloed my first flight out after about 15-20 hours on RFG2 sim. I am not saying this to sound "cocky":eek: or
anything like that. I haven't put more than 10 flights on my first plane, I am asking because a friend has offered to give me his Somethin extra:D ,and I would like to order a engine and electronics for it if this plane will be suitable for a second plane.



Any thoughts, opinions, or ideas would be appreciated.


- Kristen

RE: Second Plane
 

Read this article by Cliff Griffin
http://www.geistware.com/rcmodeling/second_plane.htm

RE: Second Plane
 

You are already flying what I'd suggest for a second plane. The Somethin Extra is a real nice flying plane but not what I'd consider for a novice, you might consider it after several more flights on the Big Stik! I would add it to your inventory if you can, but don't get over anxious and risk taking the ding to you pride by jumping into it right away. Just be patient and get another 30-40 flights at least on the stik, and even then you might consider another plane with less dihedral than the stik on the wing or no dihedral at all. The Hanger Nine Ultra Stick would be a small step up from the Big Stik due to the flatter wing and somewhat better aerobatics, Tower's Kaos might work for you also. Just my suggestion. There are always exceptions, and your skills may allow you to make that change without incident, but the odds are against it.

Good luck,
Sargent

RE: Second Plane
 

My second plane was a Somethin' Extra Kit. I had been flying solo about 2 - 3 months before getting the SE. I did not have any trouble moving from my Alpha to the SE, this was made easier for me since I had a JR 8103 computer radio. I set the rates at 50% and 100%, and would take off on low rates and normal flying. but when I really wanted to get wild I would flip over to high rates. If you do not have a computer radio then I would recommend that you only set up control throws around 50 or 60 percent.

RE: Second Plane
 

Thank you for the replies,

Also danny03 you were saying about a computer radio, I have a Futaba 6EXA so it will allow me to set the
throws so I could keep it docile enough to fly easily, or so I have been told.
Will this keep the plane easy enough for me to fly as a second plane? As always Im open to any ideas, comments ect.

Also I'm not rushing into a second plane, its just where I am it takes a long time to get parts ect..
so the sooner I know which plane to get, the sooner I can get a part order together and order what I need. This is why I am asking so early.


thanks for the replies
- Kristen

RE: Second Plane
 

Flyboy,

I have two of the same radio that you mentioned (Futaba 6EXA). You can set up expo on the transmitter sticks to soften the center of the controls. This may help the early flights from being as jerky for you.

RE: Second Plane
 

As you say the Futaba 6EXA has expo, as well as the rates can be set and switched from Hi/Lo. When I do actually fly my second plane I should be smoother with the controls. I do know that a high wing airplane will fly a lot smoother and is more easy to fly than most low wing airplanes. I am pretty smooth with the controls, even though I have not done a lot of real flying I do fly a lot of flying on the sim.

RE: Second Plane
 

If you set the plane up on dual rates and limit yourself to the low rate it should be docile enough. also setup your expo as sargent suggested and you will notice that your flight is much more smoother than without expo. I believe that you will be very happy with the SE. Also in RFG2 setup one a profile airplane with the specifications from your SE (wing span,throws,engine...etc) by doing it this way you will have an idea on what to expect from your SE.