Newbie
 

I want to get into R/C planes i want something with a gas powered engine that's easy to manage and easy to fly I'm able to build anything, im into mechanics and used to build models all the time just wondering what a very good trainer would be i saw a plane on here one time that had a gyro in it and would automatically correct itsself when u let off the sticks does anybody know what plane im talking about?? thanks

RE: Newbie
 

I know of one plane with a gyro (kind of an autopilot), but I'm too lazy to look for the name. I've heard that many people switch the thing off. People have been learning to fly for years without a gyro. It's not that hard. Save the money and just get a good trainer, engine, and radio. Pick a price range and size. Three common sizes for trainers are .25, .45, and .60.

RE: Newbie
 

Nextstar has the gyro, but I'm with chuck, don't bother. Unless, of course, you're planning to teach yourself (which is NOT recommended).

RE: Newbie
 

If you want to build pick up a SIG Kadet LT-40 kit, or if not you can get is an 'almost ready to fly'. Do a search for this plane on the boards here and you'll quickly see many people rate this as one of the best gas powered trainers. As for the Nexstar, i've seen mixed reviews. It seems that people are happy with it as a trainer although the "extras" it comes with are more of a gimmick than of real use, also seems to have a problem with its undercarriage coming loose.

RE: Newbie
 

I agree with the Sig LT40; a wonderful kit. Also, while you're building, get a good simulator and fly the heck out of it. Take it from me, it will help you solo the first day out.
Glen

RE: Newbie
 

You are talking about the Nexstar. Save your money and pass on the plane. The AFS is more trouble and aggrevation than it is worth and you can D/L the FMS simulater for free (IMHO, as good or better than the free sim included ).

I suggest the following:

1. Get an instructor. Clubs provide instruction at no charge. The AVERAGE first flight of someone trying to teach themselves to fly is USUALLY less than 30 seconds and normally results in damage to the plane.

2. Do not get one of the RTF setups. The radios are a base level 4 channel with few (if any ) ammentiies. The engines provided are OK to marginal for the trainer, but rarely useable in a second plane.

3. I suggest a 40 size trainer ARF (It is a nice size for stability and visibility without being overly large ). Get a USER FRIENDLY ball bearing 46 engine (Thunder Tiger Pro, OS 46 FX/AX, Evolution are all user friendly engines - 99% run great right out of the box ). Get a 6 channel (or more ) COMPUTER radio. With some careful shopping you should be able to come in very close in cost to the RTF setups.

My reasoning/logic for my suggestions is:

1. MOST trainers fly pretty much the same. By getting an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly ) initially, you do not have to worry about building something wrong or building a warp into the plane. In addition, you will not have the emotional attachment to the plane as you would if you built it yourself. A trainer is to learn on. Expect it to get beat up and damaged while you are learning.

2. The engines I suggested above are user friendly. By user friendly, I mean they require less "fiddling with" to get running properly. Tower and GMS engines (among others ) are also good engines, but require a lot more fiddling with to get running properly. The engines I suggested are powerful and are very useable for a 2nd, 3rd or later plane. By purchasing the better engine initially you save money by not having to buy another engine later (although you probably will anyway :D , the hobby does become addictive )

3. While you don't NEED a 6 channel (or more ) COMPUTER radio to start with, MANY fliers find that by their 3rd or 4th plane they would like the additional channels (flaps, retracts ) and features (can store several models in memory, end point adjustment of servos, mixing, electronic trims, etc ). The difference in cost between a non computer radio and a computer radio is minimal - typically about $25.00. Again, this saves you money in the long run by not having to buy another radio. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND going to your flying field and seeing what brand of radio the MAJORITY of people there are using and get that brand. Different brands are more popular in different parts of the country. While you are there find out which channels are the LEAST used and get the radio on one of those channels. This will minimize your chances of accidentally being shot down and also minimize/eliminate your waiting time for the channel to be clear so you can fly.

You might also want to check at your local flying field to see if anyone has a USED trainer setup. Frequently you can get a complete used trainer setup (along with ammenties/freebies thrown in ) for about 1/2 the cost of an RTF.

Hope this helps.

RE: Newbie
 

Wow Campy, you definatly explained it.
I started with the super star 40 with the 46AX. Beautiful flying plane. I flown the heck out of it. Flys very straight and true and it was really fun to fly. But then i got a little to comfortable and forgot it was a trainer. Hence my avitar.

RE: Newbie
 

Comfortable is good. That's when you know it's time for the second plane. The avatar just proved that point.

Campy's fingers are probably sore now but it was one of the best explanantions I've seen on this subject. At least his thumbs will be OK to fly with.

RE: Newbie
 

Ya know, I have to disagree with the "get a good radio and BB engine right up front". I would guess that the majority of people leave the engines in their trainer, because from time to time it's fun to go back and fly the darn thing. Plus you'll have a second airplane if you (knock on wood) plant your current plane. Also, having a cheap 4 channel Xmtr around is nice because there may come a day when you want a buddy box.

One of the things that really brought me back into the sport was the fact that I could get a RTF Avistar for under $300. I've got more than that tied up in my current radio, but I wouldn't have spent that much on just a radio then. True, I wound up with a spare 4 channel transmitter, but it's being used to fly another trainer right now, as is the LA that came on the Avistar. (I would still be flying the Avistar if it hadn't been involved in a midair). So I don't think a basic RTF trainer is ever a waste of money, if nothing else if you really take off in the hobby, you'll have a trainer setup to sell to someone else.

Andy

RE: Newbie
 

Well you've come to the right place for advice, and it's free.

Not everybody agrees on the best way to go, but if you pick through the posts, you'll make the right decision to fit your budget.

Good luck

RE: Newbie
 

2-meter sailplane, 4-channel analog radio and a Norvel .061 Start-up on a power pod. Can't get much cheaper, simpler or easier to fly than that.

RE: Newbie
 

If you think about it, the autopilot teaches you that if something goes wrong, let go of the sticks and hope the gizmo will fix everything!! What kind of training is that?!? I have also seen an Autopilot that wasn't programmed correctly take over and crash a new trainer. So much for making it easier to fly!!!:eek:

RE: Newbie
 

thanks everybody for the advice right now im really busy with school and sports and all but i think maybe this summer i might go and chekc out this RC airfield that is a few miles out of my city does anybody know any other flying clubs around Evansville IN i doubt it haha well thanks again for all the advice