Trainer Package
 

I'm trying to decide between two trainer packages.

- Hanger 9 Alpha w/JR radio (unknown engine)
- Hobbico Superstar w/Futaba radio

Please let me know what you think. The local hobby dudes are pitching the Alpha, but I don't trust people that make more money dependant upon what they sell.

Trainer Package
 

If I were the one being asked, I would vote for the Hobbico Superstar ..... :) But then I have had, and still have them..
Another excellent choice is the LT-40 , but is a little more money when done..
Tower, as does most LHS, have SuperStar 40's at about $300 US.

Welcome to the friendly skies... :sunsmiley

Robby

Trainer Package
 

I got a Global Hobby RCM Trainer 40 w/ Magnum .40 Ballbearing motor on it, it has made 2 flights, but I am getting out of the hobby so I don't need it any more, I am asking $140 for it and I also have a FMA Direct Co-pilot that is new Paid $119 for it but will sell for $80 will take $200 for both if interested, or I can substitute a Brand new in box .52 Tigershark Silver series motor for the Co-pilot or sell it out right for $80

Trainer Package
 

I must also add that the local club that I'm joining was impressed with the Alpha. It is just that I don't know who makes the engine and it's a three prop that "unrests" me.

Trainer Package
 

I vote for the - Hobbico Superstar w/Futaba radio.

Another choice is the Hobbico Avistar. It is very similar to the Superstar except the Avistar has a semi-symmetrically wing that will allow some acrobatics after you learn.

Three of us are leaning at the same time. One Superstar and two Avistars. The Superstar does just fine.

Flying is easy, it is controlling your nerves that's difficult. :eek:

Trainer Package
 

as a first plane my .O2's is the Superstar,nice and easy to train on. The Avistar with the simi-sym. wing doesn't recover to neutral as easy as the Superstar,I like the Avistar as a second plane,not as a first time trainer.
Have a goodun,John.

Trainer Package
 

The ALpha wouldn't be my first choice. It is set up for someone who is trying to learn with no help. They run the motor at the factory and set the needle valve for you. I have heard that it even has stops on the valve so you can't turn it but so far. If you have any help at all, there are better choices out there. The Easy2 comes to mind. Three people in our club have them, and they are good flyers. Just don't put too much throw in the nose gear. AND get rid of that plastic servo clamp and use real screws to fasten the servos.

Trainer Package
 

Since they are the one's that will be training you, I think you should listen to the club instructors opinions closely. I'm sure they will not steer you wrong.

Trainer Package
 

I agree with Dave. Believe it or not, for the most part a trainer is a trainer is a trainer. If the club you're joining leans towards one, go with it. They've probably had good experiences with it. Not only that, but their radios are probably buddy-box compatible with it. Don't undervalue that.

I can only imagine how much easier it must be for a beginner with an engine that's already set up. Someone up above talked as though that was a bad thing. That's nuts. As for the 3-bladed prop, who says you have to use it? You're going to go through a couple props while you learn anyway, so if you don't like it, don't use it.

Your club members are going to be the ones helping you and teaching you. Your hobby shop is the place you'll go for parts and supplies. Don't discard their recommendations.

Trainer Package
 

Id never flown a RC plane in my life. I was told by several people to go with the Kadet LT 40. I flew it about 12 times then got my hands on a Sig 4 * 60. Ill tell you, that plane is much easier to fly than the LT 40 IMO. It flies where you want it to go, and handles the wind well...does great acrobatics, yet still floats in for landings like a trainer. If I had it to do all again, ida invested in the 4 * 60, then moved on from there.

Trainer Package
 

I've flown the Alpha that a hobby shop owner had at the field. The motor is the Evolution .40. It did'nt have the power that an FP or a LA .40 has. Other than that, everything looked great but I cast my vote for the Avistar.

Trainer Package
 

I have the Alpha Trainer you are talking about it is my first plane and i love it it has more than enough power for a beginner and i love mine yes it is set up simple all you have to do is put the prom landing gear tail and rubberband the wing on charge it all up and fuel and your ready to go the new engine runs great...i am flying with people who have been into it for years and they have all flown it and were amaized at the power and the way it flew.. :)

Trainer Package
 

I have the Avistar and find it's semi-symmetric air-foil allows a little more aerobatics than the symmetric wing on the superstar. It is still a very docile plane, but it is nice to do the occasional stall turn or inverted pass to inside-out loop.

Good luck

Trainer Package
 

Hi Harphunt: I tend to agree with Groundforce. I have an LT-40 myself and have for 4 years. It's on it's second life (they have 9 you know) and it flys exceptionally well with an MDS 48. However I also own a Tiger 2 (waiting for it's third life) and a tiger 60 (second life) both were, or are flown with a Saito 91. The point is that trainers are made to be self righting if you get in trouble, well unless you are at least 2 or 3 mistakes high it won't have time to correct itself anyhow. So if you have an instructor and buddy box, the instructor makes up for the self righting. I say go for a low wing trainer such as a 4* because the minute you get a little confidence you will wan't to try some aerobatics and the 4* type airplane does them with less effort on your part. Just make sure you get a radio that's compatible with your primary instructors radio. Just my opinion.

Trainer Package
 

Since when is a 4-star a low wing trainer? It's not a trainer--it's a sport plane. The great thing about bad advice is that it's free, unless you follow it. That's when it costs you.

Trainer Package
 

Mike L: Re read the post it states if, you have an instructor. I would not advise anyone to try either of these planes without. For that fact I would not advise anyone to try flying period, without an instructor. I have flown both these planes and find them just as easy to land as my LT-40 and easier to fly since you don't get into the habit of letting the plane right itself. I wish I had started with one of them, then I would not have this LT-40 I never fly, and will never be able to sell for as much money as I have in it.

Which One?
 

Just my 2 cents worth.
I have flown R/C for 15+ years, and I was looking for a plane to train some new flyers on. After a little research, I bought the ALPHA, It is a very good flyer, It is covered with REAL covering, not "shelf paper", well built, and was very easy to assemble (30 min.)- Done by a "newbie" not me.
The only real "drawback" I could find, is, I have no idea what size the engine is, or who makes the engine. As to these issues I have run the engine for several flights, and have had no problems. It is novel in it's approach, with the flywheel, and preset carb,but as I said no problems. As to the size of the engine, It turns that 3 blade prop, and flywheel with great enthusiasim for a .40! A .46? .53? If anyone knows let's here it. I haven't taken it apart to measure it.

Trainer Package
 

hey jetts when i bought mine where i got it the manager had just ot back from chicago for a meeting on alpha and all they told him is that it was somewhere between a 40 and 50 and that is should be around a 46... so who knows if you ever do take it apart and measure it out let me know

ALPHA ENGINE
 

Thanks for the input, Right now it runs too good to take apart! This eng. looks kind of funny, but I'll tell you this, the 3 blade prop has a WIDE chord to the blades, and the blades also have an undercamber airfoil. The size of the prop (10X6) , the shear weight of the prop/spinner/flywheel and the way the whole mess spins, leads me to believe that it is closer to a .50, or a very good .46. Anyhow, it has way more than enough power, maybe when I'm done training my buddies I'll use it in my next project-(super top secret neative aspect ratio delta) ouch!
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!