First plane to learn how to fly
 

I am just learning to fly. I want a glow engine plane,and have been told the one to buy is a
nexstar by Hobbico. It comes with a flight simulator a .46 engine and a system you can adjust
to help from turning to sharp and stalling. Is there another plane that is eaiser to fly than this
one. I guess I am looking for other suggestions from people who have learned to fly. I just joined a club and will have people to instruct me with a buddy box.

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

I had the superstar and it was a great one. A little cheaper than the nexstar and in my opinion the nexstars gadgets aren't necessary...

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Ya, since you said that you have an instructor, the extra stuff won't be of much use...look into the super star or the avistar, which has a semi-symetrical wing, so its more aerobatic than flat-bottom wing trainers.

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Just Started last year with a H9 ARROW my wife gave me for chirstmas, great trainer .!!!

Semisymetrical wings allowed me to get into some basic aerobatics very fast , good quality parts and accesories..

Just sold it 0 crash nor accidents.. great plane.... Highly recomend it

LE

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Well I like the SIG LT-40, seen a bunch of people strat out on them and they are pretty fool proof.. :) I myself went with the lt-25 (full build). I built it with no diheadral in the wing, I still havent gotten tired of it.


Mr70ss

Sig LT-25 w/ Magnum 30 fs
Sig Kadet Sr. w/ Magnum 91 fs
Sig Four Star w/ Saito 100
Hangar 9 Ultra Stick 40 w/ Saito 82

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

I too started out on a SUperstar... Great Plane!


www.towerhobbies.com

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

IMo, and that of the guys that are teaching me to fly, the nexstar is WAY overpriced for what you get. save the cash and pick up a cheaper airframe, then get a decent motor and a good radio

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Here's my two cents...(and it's probably overpriced at that).

Asking who makes the best trainer etc is sort of like asking who makes the best car... everybody has their own experiences and preferences, but all of them will get you to work.

Go to the club and talk to the instructors. Find out what buddy box(es) they use or have available. There's no use getting a NexStar (which comes with a Futaba radio I think) if all the instructors have JR radios and buddy boxes.

There is nothing wrong with the NexStar, but if you're going to learn with an instructor and buddy box, the airbrakes and flight stabilization system aren't as important. You might be able to pick up something else which will serve the same purpose and save you a few bucks. Or... you could splurge a bit on the radio and get something a little more advanced.... everyone has their own opinion here too. As for the simulator included with it, ask around at the club... there may be someone who will loan/sell you their copy for cheap.

I think you will learn more about how to set up and maintain your airplane if you get an ARF without all the radio gear and engine already installed. With some research and a friendly instructor to point you in the right direction, it's not hard to put together and install all the bits and pieces. Having said that, you'll learn even more building from a kit, but whether you take that route is up to you... again, lots of people have their own opinions.

As long as you buy a trainer type airplane (whether it be a Sig LT40, Goldberg Eagle 2, NexStar or one of the many others, you can't go too far wrong...again, talk to your instructors).

Buy a radio from one of the major players...JR, Futaba, Airtronics, Hitec... and you won't go too far wrong. Again, find out what buddy boxes the instructors use and buy something compatible. Ask the guys at the club to show you their radios and what they like/dislike about them.

As for engines...lots has been written about this engine/that engine which is best/worst etc. As long as you get a reputable brand with a displacement that matches your airplane you should be OK. Again, talk to your instructors as they will probably have found that some combinations of airplane/engine are better than others.

For what it's worth, I learned on an LT40/OS 46FX/Airtronics RD6000. The airplane has gone to balsa heaven(dumb thumbs), the engine is now in it's third airplane and I'm beginning to want more radio...4 years later.

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Maybe not easier to fly, but a much better plane is the Hobbico Airvista or Avistar. The Tower Hobbies trainer is a good one, too. All are excellent trainers. The Nexstar comes with an "autopilot" that's a real piece of crap. It actually makes it HARDER to learn. Tower Hobbies offers some good trainer combos. Take a look there.

Dr.1

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

The NexSTAR 'gadgets' work. We have a student that has the NexSTAR. He said he was not going to learn with the 'gadgets' on his plane. Two flights later he put them on and is now a happy fellow.

The AFS system, well, I started with it but disconnected it after a flight or two. The problem with it is that it really does not like to be used in direct sunlight. If it's cloudy, it works ok, but I learned without it. THAT is a gadget, Chad. The rest of the things, the wing tip spoilers and speed brakes do work and do perform a useful function for anyone that has never flown before. And, once solo'ed, they can come off if the pilot wishes. Mine came off the week after I solo'ed and made a noticeable difference.

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Over the years, I think that I've flown every trainer out on the market with different students. Sig LT-40, Hobbico brands, Goldberg and still my favorite, the Midwest Aerostar. I personally think that ARFs trainers spoil folks (I love to build kits) - but that said, go to the hobby shop and your flying field and ask questions. If you plan to stick with this hobby, spend the money and get a good 6 channel computer radio (Futaba makes a great one - I've always flown Futaba equipment - every club that I've belonged to has instructors that have buddy cords for Futaba radios (both the old style and new style). Usually you can get a used trainer from someone that's upgrading, it might not be pretty but if it flys good, that's all you need. I tell my students not to fall in love with their planes - they will eventually crash (unless it's a hanger queen). Questions are free and answers will vary, but eventaully you will find something. Good Luck

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

As our club CFI, I've been teaching students with Nexstars since they appeared on the market -- they work --- period.

They are also highly adaptable to floats, and with a bit of work they can be made into terrific hot-rods. Great trainer & a great all-around fun flier.

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Hey Brit.. what did you do to modify your NexSTAR? Mine sits on top of the shelf unused since last year, after I solo'ed, when I upgraded to a Tiger 60.

DS

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Also look at the Alpha Trainer by horizon it also has a flight sym and it's only 289.99 with 3 yrs. on the engine and radio. Dennis

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

I actually don't currently own one -- but I've modified several for former students.

In the order of importance:

- Remove the dihedral, install dual aileron servos & max all throws (#1 mod)

- Convert to tail dragger (#2 mod)

- Enclose the nose with a streamlined built-up or simple sheet cowl (#3 mod). The engine can be upright, or sidewinder (my preference).


Those changes reduce drag significantly & increase agility very noticeably. With the FXi it will reach a bit over 70 mph & do most everything.

The wildest mod job I did included all of the above, plus lowering the wing 1" into the cabin, & fitting a sidewinder LEO .61 -- quite a machine!!!


If you want more details, PM me.

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

Thanks, Brit. Sounds like an interesting project.. add that one to my list..:)

DS

RE: First plane to learn how to fly
 

If you are set on the Nexstar or Alpha or any other particular airframe I recommend that you get the ARF version of the plane if available(May need to be ordered). I say this because this will allow you to pick a GOOD engine and GOOD radio package. Not to bad mouth what comes in the RTF's but they are usually minimal and you have paid someone to do an easy assembly job when you could invest the money on better equipment.
I also agree that you should check with your club instructors to see what they recommend for the plane you choose. Everything must work together and sometimes the LHS guys are like used car salesmen if you know what I mean?
The wing "gadgets" can be nice for a few flights but watch for a drastic pitch trim change when you remove them. The AFS is a paperweight and a poor one at that IMHO.

These are all my opinions, you are going to get a lot of them here. Just sort thru them and pick what YOU want and enjoy the hobby. :)