RCU Forums - Which trainer for 13 year old?

SPACE

How much space do you have for flying? If you have totally clear space of
at least 600'X600', about 9 square acres, approx 4-6 square
football/soccer fields, then I can recommend one class of plane. Call this
class 1 - CL1

If your space is more like 200X200 (one square acre or one soccer field )
then a different plane
is in order. Call this class 2 - CL2
If it is less than that, different again. This we will call this class 3 -
CL3

These are my own designations and are based on my subjective ranking of the
space a new flyer should have when learning on his own. An experienced
flyer can fly faster planes in smaller spaces, but a new flyer wants to have
more
space so you are not in a constant state of panic trying to turn. Now, you
can get above the edges of the field and expand your space, but if you lose
control, you drop in woods, on top of kids or smash someone's
windshield. If that windshield is in a car is traveling down a road when
you hit the windshield, you could cause an accident or worse.

So much for space. You get the idea.

I don't recommend most pretty planes as first planes. They are too easy to
break, too hard to fix and look bad in short order. There is only one
semi-scale plane that has a reputation of of being super tough that I do
recommend, the HobbyZone Super Cub.

I don't recommend two channel R/T or differential thrust planes, the ones
with two motors, so you won't find any on the list. If you want one of
these, I would suggest the Firebird Commander 2 from HobbyZone or the
AeroAce from Air Hogs. They can be very easy to fly and can be a lot of
fun, but they can also be very easy to lose. You should plan to fly them in
calm air when you are first starting or the wind can just carry them away.

I feel a high wing three channel R/E/T plane is your best choice for a first
plane. R/E/T will require a little more learning than the two channel R/E
planes but is a better choice as a first plane, in my opinion. These use
the same control inputs as more advanced planes and can be flown in
more wind once you have mastered them in calm conditions.

Below I list electric planes for beginners. Some come ready to fly, some are
almost ready to fly (add your own radio gear) and some are kits. All of them
are electric. If you are looking for your first plane, you should find
something here to peak your interest.

If you are totally new to RC Flying, this article may be helpful.

Six Keys to Success for new e-flyers
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355208

READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box. These also
glide well so you can thermal soarwith them under the right conditions.
They are in no particular order.

Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 -
I have flown the slo-V.
Best flown in still to 3 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/tm.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...240x180_nb.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8

T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $150-170
This company is really putting together some outstanding
packages. I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Get the Extreme value package. It comes with an extra wing,
tail and battery. This plane stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Buddy Box 72 MHz trainer system - $279
This is really unique!
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/t72rtfpatrpa.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html

Easy Star - RTF - $180
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Super tough foam. Good parkflyer and a good glider
In the US the RTF package comes with a 72 MHz radio
system that can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Add Ailerons - Start at post 195
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&page=13&pp=15
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...5&goto=newpost

HobbyZone Super Cub - $159
This is the only semi-scale plane on my list. I have not flown this
one but the flood of excellent reports leads me to recommend
it to new flyers. If you REALLY need a plane that looks like
something people would be in, this is the one I will recommend.
It takes the same Xport accesories as other HobbyZone and ParkZone
planes so you can drop bombs, parachutes and attach other accesories
to extend your fun. There has a steerable tail wheel so
you can effectively taxi the plane. Great for ROG launches.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ7100
Photos and Videos
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HBZ7100
Other Excellent Video - Hi res for high speed connect users
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...25#post6040744
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showa...mentid=1051938
manual
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...ualCropped.pdf
Discussions on the Forums
http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/s...21#post2130521
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...44#post6385310
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=550899

Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $110 -
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 600 flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane. Flies well and stands up to hard
landings. Their add on fun accessories for night flying, air to air combat
and drop module add to the fun! The combat module makes a great lost
plane locator, even if you don't plan to fly combat. Great keep in the car
plane - take off the wing and it goes back in the box fully assembled.
Most can't do that!
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h...challenger.htm
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/a...nger_loops.wmv

Hobbico Sky Fly - $100
I owned one of these. Second best landing gear and ground
handling of the planes I list here. If you have a hard runway, this is
a good choice for ROG and runway landings.
Hobbico suggests only a 500 foot range to be careful how far out
you fly this plane. 500 feet should be enough for most people.
This is the least aerobatic of the planes listed.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV7&P=ML
Video
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/hc...961-deluxe.mpg
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489248
Discussion thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...t=493271&pp=15
Recommended wing reinforcement by mdp17681
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...8&postcount=16

Hobbico Red Hawk $70
This is a very low cost 3 channel plane. It is good for low wind conditions
but lacks the strong response. It is a good value for the price, especially
when compared to the 2 channel planes seen at this price. It looks very
much like the Aerobird Challenger, listed above, but is not as responsive
or aerobatic in stock form. Select this one on price, not performance.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV8&P=ML
Reports
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...&postcount=131

ESSENTIAL ADD-ONS AND POINTS TO CONSIDER

When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.

For the Aerobird, Red Hawk and the Sky Fly
1 Spare wing and tail ($15-25) and 1extra battery pack (about $20 each)

The T-Hawk comes with spare wing, tail and two battery packs,
so factor that into the price and you will see it is closer in price
than it first appears.

For the Slo-V, two extra props and 1 gearbox seem to come in handy
as this is a front motor plane and these parts really take the damage
of nose in crashes. Don't know about other parts. The others are
pushers so props are less at risk. Add that extra battery pack.

For the Super Cub, get an extra 7 cell battery and a couple of spare props.
($25-$30 total). No need for a spare wing right away and you may never need
one.

The Easy Star - add-on battery packs should be at least 7 cell 900 MAh
2/3A or 4/5A battery packs, about $25 each.

If you have an 8 cell charger you can go to 8 cells, 9.6V, on the Easy
Star, but no more or you will burn up the motor. Be sure to check the
balance with the different battery packs.

The Easy Star, and the T-Hawk use standard modular electronics.
Makes it easy to replace parts or to upgrade the motor at a future date, if
you wish. The Easy Star RTF uses a standard 72 mhz radio equipment in North
America. The T-Hawk has a 72 MHz radio option as well as a buddy box
option. Or you can buy it without the radio and reciever and use your own.
All the others are 27 MHz.