Getting a First Airplane
 

Hey guys hows it goin. I used to fly a few years ago (i paid an instructor) I got pretty decent, just started taking off and landing. I never had my own plane though, I always used his. Unfortionetely the site we were flying was illegal so we were forced to stop the operation. I recently was just playing around online and found a close airfield that offered free lessons so I went down there yesterday and flew a few different trainers. The instructor said i was ready to start landing but I had to buy my own plane as he wasn't about to let me destroy his trainer. So I guess i remember something! So I'd like to buy a plane buy im bent on the decision. Should I just go in as CHEAP as possible and just get a ready to fly trainer liek the nexstar select (ebay around 350) or should I invest in a better computer radio/engine and assemble it myself. I'd probably buy the Futaba 7CAF computer radio, OS .46FX engine and the nexstar ARF. But that would be around $450.. What would you guys recommend.

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

I recomend the great planes pt-40. It is a kit but a darn good flying plane.

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

Tower hobbies trainer combo. Everything you need to get in the air for $249. I've trained quite a few students on this trainer it's a pretty good flyer. The price is very affordable and you can get in the pretty quickly with it as the plane goes together pretty quickly.

[link]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCXF4**&P=0[/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

If you can afford it and intend to stay in the hobby it doesn't hurt to have the better radio gear. It will be good for many future models.
The trainer itself? Cheap is ok, like the tower trainer Ken mentioned. That will not break the bank and leave you some toward your second plane.
Myself, I went with the SIG Kadet Senior (I did the kit but the ARF is good too) a great flyer and when I am done training it can be a work horse (for towing sail planes, camara carrier, ect...)

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

I would recommend going to a local club & find out if anyone who has graduated on has a used trainer you can pick up on the cheap; it's already dialed in and obviously flies well and you will spend a TON less than if you buy it new. I personally bought almost every plane I've ever owned off of eBay.

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

All of the suggestions are valid: Spend the money up front on a good radio or go as cheap as possible on a new or used trainer package. I guess it just depends on whether you want to spend more now or later. The Nexstar Select RTF is well worth the money, you may not use the Futaba 4YF radio system for the rest of your life, but it's nice to get the flight simulator and cable packed in the box with the plane. You can still use the 4YF to fly the simulator after you upgrade to a computer radio sometime down the road.

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

I would seriously look at a Midwest Aerostar 40. A great flying airplane, I'm learning myself on one now and my instructor just can't stop raving about it! (Maybe I just that good a flyer, Nah.)

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

Building a plane if you have the time and space is very rewarding. A few extra bucks for materials and tools but if you have any inkling that you like to build models and can wait to get in the air, a kit build would be pretty cool. Plus you know exactly how your plane is put together regarding any possible repairs and such. Just another bit of food for thought. My Sig LT-40 trainer kt build thread is in my signature below. Bunch of pics to give you an idea of the build process.

Sounds like you have some bit of skills under your belt? Most clubs I have heard of have training nights. Long as you have your AMA membership you're insured when you fly. My field has training night on Tuesdays. Club instructors volunteer their time to work with new folks to learn to fly. Might even help provide a buddy box. Folks at my field were very helpful with this.

Keep us posted and good luck.

somegeek

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

What about Hangar 9's Alpha Trainer with .45 evolution engine and 4 channel JR's quattro Radio?

link www.hangar-9.com

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

I absolutely LOVE my Goldberg Eagle 2. Greasers are so easy in this plane.

RE: Getting a First Airplane
 

the 3 best are pt-40, eagle 2 , and the kadet lt-40