Which plane for a beginner?
 

Hey guys, I am looking to get a plane for xmas this year. I used to have a small electric one, and I did OK on it, but the range was terible and it was hard to control. So I am looking to move up a little bit, maybe to nitro. I heard about these jet kind of planes like a fighter jet, and I thought that sounded cool. I have a HUGE yard to fly in, it is a 9 acre field. I am looking forward to hearing your suggestions! Thanks!

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

I would not start off with a nitro jet. LOL.. I would start out with a trainer plane.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Check out RCKen's list of trainers he has assembled. This should give you a good start into researching the various planes available. Since nitro flies a lot different from electric, I would recommend getting with a club or flight instructor to see what trainers are popular in your area and getting some dual instruction. Your chances of success will be a lot higher with a flight instructor to guide you along on your first few flights.

Here's the link to RCKen's list:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

Hogflyer

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Are all nitros that big? I wasn't expecting them to all have 60"+ wingspans. Do they make nitros with something smaller then a 48" wingspan?

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

They do make them smaller but most planes that small aren't suited to learn to fly on. Also, when you say you have a "huge yard" how big do you mean?? Because if it's anything less than 10 - 15 acres it's probably too small to fly in. If you will be trying to fly in a populated area you could also run into liability issues if you crash the plane and hurt someone or damage their property. Your best bet for successfully and safely learning to fly a larger glow powered airplane would be to contact and join a club in your area. I did a search on the AMA's website and found there are 18 clubs within a 25 mile radius of Akron, you can find that list here: [link]http://www.modelaircraft.org/ClubZipLocator.aspx?z=44302&d=25[/link] .

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Well, it is around 9 acres. The only houses are my uncles next door. Do you think it would be OK? Also, the P51 Mustang is looking nice to me. Is it a good first, considering the fact that it is more than the other planes.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

The larger planes might look more intimidating but they are easier to fly. They handle the wind better and are easier to see. The larger wing area also means that the plane can be slowed down and still be very controllable. The high wing bulky shape helps to keep the speed from gettin too high. If you push the sticks too far to the right for example it will take the plane a lot longer to turn completly upside down with a 70" wing span than a plane with a 48" wing span. This is easy to see whats happening on the larger plane and also give you time to realize your mistake and correct it. Thats why the Sig LT40 with the 70" wing span is one of the easiest planes to learn on. IT has decent speed at full throttle but will easily glide well and then land at walking speed. :D

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Ok, I understand now. Well I am really getting into this now. Here is a pic of one part of my yard I can fly in. I have another area and will take a pic of it later. But is the P51 Mustang good? I was thinking it is good since I will not have to upgrade for a long time. Here is the part of my yard:

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h1...r/DSCN3334.jpg

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

But is the P51 Mustang good? < not good for learning on!! [X(] It can be tricky to keep it straight on the runway while getting up to takeoff speed. It flys fast and is sensitive to stick inputs, It will also stall, and start spinning toward the ground if you slow the plane down too much. Also, sorry dude but the location looks rather poor. I see trees in the way everywhere!! If you flew the plane past the tree line you would lose sight of it over the trees. RC flyers soon learn that trees can move even faster than the planes to swat the planes out of the air. And it only takes 1 tree to get your plane. Based on the new data you have provided I would suggest finding an RC club that has a better field. [:o]

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

I thought the P51 Mustang was a learning plane? Anyways, I now know that this part is not good! Let me take a pic of the other side of the yard, and then tell me what you think of it.

What are the pros and cons of having an electric and nitro?

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Any of the Warbirds such as the P51, Spitfire, or ME109 for example are meant to fly fast and be able to turn quick, not the characteristics you want in a trainer. This is is a pic of our grass field. You can see that except for the pilot stations, there is nothing but wide open sky. Nothing to hit except the ground if you get too low. We have both a N-S and an E-W runway. They are both over 500' long and about 80' wide, big enough for our 1/4 scale plane pilotss. :D

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Yeah, I understand the field concept now. But about the P51, I went to their website and they have those air brakes, and those things on the wings to slow them down. It is meant to be a trainer, and then you take the stuff off and it will be a normal warbird.

If that still is not a good choice, what is one of the better RTF trainer planes?

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

The P-51 is a trainer until you take the gadgets off. I've seen students learn on them and they did just as good as ones on basic trainers. This way you will have a second plane when you get proficient. Just take off the gadgets and away you go.;)

Gibbs

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Like he said...

But DO join the local club.

If someone comes knocking on your door because of your activities it gives this sport a bad name.

There are liability issues, and the whole thing about potentially being perceived as a community nusiance.

Join the club.

Get going on the glows.

The club membership will make your PTS P-51 last longer than a day. Most clubs have trainers to take your first few (FREE) lessons on, then you can move onto the P-51 PTS.

Yeah you have to pay for AMA membership and THEN club membership, but it is all well worth it. The club will save you it's cost in parts alone. Often you pick up planes in raffles, etc. making the club a better value... then the club also keeps the field going.

It's a big win for everyone involved.


Once you get very proficient, look at the .20-.30 sized electrics.

You may be able to get these flying in your yard, though be forwarned, electrics tend to be more expensive when everything else is equal.

A small electric (E-Flite Ultimate FX 3D) is great for a small field like yours and fun for when you cannot get down to the field.

Once you start with the Nitro planes, you'll stick with the bigger breeds though.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Ok thanks. About that part of my yard, that part is about 1/2 the size of the other half of my yard. It is hard to explain but it is really open, and I have a hill I could fly on. Let me get a pic...

Oh, and are their any other good trainer planes that are cheaper?

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

I'd recommend the Nexstar or the Super Star Select. These hobbico ready to flies are great, and while I don't recommend it, I taught myself how to fly with no help from anyone on the first flight. I somehow managed to land it, well, arrive it on the ground after an 8 minute flight and only killed the prop. So my first flight was a solo. Knowing what I know now though is DONT DO IT!!! I got lucky, maybe I am a natural, but many others have killed brand new nice airplanes doing the same.

The trainer i had was the Super Star select and i believe from Tower Hobbies you can get it RTF in 20 minutes (quoted by the manufacturer) for about 279 plus flight box, chargers, glow stick, fuel, starter, starter battery, misc tools, props, fuel pumps, etc. Expensive to start, but buy good equipment and it will last you quite a while.

I also recommend flying at an AMA field. I have learned and showed others so much over the years and it has benefited all. Good luck in getting into the hobby. I hope to see you around the forums.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Thanks alot. I am trying to see what would be better, the P-51 or the Super Star. I am leaning towards the P-51 because it is like 2 planes in one, plus it looks cool! Is their any other reasons why to or not to get this plane?

And I believe I have found a place for flying planes. Maybe I can check it out this weekend.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Since winter is upon us, you might want to consider a flight simulator. Learn on that all winter and you will be ready to go at in the spring. A great way to learn and crashes are a lot less expensive.

Rod

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

my girlfriends dad and brother fly in STOW.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

If you like the Hanger 9 P-51 PTS you can learn to fly on it and have a more advanced plane as you learn. PTS means Progressive Trainer System and it is a well thought out design for that purpose. Plus you'll get a Flight Sim with it. My wifes been flying one for about 9 months and says it's a great plane.

I agree you want to find a club and instructor so you are not disappointed with your first attempts. Good Luck.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

:eek:Best plane to learn on, I used an LT 40 from SIG, to teach my grasshoppers. Then put them into their own NEXSTARS, two planes for the price of one. This has been well received and I still fly my NEXSTAR, we put flaps on them,it's fun and they fly good. Mine is on the third engine.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

I like the PTS P-51D a lot, and I learned to fly with it in record time, thanks in part to G3.

That said, the PTS does need some initial work as posted. Not a lot, but it does need it before you fly.

The PTS will also end up a pile of balsa if you do not get some help both setting it up and starting out with it.

Invest the time and money in a club, and if possible a good simulator as well.

I know, you're thinking, too expensive....

Get that out of your mind. The latter two items will save you their prices over and over again.

Don't make the mistakes that most of us former newbies once made.

You'll be kicking yourself for not listening to this later, OR you'll get mad and give up.

Once your hooked though, a club and a sim will be the best things you've done to start out.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Ok, well if it needs some work then do you think maybe the Nexstar would be better? I also will definatly be joining a club. I would like to see some planes flying also, if I can go to the field at the right time.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

My wife has a Hanger 9 P-51 PTS as I said before. It did not require additional work to put it together or make flight worthy and it's been flying 9 months. The Nexstar is a good choice but if you really want the P-51 then don't be concerned. Like I said before not only will the plane help you advance your skills, it comes with a flight sim.

Our club has a Nexstar that we use to give people intro flights with and my wife has also flown it. She prefers the P-51 PTS. Nexstar or P-51 PTS, pick the one you like, get an instructor and have some fun.

I meant this in reply to MT RC.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

I recommend you buying the Hobbyzone Super Cub. That plane flys really great and and very easy to fly. With the A.C.T (Anti Crash technology), it can prevent crashes and it can switched off with the 3 channel Transmitter. Once you turn of A.C.T, you can perform loops, and other aerobatics (rolls, i don't think so). It is a very recommened beginner plane.

http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h..._super_cub.htm

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

But that is not a nitro. I was kind of leaning towards a nitro.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Ever tried a hobbico superstar? There are different versions of the superstars and they are nitro powered (1 is electric powered). they can also be converted to electric motor. Try the Superstar.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...ar&FVPROFIL=++

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

"Not requiring" work may give you the feeling that you can take it out of the box and fly it as is.

That is how it is sold.

If you check the threads you'll see that things like the servo blocks often come improperly glued, so yes work is a MUST before you fly it the first time.

What you must do to it is fairly minimal and can be done in an hour or so.

Don't let this necessarily dissuade you from necessarily getting one.

Hi wing planes are preferred as trainers, but I and many others had no problems starting out with the PTS.

The extra setup will also better familiarize you with your plane and is time well spent before your first flight.

Consider a sim as well as joining a club.

Any good quality sim will cost, but will be worth it's cost over and over again.

On days you can't fly, you will be able to use the sim to hone your skills.

---

BTW: We've had several Nexstar planes with the ATC setup go crazy at our field and nose in on their first flight or two.

Most people now fly with the ATC off now.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

R/C-Plane, MT has all ready said that he is going to do it right, use a four channel 40 size glow trainer and join a club. Considering starting with a 1 1/2 lb. 3 channel electric plane is going backwards. The plane you suggest does fly well but if MT started with that, he would still need training to get used to a glow setup regarding engine starting, tuneup ect. and a nitro trainer would fly at rocket speeds compared to the electric trainer. If MT switched to a standard glow trainer after flying the electric without being on a buddy box, he would probably crash it in 10 seconds.[>:]

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

I am a newbe also and have the p51pts and am very impressed with it. the low wing design make it almost impossible to flip over like some high wing trainers and with the landing gear pointed foward like it does its very unlikely that you can nosedive it while taxiing or take-offs. you can get in your radio and set your control setting to limit your "throws" to keep from over steering.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

OH ya JOIN A CLUB and have a experinced person help you

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Thanks guys. I will most likely be buying the P-51, and join a club definatly. I am looking forward to using that sim to see how good I am at flying!

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

A nose dive is a maneuver performed while in the air, not on the ground, and the results would not be good no matter what airplane being flown flying if its done into the ground.

What your referring to a nose over, the P-51 PTS can nose over like any other tail dragger. As far as flipping, a low wing will flip as easy as a high wing. If you are referring to going up on a wing tip and nose, a high wing tricycle geared plane is more susceptible to having a wing raised with a quartering tail wind or direct cross wind. On take off and landing into the wind, tricycle geared aircraft are less susceptible to going up on the nose, or on a wing tip unless ground looped. Tricycle geared aircraft are also easier to learn take-off and landing with. I've seen the P-15 PTS end up on its nose on landing, flip on it's back, nose over on take-off, ground loop, and have the landing gear ripped out.

MT RC,

Before you jump on the P-51 PTS, go to a club meeting, find out what they have for flight instruction, and what type of aircraft and radio they prefer at that club. You may end up with a plane that is not popular there, and possibly no buddy box available to fly on.

Hogflyer

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Hogflyer is right. I don't think 3 channel radios even have a buddy box connection and no one wants to try training on someones small electric. They can get in trouble if the wind comes up and then after 1 flight the batterys need to be pulled and replaced or recharged for at least 3/4 hour while everyone sits around waiting. :eek:

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

What is a buddy box? Also, how hard exactly is the P51 to fly? What else can it do besides just fly around (loops, etc.)? Thanks

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

A buddy box is when you hook two transmitters together with a special connector that plugs into ports in the transmitters. The instructor holds the master that controls the plane. On the master is a switch that when held allows the second box, the slave or buddy box, to have control over the plane through the master box. This allows the instructor to quickly recover the plane by releasing a switch instead of grabbing the other transmitter.

The P-51 PTS is not really hard to fly, it's just not as forgiving as a flat bottom airfoil trainer. Flat bottom airfoil trainers will have a tendency to return to level flight when the controls are released while in a bank, climb or dive. The PTS, with it's symmetrical will be more aerobatic with the training aids removed and makes a great second trainer. The PTS also lands a lot faster, and the slower a plane flies in the pattern and on final the easier it is to learn how to land. Most trainers are tricycle geared which is also easier to learn take-off and landing over the conventional, or tail dragger gear of the PTS.

Hogflyer

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

MT RC Are you confused yet? LOL One thing about the flight sim that comes with the P-51 PTS, its not a very good sim unless they improved it alot over the last year. I would suggest the Real Flight G3 sim, but any of the higher end sims will work. As far as the P-51 PTS goes it is a great plane but not a great trainer, I'm not saying you can't learn on that plane but it is more to handle than a Nexstar. As far as the Nexstar goes it comes with a great sim ( a reduced version of G3 with only one plane and one flying site), but the A.F.S. active flight stabilization doesn't work very good if it works at all. Like most ppl suggested above find a local club and talk to the pilots there they will be more than happy to help you get started in your addicition OOPS did I say that out loud, I meant your new hobby.[:-]:D

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

If I may make a suggestion before you get theP-51, try looking at the NEXSTAR. I spent about a month trying to figure out what would be best to start with and was also considering the P-51. But found that the Nexstar is better to begin with. It has a safety system in it so if you lose control in the air it will statilize it self, were as all other trainers don't. I have been flying it now for 2 months and starting to remove some of the trainer stuff to progress. Have talked to alot of club members who as have the P-51 and they all agree it is better as a second plane not your first one. Look closer to the Nexstar as a first one. It comes complete and plus once your done with it you can transfer everything into another plane. Warbirds are nice and that is the way I am heading with my hobby. P-51 will be my next plane after my trainer.

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

as I agree, a 3 channel in not prefferable to learn on, but if you have to do it alone, then its a neccasary step. I am an instructor here on CapeCod MA, and have taught mny students. Usually I give them a large packet that I made, all about lift, drag, electrics, nitro, gas, field equiptment, ect ect... At the beggining of the course, I always give them a demo of both my electrics and nitro's. I truelly feel that alot of you other nitro guys are complelty miss informed by electrics. 1/2 of my students go nitro, I start them on either a 40 size superstar or a nexstar. The other half go eletric. I start them on an superstar ep. Both of these planes are great. The superstar ep, for about 340.00 you get the plane ready to go, and 5 batteries. Charge these up the day prior to flying, and bam, instant fun for about 1 1/2 hours. I know nothing of these one minute flites though? maybe I can help you with how you power your plane... lol. no tuning, just go up and fly. Then down the road, go brushless motor, and you get even more performance. I am not dissing nitro, I fly nitro about twice a week and electric about 3 times aweek (i get out to fly about 5 times a week). and mt, nothing is cooler than a big nitro going full speed 30 feet off the ground, it looks quite impressive. Just try to make and unbiased choice. the electric tech is getting pretty advanced pretty fast. they are great fun planes. I see success from all of my students with their superstar ep, they love them. I have had 4 go to nitro trainers after, just to see the other side. with no buddy box or anything, they maidend that plane, flew it, and landed it without crashing. Yes they go faster, but since you fly them higher, and they are larger, to scale, they look like they are going about the same size. Just my thoughts on it. And about the hobbyzone supercub. I taught my father on that and he has flown it into the ground on many accasions. Still flies great, most durrable thing i have ever seen. I have taken it a few times to try, nice flying little plane. But if you are planning on getting an instructor, get either of the planes mentioned above.

Thanks, Spencer Howard

RE: Which plane for a beginner?
 

Thanks guys, do you think a nice electric may be better then?