Trainer Questions
 

Hi I would like to get into RC flying. My father and I are interested in flight and we own a Cessna 172. He has a private pilot license as I will get when I am old enough but for now I would like to start building, flying, and possibly even designing RC Aircraft. For starters though I would like to buy a good 4 channel electric trainer. I would like to keep it pretty cheap but I want it to be a good plane. Any suggestions would greatly help me. Thanks.

RE: Trainer Questions
 

schfifty_5,

Welcome to RCU and the wonder world of RC aircraft.

RCKen has developed a nice list of trainers (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm). Start looking through there and you'll get a lot of information on what is available. The selections out there can be overwhelming but there is plenty of experience here on RCU to help you get a good start.

You may also want to see if there is a local club in your area and get in contact with them. You'll be able to find out about any flight training that may be available with them and what may be the preferred trainer in you area. A club is an invaluable resource in getting started and learning to fly in this hobby.

Hogflyer.

RE: Trainer Questions
 

Hi Schfifty 5 (and your Dad) - Like Hogflyer said, welcome to the great sport of RC Airplanes. I'm sure you'll find plenty of info for what kind of trainer plane to get along with transmitter, etc.

I also agree a great help will be to find a local club in your area, so that's what I thought I'd try to help you with. Try using this [link=http://www.ama-dist-8.org/Clubs/Locator.php]AMA Club Locator[/link] that Bill Lee created. He uses the AMA database for the club contact info and I piggy back my info on his and provide some actual field locations.

Good luck and me sure to let us know how you and your Dad are doing :D

RE: Trainer Questions
 

Thanks guys I'll have a look. What did you start off flying?

RE: Trainer Questions
 

How about this aint due till march but oh well http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXNHS0**&P=ML

RE: Trainer Questions
 

I started out with a SIG LT-40 with an OS 46FX on the front of it. I love this plane, still have it in one piece, and still take it out just to putz around with once and awhile. I plan on converting it a camera platform this Spring.

The LT-40 ARF is a real easy assembly, it fly's very very solid and is pretty forgiving. It is a high wing with about a 71" wingspan and self rights itself pretty quick. Is also a nice floater for landing and will fly as slow as you want it to. It also comes set up with a trike landing gear but can also be easily converted into a tail dragger. If you do a little bit more research you'll find where it is also pretty easy to convert it to a very nice electric.

Glad to help :)

EDIT - I forgot, but if you want to see a quick set of pics of my LT-40 going together you can go to my little MSN RC website, go to the pictures and look for LT-40 Build. [link=http://groups.msn.com/PuttsRCHomePage/]Putt's RC Home Page[/link]

RE: Trainer Questions
 

Hi schfifty 5, glad to hear that you're interested in taking the plunge into R/C flying!

I know you asked for an electric trainer that wasn't too expensive, but you will likely find a glow-powered airplane simpler to operate and much easier to learn to fly. If Bolivar, MO is anything like Omaha, NE, the wind will blow far too often for you to get much enjoyment out of an inexpensive electric plane.

To answer your question, one of the best inexpensive 4-channel electric trainers is the BeginAir RTF by Parkflyers RC:

http://www.parkflyers.com/html/begin-air.html

Based on my own experience of trying to learn to fly with an electric parkflyer a couple of years ago, I believe you'll be much, much better served by starting out with a good glow-trainer package instead. They are much better at flying in moderately windy weather, and they enjoy more control authority than smaller, lighter electric aircraft.

Consider the Thunder Tiger Pegasus .40 Super Combo trainer package on sale right now at eHobbies.com:

http://www.ehobbies.com/ttr4556-f12.html

It's only $60 more than the BeginAir, but features a 75% larger wingspan and about 3x the weight. The Pegasus will fly smoothly and easily with its high quality Thunder Tiger GP-42 glow engine, but its size and weight will make it much more stable in the air.

It comes with the Hitec radio system and Thunder Tiger engine, prop, and spinner all pre-installed with no gluing or extensive building required. You will need a few accessories so you can start and service the plane, and eHobbies carries that too:

http://www.ehobbies.com/ttr3002.html

With the Side Kick accessory flight package, all you need to do is swing by your local hobby shop for a gallon of glow fuel and you're ready to take to the skies.

There is an AMA Chartered flying club near your hometown in Stockton, MO about 20 miles away called the Stockton RC Flyers. You can contact Wilburn Holland at (417) 276-5689 for more information about the club and to find a flight instructor to help you with flight training.

I learned the expensive way that light, inexpensive electric airplanes aren't easier to fly. They're actually harder to learn to fly with and difficult to control in anything other than almost dead calm wind conditions. Spend a few extra dollars for a good glow-powered trainer package and learn to fly at your local AMA club. You'll spend a lot less money doing it right the first time, and you'll enjoy learning to fly with other club members who share your excitement.