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Thinking of Starting RC
I plan to go to the local air field and there are several around here, to talk to a instructor or two about getting started before I do anything.
I would still value opinions from this forum in the mean time. I am thinking of getting the Nexstar 46 which is ready to fly in a short time. I would consider getting the version with the Futaba Radio, motor, etc. The local hobby store recommends them highly for beginners and say it is a nice combo to start with. I know it is not a speed demon but it seems to be very stable and yet somewhat acrobatic once I figure out how to safely do those sort of things. Does this seem like a reasonable entry level package for someone just starting out? I don't think I want to try to build something at this point, maybe latter on. Your input and experience is much appreciated. Has anyone seen this package in the field? If so what is our opinion of it? Thanks Wulf |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Perfect Wulf, don't change your current direction.
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RE: Thinking of Starting RC
This is the plane I started with and love it. I still fly it from time to time.
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RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Hi there, I must break in here and give you my own advice.
...Im gonna get flamed for this I know... Stay away from "trainer" airplanes. I learned to fly a .46 Hanger 9 Twist and it will be a very long time before I will beable to "outfly" it, maybe never. This airplane is very stable and flys as slow as I can jog, But click high rates and it is a bat outa heck, you have the best of both worlds. AFTER learning how to fly on the Twist I find the "trainer" planes very unstable in any wind and very difficult to fly in cross winds...simply harder to fly period. IMO the trainer ideology is a false one, a way for airplane makers to get money from people from you who are just starting. I see you getting bord of the trainers as you progress in the hobby, which you will of course after flying for the first couple of times. But of course, dont listen to me Im just a small minority in this idea, I have no idea why...:eek: Good Luck PS the Plug and Play Tiwst is about $280, comes with everything but Tx/RX..Also buy a good 6chanel computor radio. they are getting cheeper and, unless your crazy and dont like flying (unheard of!!) you wil be very glad you did. Also as you get you 2nd,3rd... 18th airplane you love only having one radio. BTW I am not related to horizon hobby lol...Just love the Twist that much... |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
I think that airplane also comes with a simulator for your computer. If you can fly the plane on the sim, it will make it much easier to learn once you get to the field. Starting out with a comprehensive package is the way to go. Go talk to your local club before spending a bunch of money though and find out what they are doing. Don't forget the AMA membership as well, you won't be able to fly without it.
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RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Not flaming but IMO you just gave a newbie bad advice.
I learned to fly in windy conditions with a basic high wing trainer. They do handle wind well. I have never had a problem flying or landing in crosswind with a trainer (I have flown 5 models of trainers including the Nexstar) I will give you the fact that ground handling a high wing airplane can be difficult and they will flip over easily in a moderate wind gust. You are headed in the right direction with going to a club and getting proper instruction. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
[color=#FF0099]Wulf,
I have to agree with Missileman, (not intending to flame either) I have no problem whatsoever flying my Skyraider in ANY wind, and yes, that includes wind strong enough to flip it on crosswind turns....makes me a better pilot. Plus our instructor, David, and the other top talents at the field will throw trainers up just for the fun of it and do amazing things with them that trainer planes "can't do" ....or so it would seem. I think you become a better pilot by first mastering a trainer in normal flight, and then mastering a trainer in "abnormal" flight. You gotta love flying a dihedral winged plane inverted "pattern". Oh, and I do have a 46 size Twist as well. You're heading in the right direction....hurry up....get out on the field!!!! Bev |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Aw heck, I'll go ahead and flame him. psullivan, IMO you're just simply dead wrong. The Nexstar can handle winds just fine and as RCKen would say "There is no such thing as a boring plane, just boring pilots".
Wulf, go with the trainer.:) OK, so it was a mild flame. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
[color=#FF0099]Missileman,
See, I knew if we laid low, Bruce would say something! :D Yeah Bruce, just a tiny flame (about as much "candle power" as a match!) :) Bev |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
I don't suppose I'm experienced enough to be commenting...on some forums you get flamed for having an opinion if you aren't an "expert." I just got the NexSTAR RTF package and I love the thing! I don't think I went wrong, but I could just be ignorant and not know what I'm missing....go ahead and get it, it's a great plane. From a newbie's standpoint, it's a great aircraft to start off with.
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RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Guys the post wasn't realy about the flying capability of the plane. I was only saying that a "sport plane" i.e. Twist is not hard to fly. I'm telling you, people tell me that plane is way to much to handel, with THAT I dissagree.
Put it this way, the trainer has nothing wrong with it, but the Twist is AS EASY to fly, and CAN out-preform it, with that, I think you can't dissagree. Why spend the same amount on a plane that is ment for beginers when you can get a plane that goes from beginer all the way to pro? Not trying to argue, to each his own, just my $.02 PS, My first post was badly written, maybe this one will clear it up. Thanks, Justin |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
BEFORE you start..here are some things you MUST do.
1. Setup a new bank account in your name..that you can funnel money to without your wife finding. 2. Arrange for delivery of arfs/parts to a friends house or postal box. 3. Never keep more than 2 planes in sight of your wife. Hide in attic, keep in the back of van under blanket, store at friends house. 4. Arrange your personal life so any appointments don't interfer with SUPER SALES days at the hobby store. (A bonus if you can arrange you vacation in the same city as a major hobby show..and find a way to sneak out for couple hours.) 5. Mention once or twice to your wife that you are assisting some handicap/elderly/or boyscouts learn the hobby so she appriciate your efforts away from home. 6. DO NOT bring the crashed planes home. Always dismantle good parts and put crash in trash bag and drop off before arriving home. 7. DO NOT brag to close non-flying friends or family about HOW MANY planes you have or great stuff you got..IT WILL BACKFIRE ON YOU! 8. When you do find something quite cheap or a great deal, let your wife know so she thinks your still always wheeling and dealin for good buy. 9. DO NOT take her to a CLUB PICNIC or BBQ! Any secrets you may have thought about keeping about your hobby/spending/etc..will be totally gone! 10. Instead of just saying..IM going flying...have a friend call first and then tell her you are going out to help a friend with a flight or problem..they like to hear how appreciated their husbands are. Ok..thats it for me..enjoy the hobby!! Bobzilla |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
[color=#FF0099]Justin,
Understood you the first time...I don't really think the guys were razzing you too bad on purpose. It's just that in the grand scheme of things, Trainers are built to be more forgiving in the air....truly less likely to crash making the same mistakes you could on a Twist. And having both planes, I know that to be true. Yes, the Twist will outperform the Trainer....all fully symetrical wing planes will....but again, there is the advantage to the Trainer....it takes more effort and control to push the Trainer to do "stunt flying". I just think that Wulf will be able to compensate for little goofs easier with the dihedral wing trainer, (and there will be goofs). He can always get the Twist as a second plane.....besides.....will all pilots who only own one plane please raise your right hand.... ;):D sidenote to Yellowhawk: your opinion is welcome...I'm a relative "newbie" myself...9 months in the hobby...part of my education has been from the RCU forums...and most of the "flames" are good natured! Bev |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
I re-entered the hobby with the NEXTAR package it was a great start for me easy to land and the accesorys(radio and engine) can be used for the next plane you get.
the basic sim was handy for getting used to a radio again, it got me to get a G-3 sim later which has helped me improve my flying skills in a big way. the nice thing is the plane in the RTF( ready to fly package) will have you in the air fairly fast you will need some other things like a glow starter,fuel pump,some misc. tools screw drivers and wrenches etc...I also got a electric starter it makes that first cold start a little easyer,also glad I did I need it now for my 4stroke engines,but you don't absolutely need it , you will do well by getting this plane its a good start. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
I learned to fly on the Nexstar Select RTF. psullivan is correct in saying that the Nexstar doesn't fly in high wind as well as some other trainers. I remember one evening in particular where I had to bring down my Nexstar because it was flying too squirrely in a 15 to 20 mph wind (at least for my skills) while pilots with Avistars were flying just fine.
That having been said, I certainly wouldn't recommend bypassing a high-wing trainer in favor of a highly aerobatic sport plane. The Nexstar comes with a great radio system and an outstanding engine. The simulator that is bundled with it is a great training tool. As far as high wing trainers go, the Nexstar is a really handsome looking aircraft with bolt-on wings instead of rubber bands and a beautifully shaped rounded turtle deck. I enjoyed flying my Nexstar and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other student pilots. It was a terrific platform to train on, and I can honestly say I've never flown an easier-landing plane. The Nexstar isn't perfect. The Active Flight Stabilization system only works if you fly at high noon. The air brakes and wing pods aren't really necessary either. It is a nice looking airplane that flies well without the extra doo-dads on it, and it makes a fine float plane when you're done with your primary flight training and you want to move on to advanced aerobatics. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Interesting how one person's "hard to fly" airplane is another's "challenging and exciting". All types of planes have their good and bad points, that why there are different types.
Hey Wulf, I noticed you're in KY. If you're close to Louisville, I hope you'll come out to the River City Radio Controller's field at E.P. "Tom" Sawyer state park. Of course, it's been kinda cold lately, but when it warms up stop by on a nice weekend and you'll probably see a few guys flying. I carry around one of the club trainers (a Nexstar) to let new pilots 'try before you buy'. You don't need anything at first, just an interest in R/C! Thomas Hohman |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
I will take you up on that Thomas, thanks for the offer.
Wulf |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Thanks to everyone for their helpful advice. It is great to get such a variety of responses and input.
Money a side, the wife is probably the biggest objector. I have always loved airplanes, guns, motorcycles, 5.0 Mustangs, well, now you know why she is not overly excited about my interest in RC Flying. Our son is in the Navy and is being trained as a Naval Flight Officer now. He gets winged in May and we have been visiting him in Jacksonville, Pensacola and soon to be visiting in San Antonio. Being on these bases and around all these planes and jets, has given me the bug. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Well, you may need to cut back on something but that's between you 2.
Give your son our congratulations on getting his wings. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Steve,
Just my two cents worth but I wouldn't jump right into a new plane. My experience is that there are a lot of trainers for sale all set up and ready to gas and go. Go visit the guys on the fields and they may have just the thing for you. You may save yourself a couple bucks in the process and then you can take the wife out to dinner with what is left. Congrats to your son. Del |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Lots of good advice here - except for psullivan's - It is true that SOME people find it easier to start with an advanced plane, but to recommend doing it is just bad advise
The latest comment by Delbert is one of the best. Check out the local field before spending a dime. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
ORIGINAL: bobzilla BEFORE you start..here are some things you MUST do. 1. Setup a new bank account in your name..that you can funnel money to without your wife finding. 2. Arrange for delivery of arfs/parts to a friends house or postal box. 3. Never keep more than 2 planes in sight of your wife. Hide in attic, keep in the back of van under blanket, store at friends house. 4. Arrange your personal life so any appointments don't interfer with SUPER SALES days at the hobby store. (A bonus if you can arrange you vacation in the same city as a major hobby show..and find a way to sneak out for couple hours.) 5. Mention once or twice to your wife that you are assisting some handicap/elderly/or boyscouts learn the hobby so she appriciate your efforts away from home. 6. DO NOT bring the crashed planes home. Always dismantle good parts and put crash in trash bag and drop off before arriving home. 7. DO NOT brag to close non-flying friends or family about HOW MANY planes you have or great stuff you got..IT WILL BACKFIRE ON YOU! 8. When you do find something quite cheap or a great deal, let your wife know so she thinks your still always wheeling and dealin for good buy. 9. DO NOT take her to a CLUB PICNIC or BBQ! Any secrets you may have thought about keeping about your hobby/spending/etc..will be totally gone! 10. Instead of just saying..IM going flying...have a friend call first and then tell her you are going out to help a friend with a flight or problem..they like to hear how appreciated their husbands are. Ok..thats it for me..enjoy the hobby!! Bobzilla |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
ORIGINAL: psullivan Hi there, I must break in here and give you my own advice. ...Im gonna get flamed for this I know... Stay away from "trainer" airplanes. I learned to fly a .46 Hanger 9 Twist and it will be a very long time before I will beable to "outfly" it, maybe never. This airplane is very stable and flys as slow as I can jog, But click high rates and it is a bat outa heck, you have the best of both worlds. AFTER learning how to fly on the Twist I find the "trainer" planes very unstable in any wind and very difficult to fly in cross winds...simply harder to fly period. IMO the trainer ideology is a false one, a way for airplane makers to get money from people from you who are just starting. I see you getting bord of the trainers as you progress in the hobby, which you will of course after flying for the first couple of times. But of course, dont listen to me Im just a small minority in this idea, I have no idea why...:eek: Good Luck PS the Plug and Play Tiwst is about $280, comes with everything but Tx/RX..Also buy a good 6chanel computor radio. they are getting cheeper and, unless your crazy and dont like flying (unheard of!!) you wil be very glad you did. Also as you get you 2nd,3rd... 18th airplane you love only having one radio. BTW I am not related to horizon hobby lol...Just love the Twist that much... Of course you find the trainer planes unstable in any wind and very difficult to fly in cross winds. Its because you never took the time to learn how to do it. What you have done is put yourself on a verrrrrrrrrrrry steep learning curve with the twist. As an instructor, I would never teach someone to fly on a sport aerobatic plane like the twist. It reacts much to quickly to begginer mistakes, and would significantly reduce my opportunity as an instructor to save the plane. Additionally, the color scheme of the twist lends itself to loss of orientation by the student. Trainers are designed as they are for very good reason. And I'll wager that a student who learns to fly the trainer, will, in very short order, be flying circles around you when they move up. Brad |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Flew my Avistar for about 2 months last year, the moved to a Spirit 3D. I just finished a Harrier 90, and I'm working on an Extra. I also flew an Easystar for a year before that, so that helped me with the basics.
Everyone learns at a different pace. I know you don't mean any harm, and in some ways I agree with you, but not everyone picks up the hobby easily, so trainers are ALWAYS the best place to start. Then when their instructor deems them ready, they can talk about moving up, but I would never start someone off with an advanced sport/aerobatic plane. |
RE: Thinking of Starting RC
Interesting forum
I started flying 2 years ago with 2 Hanger 9 Alpha Trainers. (knew the 1st wouldn't last that long LOL). I do currently own a twist with a saito 82 and with a 14 X 4 wide blade 3D prop it is nothing short of awesome. Also easy to fly and land. Would I recommend this to learn on? NOT A CHANCE! Trainers teach you how an airplane is supposed to fly including takeoff and landing, and LANDING!!! (took me a while) (2 trainers lasted me 2 months) I was a little hard on equipment. Now after 2 years I have a 27% extra 300 worth over $3000.00 with smoke and all and am very comfortable flying it. Let me tell you, scale doesn't fly like the twist. If I learned on the twist I would be out $3000 - salvageable equip. Start with a trainer but don't stick build or get too attached to it. I know if you take your time it can last you for years, I just didn't have that kind of patience. When it comes to this hobby sometimes I think common sense doesn't work. LOL The way I figure it you are going to crash X amount of planes learning to fly. I decided to find the value of my X within my first year. I have seen people going on 5 years not knowing the value of X. Warning the sooner you learn to fly the higher your value of X (yes experience) but it is so much fun. Spads are great training tools and you can build a new one every week. |
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