RCU Forums - need help

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Probably have seen that thread to many times lol. If been messing around with cars for about 6 years now and finnaly getting into planes. Ive been looking at trainers like the superstar and such which i can get the plane,controller,servos,engine and all the little peices for $330. And says i need some other stuff like special tools fuels and such. So im wondering what else do i realy need? Also i live in Phoenix,AZ and wondering if you could give me a link with a mapof all the local flying field near me. Also i printed out the AMA registration papers but lost the paper and forgot the site so if you could give me a link that would be great. And any other tips would be great. O and yeah me and my dad have been flying the fighterbirds for about 3 weeks now to get a basic flying skills down. I realy dont want anything cause i have to fork out the cash. :(

special toolS? I suppose that means flight box ect, heres a list of terms ect that you'll need to get goin, im live in england so i'm apporxamatin $10 = £6 roughly

Glow fuel- make your engine go, 1 gallon: approx £10
Glow clip- Heats the spark plug enabling your engine to start up, its removed after aboutn 30 seconds when the engine has had a good warm up: $15 approx

chicken stick- just used to flip the prop over the set the engine goin, you could get an electric starter instead which i prefer but they cost about $30, a chicken stick will be about $8 i think, you could always use a screwdriver with a bit of rubber on the end though.

The Superstar combo is a good setup. Extra things are what to use to start it up with. Some buy the powerpanel but to me its a waste since i like to go portable. Meaning a glo driver and charger. Also a starter instead of a chicken stick.
*This is a big area here. Chicken stick can leave you trying to start the plane up for an hour and thus you get frustrated. Some of the best engines around are a pain to start up.
Those who use chicken sticks like going nowhere fast.

So i shouldn't use my finger to start the engine?

Hello

first off welcome , now if you are looking at the package deal on the plane , tower also sells a starter kit that contains the things needed to get your plane going , as time goes by you will customise your needs ,just like you did with the cars ,

as for clubs , academy of model aeronautics.com should get you there ,

Highlander

Oh I almost forgot , do not use your finger to start your plane engine , that is bad real bad , if you cant afford the starter right now get a chicken stick they are only a couple of dollars and will most defintely save your fingers ,

Highlander

and whatever you do dont let yur darn fingers wander into the prop while its goin, cos it hurts! :D

I meant don't start it with my finger.

Do i send this in http://www.modelaircraft.org/templat...-files/902.pdf by mail im geussing? And its on the form right? Is this the right form? Im 14 and dumb lol so please help me. Thx.

Impulse ,

That looks like the correct form ,If you have access to a credit card you can pay over the net , otherwise you will have to do it by mail ,

Highlander

Impulse .

After looking again at the form you posted , I noticed that it did not show an address ,

Here it is

Mail to AMA 5161 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie, Indiana 47302-9252

also note that your parent or guardian must sign the form ,

see ya ,

Highlander

So just send in the $15 (i want the magazine too) and the form and thats all? Its $15 a year right. I would think it would be. And also do i need to jsut send in the application or do i need the rules with it too?

Impulse ,

Just the form the rules are for you to reference ,but on the form you sign that you have read and agree to follow the safty rules ,

so be sure to sign in two places before you mail it in .

Highlander

You mean my sig and my parent sig right? Cool when should i receive my card? Is their a link of all the local fields around me. I live in Arizona.

Impulse

actually you sign twice and your parents once , on the AMA website there is a club finder just go there click on it answer the questions and all the clubs in your area that are AMA chartered will be listed

Highlander

I can't find the club finder. I also i only see 3 places to sgin. "cardholders number" "sig of applicant" "parent sig". And thats all i see.

Impulse

your right only two signatures ,yours and your parent ,

just send in the application you will get an email from your district president , the club finder is part of that email , it took about two weeks to get mine back , but I used the net to join so it may take your a little longer ,

Highlander

Cool. Im getting my card way before i get my plane. So i can go flying right when i get my plane :)

Hi Impulse,

In my club if a young guy comes with a plane and radio, he is met with open arms and is helped in every way.

There is a sequence that you should follow, it will make the process go a lot better.

It would be best to get your AMA first and then go to the different clubs and check on their attitude a check out the field. Sometimes just because a field is close, it is not right for you.

They very from field to field for some reason.
Talk to them about the rules and the cost, also ask about training. Most times it is free and they are more than happy to help out somebody who is really interested and will be a part of the club for a long while.

When your at the club looking around ask who does the training, most people could do it, but get burned out from time to time and so it changes.

It is important to get the same radio as the ones that you will be flying with, Futaba won't mix with JR, as far as the training cord goes.

Each club will have a favorite trainer plane or two and though most of them in the ARF combo category are about the same. You will be asking them a lot of questions and they will have better answers if your flying a plane they are use to and like.

The differences in motors are great and it will make a difference, so their opinion on that may save you a bunch of trouble.

My point is that planes come and go but the club you get into will make the difference in your modeling experience and starting off on the right foot is very important.

Some times you have to just bite your lip and lessen to the droning of a over helpful guy, but be kind because helping and sharing is what makes this sport really fun.

I have seen people show up with a plane that everyone knows is a dud and a radio that is not compatible with everybody's. Tell everyone they're the greatest flier and crash on the first flight.
You never see them again, and if you do, the feelings are already set in every body's mind.
I know you wouldn't do this but I have seen it done and it is a bummer for everybody concerned.

What I have suggested is the other end of the spectrum from what would be your experience.

It does take a little more time but this is just a hobby and if done right you have a wonderful time, and that is the way it should be.

You have a little time on a firebird, and that is great. It will increase you chances at a bigger faster ship.

Do not try it yourself without a trainer if one is available, it is really a bummer to crash your new plane for no reason. If your good enough to fly it with out a trainer, you will still have the benefit of a safety net for the first few flights. If you really are good, you will proceed to the landing and be soloed right away, but either way crashing on a tight budget is a drag.

When you get to the field and check it out, mention that you are getting the complete package and ask if anyone has a used flight box they will part with cheep. Many people get into and out of this hobby and never crash a flight box, so there are usually many around just collecting dust. People will also let you use there stuff if you buy the fuel, there really is not cost in helping you get your plane up and running.

It's a little windy but please take it to heart, everyone wants to help a new guy with fire and drive, and there are always deals on equipment for people who will be around for the long haul.

MR Flyer57

Thanks Mr flyer57. I was just wondering does that superstar plane come with a futaba radio? And if it does and you say they dont work with other controllers thats alright. I think my dad might get a plane but not sure. If not i'll just buy an extra controller that will work.

I might be able to get my plane next week but i wont have my card in time :(

So it says i need these things http://www.hobbico.com/airplanes/hcaa15-03.html now how much will that be at my local hobby store.

That stuff cost me about 40-50 at my local hobby store. I believe the fuel was 15, same as the glow starter [rechargable with charger included], 10 for manual fuel pump, and the fuel fittings and tubing were a few dollars.

So its going to cost me like $400. Wow. Well alrighty thanks.