Graduation from Trainer
 

Hi All. What is a good second plane? I crashed my trainer today-finally! I have been flying it for quite awhile and want to get into something a little more fun. I really need something that will fit a .40 size motor and a 4-channel radio, so something with dual aileron servos, etc.? I need something that won't be too overwhelming but will start to get me into aerobatics. Thanks for the help!

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

The Phoenix Dolphin was my second and I just loved it. Still do.

chopper

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

The Goldberg Tiger II ARF fits the bill nicely. You can set it up as a taildragger if you wish. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXH755&P=ML

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

Dolphin was my second plane, would do it again. Can't go wrong for $100 minus Tower discounts.

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm] Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 01-03-2009) [/link]

There are most of the traditional "second planes" on this list. Of those the Tiger II and the 4-star are pretty much the Gold Standard for second planes. They both are tame enough to handle coming off of a trainer, but still advanced enough do take you well on your way to being a more advanced pilot. Both planes are quite capable of doing pretty advanced aerobatics.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

4* 60. Put an OS .91 FS in the front and go crazy. The plane is very much like the Goldberg Tiger II, I like it better because it is a tail dragger, and I am working my way up to a .40 Corsair, so the tail gear is perferred for me.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one of those planes.

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

I would have to agree with the Tiger 2. It's a favorite with one of the instructors at my club. He trusts that airframe to the point where he would actually train a first-time pilot with it, yet it will do almost every stunt maneuver you can toss at it. You can overpower it and make it into a speed demon that will almost do 3D hovers. Or, you can install a stock engine and still fly with authority. Tigers can be slow trainer-like floaters, but won't float excessively like the Sig Four-Star. They have just the right amount of wing lift to where you don't have to work so hard to get it to stop flying. A good pilot can almost make it look like a vintage Dallaire Sportster in flight.

Many people swear by the Sig Four-Star, but I haven't seen many flying in my area. I know of at least one club member who has one. Many of us in the hobby consider Sig to be the top producer of kits and ARFs, and this by the quality of construction and parts, not by volume. With that information to go on, the 4* would be another good choice.

If you are good with the rudder, you may consider a Cub. But you will need to keep in mind that it's a high-wing taildragger with a tail that's fairly close coupled to the wing. Some of us have successfully trained on a Cub, yet others have had some bad luck, and again this is due to the rudder issue. Consider it only if you can easily keep the wing level in turns.

There are some other kits to consider, one of which is the Great Planes Rapture 40. It's a full build, and you do have to buy a minimal amount of hardware. There is some sanding and shaping involved, with a stick-built fin and stabilizer, with the elevator and rudder cut from stock. I would be a little more hesitant to recommend the Rapture as a second plane because it can be very responsive and aerobatic with a very sensitive elevator, and it's not as tolerant of slow flight as the Tiger or Four-Star. None the less, it would be a good choice if you have time to build and you have mastered your trainer. By this, I'm referring to the ability to keep the wings level during inverted flight. Landings should be smooth and consistent, with no bounce on the trainer, even in a cross wind. You should also know how to easily recover from stalls, and do deadsticks comfortably and again, with smooth and consistent landings. If you haven't quite reached this level with the trainer, then you would be best off with the Tiger 2, or the Sig Four-Star as a second choice. Good luck.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

Sig Four Star
Goldberg Tiger 2
Kyosho Calmato
Hangar 9 Pulse XT
Phoenix Dolphin

All these planes are classified as second planes and probably fly very similar. I got the Four Star for my second plane and its a great flying plane. You probably can't go wrong with any of these planes, just choose the one that looks best to you. If I could do it all over again I would go for the Sig Somethin Extra. Im pretty sure I could have been fine going from my trainer to that plane even though some consider it a 3rd plane since its a more capable plane. Just keep her on low rates and maybe even buddy box the first few flights to get the jitters out and you could probably be fine going to it.

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

an ugly stick also makes a great 2nd plane

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

As Draftman said, let's not forget the Sticks. They were the primary choice as a second plane for at least a decade before Goldberg designed the original Tiger. And this is for a good reason. Sticks are also considered as among the best at flying in windy conditions.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

What about the Super Sportster 40 or 60. I am build one now as my second plane (well actually fifth but that's a whole thread in itself).

skeeter

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

a GP Cherokee; I have never flown mine;still in the box:),but I've heard good things

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

The 4 Star and the Tiger are hard to beat for a second plane. Good Luck, Dave

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

Definatly the Tiger 2, Fun factor for dollars spent could not be higher!

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

I agree !

Here is my 2nd Plane,


Bob

RE: Graduation from Trainer
 

Great Planes Big Stik!!!! Great second plane!