Another Newbie!
 

Well this is a long time coming. I have always wanted to get into R/C aircraft flying but never gave it the ole "push on and go ahead"

I am taking my first steps into this hobby. Or shall I call it lifestyle?

My first action was to monitor the the RCU website and browse the boards. My reaction is, "Incredible!!"

I am trying to get a copy of Real Flight G2, which I tend to practice on for awhile. Going to join the AMA and look into joining a club (Central NY). I have my eye on a Hobbico Superstar 40 package. But my final decision may be to buy individually and build. Maybe match it up with a OS 46FX engine and a more advanced radio. So many decisions.

One thing, I am in no hurry. Just take things alittle at a time. I've waited this long, why not take it easy?

I am truely impressed by the RCU bulliten boards. A wealth of information. You people are something else! :) So hopefully you will see more of me in the future, but right now I am just learning.

Thanks for reading my post and cant wait unitl I am getting advice from all of you.

Take care and clear skies!

Another Newbie!
 

You may be bit!! If so there's no turning back now!! sounds like you're on the right track and the sim works wounders. Welcome to the insanity!! Now go have fun!!

Another Newbie!
 

Welcome aboard :) , looks like your following the advise of the pros here, AMA, Club and Instructors ect., I'm myself getting back to flying after a long layoff, I'm doing the same with the simulator, getting used to flying again, building my kit, and taking one step at a time, no rush for me either, I wan't to do it right, and yes, this site is awesome.
Joe

Another Newbie!
 

Swager looks like you already have and are about to make some excellent decisions. Welcome to the board.

John :)

Re: Another Newbie!
 

If you would like to fly an RC airplane or helicopter at your convenience, just make the trip to our area and we will be glad to give you at least 30 minutes of stick time on OUR trainer and/or helicopter. No strings, just come to our field and fly. In return, if you like, simply pass on your flying experience here. Keep in mind this offer is for everyone and for FREE!

nascarjoe

Another Newbie!
 

Nice offer joe!

Swager, you might want to consider an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) plane simply due to the fact that you can start flying soon. If you start building from a kit now, (depending on how many hourd a day you can devote to it) it could be a few weeks to a few months before it's ready.

In other words, it could be finished just in time for winter :(

Welcome Swager
 

Except for my wife and kids, R/C has been the best thing in my life. I love it. I took my time also. I went to the field and just watched and learned. Talked to whoever would talk to me. Took my trainer plane out and got help when I was trying to finish it. Then they trained me and now I have a license to crash (at least that's what my instructor told me years a ago).

Have fun
Bill

Another Newbie!
 

Minnflyer beat me to the post, but I'll second his recommendation.

There are many decent ARF trainers out there, and considering that it could take you 4 to 6 weeks to solo (depending on instructor availability and your free time), you might want to consider it.

I think it might be frustrating to build that trainer and then sit looking at it for four or five months. :eek:

Of course, you'd be REAL proficient on the sim by next spring. ;)

By the way, your taking a very intelligent approach to all this.

Welcome!
Dennis-

Another Newbie!
 

I wouldn't have believed it unless I saw it with my own eyes! Minn suggested an ARF! :D

Welcome to the addiction, er, hobby, Swager! Sounds like you're on the right track so far!!

Mike

Another Newbie!
 

It just goes to show you that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

It's true that I used to be an ARF basher, but ARF's used to be (and in some cases still are) real crap. Over the years, while I've been tucked away in the boonies, several companies have really been producing some fantastic models. And after seeing a few of them, I've had to eat my own words.

Personally, I still prefer to build, and I encourage others to do so. But if you CAN'T, or (like in Swagger's case) time is an important factor, getting in the air is the most important thing.

But, IMHO learning to build is also important. So get the ARF now, and start building your second plane once the weather gets cold.

Another Newbie!
 

Yes, there are some nice ARFs out there...but, exactly like you said Minn, there is still some crap....

Minn makes a great point about the advantages of building..you WILL know how to fix it.....if you only assemble ARFS, even a minor crash can intimidate you...(like it does to me) Luckily I have an expert builder on retainer! :D

Another Newbie!
 

Hey Joe! Olcott does sound familiar. Where is that in relation to Syracuse?

There are a few R/C airfields within easy driving range from where I live. There is a small one about 7 miles from my house.

I got RFG2. My next step is checking out AMA and this particular club.

Actually I do have the time to build and I have alittle experience in that area. It would be nice to get aloft this year but I can wait. I have a 2 year old daughter keeping me busy. I know what you're thinking, "Well next year you'll have a 3 year old keeping you busy." :)

If a good opprotunity for a ARF kit comes along that I want, then I may jump on it.

I want to try to get a good handle on the basics before I go to a field and waste someone's time. Im doing OK, and the bug is just penetrating the skin for now.

This is a great BBS and I have already received alot of help, but for now I'm keeping my feet on Mother Earth, but my ears open.

Anyways, this rain in Central NY is a PAIN!!! :)

Thanks for all your replies!

Clear Skies!!

Another Newbie!
 

You have already gotten some good advice
and the sim will help. HOWEVER there is no substitute for hands on experience!!!! One afternoon with someone knowledgable will be worth more then weeks of reading here (RCU) and books. One flight and you may find the sim less appealing when compared to the real thing.

My point is you can only do so much research and then you need to give it a go.

ARFs don't appeal to you try looking into buiding a SPAD they are quick to build inexpensive and rugged.

Want to build a kit? start now flying season in NY is short building season is long.

At least go to the club and see if you can get an intro flight.

BTW You won't be wasting someones time due to lack of experience nobody expects you to have a lot of knowledge thats the fun part of the hobby you will continually learn something new.

RCU is great resource. Its the closest you can come to R/Cing without actually trying it.

Another Newbie!
 

Fellow flyers have become my best friends over the years! Our families regularily celebrate special occasions together etc. I've been at it fifteen years, and don't know what I'd do without this crazy addiction we call a hobby. Hope you have a big basement! GRIN

Doug

Another Newbie!
 

Swager,
Olcott, NY is about 30 miles northeast of Niagara Falls, NY. BTW, you will NOT Be wasting anyone's time by taking a lesson or two from our world class instructor. You would not believe how easy he makes it seem to fly RC airplanes and helicopters. I'm a bit torn between keeping his excellent talents to myself, or sharing him with my competition. It is unbelievable how he makes it so easy to get people to fly and then buy RC aircraft.

nascarjoe

Another Newbie!
 

Olcott, NE of Niagara Falls! Isn't that Canada?? Just Kidding Joe! :)

Thats's a pretty long trip for me. A guy I work with beongs to a R/C club here and I talked to him today. He says I need to visit the field and check things out.

I believe I will do that!

Once again Thanks!

:)

Another Newbie!
 

Swager,
If you're going to the field to check things out, you best focus your research on ARF trainers. I'm sure someone will get you up on a buddy box, or just have you take the sticks for a bit, then waiting 'til next year just won't cut it anymore. ;)
Dennis-

Another Newbie!
 

lol. Hope you get some good experience from the local club and I realize that it is long trip, but as opposed to any club, if it was feasible to come here, you would be all but guaranteed to learn to fly very skillfully in one day, very possibly solo on that day...all without the use of a buddy-box or tx switching.

Club instruction - http://webhome.idirect.com/~ironsidz/instructor.htm
nascarjoe

Another Newbie!
 

If you are looking for a first plane, decide who your coach/instructor will be a go with their recommendation.

My first plane is an Aerobird. Started flying in March and am completely self taught. This is a ready to fly 27 mHZ plane that can take a real beating that you can pick up for $130-$170 including everything.

Electric is easy, clean, quite and simple to use. RTF eliminates the wait to build and the anxiety of breaking something you just poured your soul into. Not all RTFs are as rugged as this plane, but there are some.

If you want more info, let me know.

Another Newbie!
 

Thank You everyone for you inputs. They are truely appriciated!

I bought G2. I just bought a OS .46 FX engine.

Looks like I wil be joining AMA within the next week. I also went to check on a club near here but the gate was closed. :( IT was kinda late.

Looking for a Hobbico Superstar without engine or radio stuff.

I would like to get a nice 6-channel radio for it. Something I can use later on in another plane. I would use 4 channels in the Superstar and have the ability to get a more advanced plane later when I am ready.

Any suggestion? I dont not need anything fancy, just reliable, can be used later in another plane, and something other club member may be familiar with.

Thanks

Crashem, Where is Jewett? It sounds familiar!

Another Newbie!
 

Sounds like you're on the right road, but be prepared to take many trips to the field and not get much in the way of instruction.
What I mean is, although clubs mean well, as far as the beginner expecting to learn right away; the usual once a week - ten minute session is much, much too little. It may take you several flying seasons to solo. On the other hand, you might join a great club and learn to solo within a season or two.

See: http://webhome.idirect.com/~ironsidz/instructor.htm

nascarjoe

Another Newbie!
 

Oh I don't know. Our club's instructors are usually willing to meet you 2 or 3 times per week. We used to have a "trainer night", but now simply let the students and instructors arrange their own schedules. Some fly on weekends, some evenings, some both.

Half the fun is the relationship that develops between the student and instructor.

By the way, I was an average student. Took me 15 to 20 flights over a month or so, but the learning process was much MORE than simply learning how to move the sticks. I learned theories and the differences between trainers, scale and pattern planes, and their flight characteristics. I got to fly in many different conditions, including 25 mph cross winds.

I would have missed out on all of this if I'd learned to 'move the sticks' in one day. Sure there are benefits for those who don't have a club close by, but....

Just my opinion, ;)
Dennis-

Another Newbie!
 

Find your club first, especially since you are looking for something they know. That is a very good plan.

Another Newbie!
 

Man, it would be great if all clubs, or even most clubs had such a great training program as yours. Your club may be the exception and not the rule. Keep in mind there are some 3000 AMA clubs in the US and only newbies who join YOUR club will receive such excellent service and that doesn't do any good for anyone else, unless they are willing to travel across country to make training appointments with your club's instructors.

nascarjoe

Another Newbie!
 

Swager, as far as a radio, the new Futaba 6XEA (I think that's it) looks pretty nice....I have a 6XAS that I really like, but I think they've phased it out.....the 6XEA is priced great too. Either of those radios should serve you well over the next few years.
Before you buy anything, a good idea is to see what others at your field are using.....you don't want to get a Futaba if everybody else, including your instructor, is using JR, or vice versa.

Mike