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

Another Newbie!
 

There is a lot to be said for having what other members of the club have. On the other hand, someone had to be first and why not you.

A lot depends on how willing you are to go it alone. How willing are you to dig into the manual and learn how to do things yourself.

There is no substitute for understanding the principals of flight and mixing and such. The members of your club are your best advisors. However, figuring out how to do it on your own might be a lot of fun. In addition it gives you the chance to be the leader in this one area, if you like to take that leadership position.

In the end, most 4 channel radios should be able to fly most 4 channel planes. And enough pilot skill can handle coordination of turns and such. What the computer radio does is take the load off the pilot during the flight and shifts it to the planning before the flight.

Another Newbie!
 

The BIG reason to find out what the instructors are using is trainer cord compatibilty.

JR and Futaba trainer cords do NOT talk to each other. I have no idea about Airtronics. I've heard that Hitech talks to Futaba most of the time. (maybe some issues with which one is the instrutor and which is the student box, but I'm not sure).

Another Newbie!
 

kirk in the case of Hitec and Futaba buddy boxing they will work fine 'if' only the hitec directional cord is used. Either Tx can be used as master it only matters that the Master end of the cord is plugged into the master tx. I have used quite a few of these various combinations.

John :)

Another Newbie!
 

Had not thought of the buddy box since I am self taught. Have never used a buddy box. :cool:

Another Newbie!
 

A decision AEAJR that at some point in time you may come to regret a bit as you move up that ladder in aircraft complexity from the simple park flyers you are flying now.

John

Another Newbie!
 

Thanks Montague, that was the point I was getting at :)

Another Newbie!
 

Interesting insight. Could you elaborate? How is being self taught and having never used a buddy box going to hurt me in the future.

I fly with complete confidence now, make smooth landings and approach each new flight with complete confidence. I can bring the plane down dead stick from 200 feet with no problem. Actually dead stick is my standard way of landing.

So how will I be hurt in the future.

I am not offended, I am totally curious. :confused:

Another Newbie!
 

OK fair enough, You have taught yourself to fly a simple airplane that flys at perhaps fifteen miles per hour, is controlled around two axis plus a throttle and flown very close in.

It is a huge step from there to a conventional trainer that is going to fly at least three times as fast at least three times further away because of that speed with the need for considerably refined orientation skills. This aircraft is going to need to be controlled around all three axis and there will be a change in the various levers that provide that control depending on your radio.

Now I commend you for success with your first steps However when someone brags about 'having been 'self taught' at that level on these forums and in somes cases implying you are better off going it alone, then this is doing a real disservice to us all. There was even one increditable thread recently when a gentleman went for it alone and of course crashed in under thirty seconds then went on to imply everybody should do it on their own!!

I fly at a municipal field of a small town and there are no clubs involved to speak of. Anybody can fly and on an almost daily basis folks show up with either entirely inappropriate airplanes or may have an adaquate trainer but refuse all help which is always offered in a pleasant way. When this happens all we can do is take cover. These folks are usually lost to the sport forever. This is a probable result of the influence you can have when you bragg about being 'self taught'.

So is it impossible to teach yourself? No of course not, Many of us have done just that simply because there was no other way and not only that we had to do it all over agine many times as technology changed entirely the way we flew our airplanes.

Is it a good idea it imply that its better to teach yourself? Absolutly not and it will do an awfull lot of folks a real disservice.

All of the above is just my opinion however I do stand by it.

John

Another Newbie!
 

Hi.
Get ARF and go to the field :)
Once u get into building u won't find the time for flying:)
I was busy building my 2nd plane, my Royal Corsair is almost done and i still dont have any idea how to fly my trainer :( Ive never been out with it :).
I guess i have to find some1 to make that maiden flight....

Good luck:)

Another Newbie!
 

Thanks for your clarification.

I am not bragging I am self taught. That was simply a statement of fact so that my skill, or lack there of, is not based on the guiding hand of an instructor. By no means do I suggest that this is the best route. It just happened to my my path.

Crash? Oh boy did I crash. Unsafe? Well if I were flying in a small busy field, learning on my own might have been a very bad idea as it would have represented a safety issue for those around. But that is not my situation at all.

Our field is an 1800 by 900 open grass field. Most of my "training time" was spent on the field alone. Here is a shot of the field:
http://www.lisf.org/Pictures/29070035.jpg

Today my Aerobird spends most of its time at about 200-300 feet up and it is not unusual for me to have the plane 1,500+ feet out. The transmitter range is about 2,500 feet, so I am still within safe distance for the transmitter.

I did set up a low speed pylon course a few weeks ago to see how I could handle it. It was fun and quite challenging. I would not consider myself a pylon racer, but as long as the wind stayed under 7 MPH, I could stay on the course OK.

My flights are smooth and even and I spend most of my time at about half throttle as it gives me solid 12 minute flights. Today I fly in 10-15 MPH winds without a problem.

My loops are still a little uneven and I am working on tail slides and chantell turns.

This particular 3 channel plane is extreamly easy to fly. We have 2 pilots in our club who have had little to no success flying either through trianing or on their own. They are both successfully flying this plane. It is just a real easy to fly 3 channel electric that can stand up to a lot of punnishment. One guy has been trying for 8 years and has never had a successful flight of more than a minute. Today, with a little guidance from myself and others, he is doing loops.

I will point out that we have no runway, so most of our launches are hand toss. Landings are slides into the grass and with a field that big, you can land pretty much anywhere so we have not had to master runway skills. Some probably never will unless we go out of our way to do so, which I plan to do.

I think buddy boxes are great and applaud those who take the time to train others. I hope to do that myself some day and if I do, a buddy box will be a great aid.

My next plane is the Electrajet which is a delta wing type elevon plane. Again I will work on that on my own. I have hand launched and landed other electric planes without trouble.

After the Electrajet, I go to a pure glider.

So, while being self taught is not for everyone, and certainly can not be accomplished at just any field, it can be done.

If I were to come to your field, which sounds like a small crowded runway based place, I would want to go on a buddy box for my first few flights, so that I did not represent a safety issue to others.

With the right plane, and some patience and common sense, you can be successful on your own. But I would definately recommend instruction to anyone who has it available.

Another Newbie!
 

JohnBuckner,

That was one of the best replies to the "self" taught school of thought that keep cropping up. Your post should be included in a sticky note at the top of this forum.

Getting people to understand the the differences between a park/slow flyer and a "traditional" glow powered plane can be difficult at times.

AJEAR,

Landing "on the runway" is one of the most important skills that one needs to develop. It sounds like you are already well on your way to learning "bad" habits by simply landing anywhere on the field. If you don't have a "runway" at your field try putting out some cones and practice spot landing the plane. Being able to consistantly land your plane on a spot of your own choosing is extrememly important.

Another Newbie!
 

I would agree that landing on the runway is a very important skill, if you have a runway to land on. You will get no argument from me. No question about it. But it is only one of many important skills.

Actually the cone idea is similar to what I have been doing. I appreciate your confirmation of my approach.

A large number of the pilots in our club are glider pilots who compete based on time in the air and how close they can land the plane to a specific target. So, while there is no runway to lane on, there is definitely a precision landing element to what we do on this field. We are simply not restricted by space the way most fields are.

As for glo planes, not interested. Pretty presumptuous of you to think that I would ever be looking to fly a glo based plane. Why bother? Electrics are clean, quiet, reliable, virtually maintenance free and do not suffer deterioration based on fuel leakage. The idea that all pilots must fly glo is long past. I can fly electrics that can break 100 MPH, perform full 3D routines, execute all the patterns in the book, or run pylons all day long. Why go to glo? My flight control electronics don't have to be padded and I can mount them anywhere they best fit and balance the plane.

The flying principals are exactly the same. And while weight and power are different, they simply give the glo pilot the ability to power through the air and wind that the pilot of a lighter plane can not do. I have had at least two glo pilots tell me that my plane could not be flown in more than 5 MPH winds. Of course what they ment was that they would not have the skill to do it. However I do.

Flying a 16 ounce, lightly powered plane in 15 MPH winds is more challenging and requires a much finer precision than a bigger, more powerful plane would require. If you look at power to weight ratios, I think you will see that parkflyers are probably closer to full scale planes than your average glo plane. But that is irrelevant as this is a hobby, not a recreation of flying full scale planes.

There is a lot of learning around glo that is simply not needed when flying electrics. We focus on flying rather than fuel and tuning engines. We fly on the wing, not on the prop.

Electrics are where the hobby is going and, from what I have seen, they are easier to fly. Perhaps that is why electrics are the fastest growing segment of RC flying. We don't have to spend hours tuning the engine and dealing with engine stalls in the air. This allows us to focus our attention on flying rather than engine care.

Glo will always be there, but it will be a diminishing part of the sport. Over time the noise and smell will push the glo planes further into the boonies. The electrics will continue to grow and the ease with which they can be flown will become the standard.

It is funny, the glider pilots have the same attitude. If you aren't stick building gliders then you are not really flying. How ridiculous.

Enjoy your glo planes. Instruct your students and be proud of what you do. You should be.

But stop looking down your nose at people who have taken a different path and who can be successful doing it. We are not a threat to you. And, should I wish to fly at a field that has a runway and tight airspace, I will definitely seek an instructor. In fact there is one near by that I plan to seek certification on just to say I did it. I will help me develop and fine tune another set of skills.

Of course I will want an instructor, for safety reasons. At least until I have demonstrated that I have the ability to take-off and land on the runway safely and consistantly. I will work on the rest till then.

This thread started out about flying and had turned into a turf war about training methods. I don't understand why. There are many paths to success. Alot depends on the student.

Thanks for the tips on skills and training. I will try to put them to good use.

Another Newbie!
 

AEAJR,

You are 100% correct I should have been more precise and included High performance electrics in addition to glow power. However my comparison was between parkflyers/slow flyers and more traditional planes. Learning to fly these may not provide the skills to transition to higher performance planes (glow or electric) and getting people to understand that is what I was referring to. You seem to be a case in point. Have you tried a plane that can fly 3 times as fast or as far as your Aerobird?
I'm not looking down my nose at your nor am I threatened by your accomplishments. I simply am of the opinion that while one can learn on there own in most cases its unnecessary and can even be counter productive.

I've done a lot of reading on ezone in regards to parkflyers and own some myself. While I do not consider myself to be an authority my experience since I fly both types is that being able to fly a Aerobird Tiger Moth or other small plane even in a 15 MPH wind Does NOT necessarily mean one has acquired the skills necessary to fly a higher performance plane in no wind.

As far as your statement about the future of electrics.... Well your guess is as good as mine.


If you're flying 3D then you are flying on the prop not the wing
:D ;)

Simple definition of 3D. Maneuvers performed with wing in a stalled condition.

Another Newbie!
 

About 65 miles SW of Albany

Another Newbie!
 

Crashem

Finally you and I are in 100% agreement. Glad we go to this point. Flying a park flyer at 20 MPH does not prepare you for a high power glo or gas plane doing 80-100 mph. Just as driving a car at 55 doesn't prepare you for the indy 500. But you could get behind the wheel of an indy car and probably get it around the track safely and eventually get it over 150 MPH.

However, you would never be competitive without formal training. Of course that assumes that you ever wanted to do that.

And yes, 3D, regardless of the power is on the prop. You got me good! I salute your reply, really. I like it.

In any case, I am not working toward high speed planes because I have no interest in high speed glo or electric. My Aerobird is probably a 20 -25 mph plane. The electrojet will probably be similar, perhaps 30 MPH. More aerobatic, but still pretty tame. I am working on pilot skills, not speed runs. That's fine with me.

As I said, my next plane after that will be an unpowered sailplane. Now, that is real flying! No power at all, just pilot skill, thermals, the breeze and strategy.

I can't wait.

Crashem, and everyone else, this has been a fun exchange! Let's do it again in some other thread!