Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

Thinking about maybe trying RC nitro airplanes, I have always been interested in them, but im just turning old enough that i feel confident im mature enough that i can fly it. Im 16 by the way. I have been looking around at trainers, but they all seem too big for what i want. They all seem to be 50-60" , i would rather have something about half that size. Its not that i dont have enough space to fly, i live on a 100 acre farm, i just wouldnt have anywhere to keep something that big [:-] Or should I just buy a bigger one because it will be easier to fly? Thanks

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

I'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]

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

Stick with the larger planes - there's a very good reason for that size.

Smaller planes are more "squirrly" to fly and harder to see.

Think about trying to fly an eagle as opposed to a sparrow and you'll see what I mean

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

I think that a Tower Trainer 40 is the best option for a trainer. Stay away from second-tier motors, too. An Evo .46 or OS .46AX are the two best options for you. Stay away from second-tier ANYTHING. Engines and radios are top 2 on the list of name-brand importance.

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

Mini RTF Super Cub
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/beginners...21694_prd1.htm
RTF Super Cub
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/beginners...21697_prd1.htm
Mini-Telemaster ARF
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/mini-tele..._6863_prd1.htm

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

Ok, i guess il just look at some bigger ones. Anything wrong with buying a used plane? I have seen a few good deals in the local classifieds. How long would it take to take the wing off so i can take it in my house?

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

I'm a huge fan of electric RTF beginner aircraft. Especially the HobbyZone Super Cub as mentioned by shd3920. The wing is super easy to take off for storage if you don't bother using the plastic wing struts. I don't use em and I've given that thing as much g forces as I can. Otherwise, it's just 4 elastic bands and the wing is free. I personally don't like the gas powered birds. It's just something else that complicates things. But that's just me. Can't go wrong with the Super Cub. Also, get the G4 SIM (at least the demo). You can download it from http://www.realflight.com/free-g4-demo.html

Happy searching...

PS The Super Cub is super strong. I flew it straight into the ground. It hit and literally stayed in a vertical position. I walked over, picked it up, and immediately hand launched it again. It's a great piece of equipment.

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

Where are you in ON?

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

It only takes a couple seconds to remove your wing. I remove the wings of every one of my planes every time I go to the field and get back. It's part of the normal "thing" to do at the field.

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

Near Goderich, there used to be a group of people that used to fly planes every week end around here, i went there a few times and flew a plane once, definitely a pretty fun thing to do. The first time i flew one, no one told me how sensitive the controls are, i was used to the radio shack car and trucks where if you want to go left you push the stick all the way to the left... that was the first stunt i did :D

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

I just ordered The Super Cub from hobyzone it will be my first plane, but i do fly helis,not good but do fly them lol
hope this plane is a good starter like everyone on here says it is
god do i want a jet ,but baby steps

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

im 17, started flying when i was 16
first thing to look at is you paycheck, can you afford a nitro plane, $300+ for everthing you need to fly, and do you have a semi-steady income. problems are going to come up that will cost some cash (i started with $200, but it really cost me about 400-500 till i was flying on a constant basis).

second, do you plan on teaching yourself how to fly? if so, buy electric, they are much cheaper and more durable
i learnt to fly by myself with a gws slowstick (electric) then migrated my way to nitro (still fly electric) once i got most of the learning mishaps out of the way :D

third, is their a club anywhere around? your bound to have problems with engines/planes/ect and clubs are the best way to get them resolved, clubs are also a great way to learn new things, and meet new people that like to do what you do

RE: Looking for a nice small plane to start with
 

I like the tower trainer, but I know shipping is hight to Canada,,so, check with the local club, watch the bay, sometimes a person will get out of the hobby just as fast as they got in and willing to let it go cheap,, you need some help, besides here, although there is a lot of help here...Craigslist too...swapmeets are the best place, but sometimes you get stuff thats used up instead of used..mostly guys at your club like to help fellow modelers, so thats the place to start...bigger flys better, theres a reason they say that..plus you want a 6 channel radio,, the few extra bells and whistles on it make it worth while....welcome to the hobby....Rog