Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

For a newbie with a very limited budget for the hobby I was wondering which plane to select.
I love flying the Extra on the simulator but I know that's not real life and there is no reset button.
I also know that selecting something like a traditional trainer is wise for a newbie.
But I flew RC many years ago in the 70s for a brief time. I cannot say that I was great at it and nothing like these 3D planes was around then that I was aware of.
My question is, with an instructor helping me at the local club, would it be foolish to consider something like and electric Extra?
I would hate to by a J-3 and get bored right away and then have to spend even more money on the tight budget for another plane.
Have any of you known of someone to just start out with a sports style or more advance styleplane and be successful?</p>

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I am an instructor at my club. If you came to me with an Extra... I would have to respectfully decline instructing you. Get the trainer. They can be fun, especially of you get one of the semi-semetrical wing ones like the Hanger 9 Arrow, Hobbico Avistar or World Models Sky Raider Mach 1.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Yes, it would be foolish. You will be flying your 4-channel trainer with ailerons for a very long time without getting bored.

Check out the E-Flight Apprentice 15e RTF for a reasonably priced complete electric training package:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=EFL2725

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Thanks for the replies, I figured as much.
I had not thought about one of the instructors declining however. That could hurt.
I am looking at the Hanger 9 J-3 40 class with the bigger 80" wingspan.
Here at elevations of 5400' typical I am thinking it will fly better with the winds we can get in the mountains.
Yes, more money that the Apprentice or something in that class but I am thinking it may be better for me.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Some instructors will decline at the site of a Cub as well. Cubs can be a handfull on the ground and if they get up to soon they will tip-stall. The planes I listed are far more stable and more aerobatic than a Cub by the way;)

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Oh ya, The planes I listed will also handle wind better than the Cub;)

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Yeah, if you're going to have help, get a typical 4-channel trainer. They are good to learn on and also do basic aerobatics pretty well, so it should keep you entertained for a while. If you're thinking you'll get bored fast, pick up a used trainer to save $$ towards a new plane after you can fly your trainer well. Spend $$ on a decent engine and radio and you'll be set for several years.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

OK, thanks, I will take a look at them.
Maybe I don't want to fly sideways?

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I have the Nexstar from Hobbico. I like it, fun to fly while I get the hang of it again, been 15yrs. But I am getting close to wanting something more snappy. You can get the whole shabang for 180 used, that's what I paid. Keep an eye on craigslist, good deals there.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

OK, I have looked at the electric version of the Nexstar at one point.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I flew one with a student here. Very nice flying plane... Untill the wind started in[&o]

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Interesting, and you say the Avistar is better with wind?

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I would suggest to take a look at Mountain Models and Steven Aero for great kits to put together. They are very reasonable and first class products with great customer service. They have trainers as well. They can sell you a complete package with motors, servos, etc that work great with each particular plane. They both are exceptional laser kits.

Good luck!!

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Take a feather and throw it into the wind. Then take a wadded up peice of paper and do the same. The difference is similar.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Is your club "electric only", krashkart?

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

No it's a mix with many former gas guys converting over to electric.
The field does have early morning restrictions on flying with gas due to noise so many are going electric for that reason alone.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Check this link for a similar conversion where the same gear would work for any of the planes I listed. It is expensive though...
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9741934/tm.htm

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

How about a Stick ?

Electric or Glow are available.


Bob

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I would train a new guy with a stick.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I already have a SS and have played with it. Or are you talking about an Ugly Stick? Lots of "Sticks" out there or so it seems.
I am not interested in adding ailerons to it either.

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

A stick would be a good alternative to a standard trainer. Setup with minimal throws it would be docile enough to train with and as you advanced give it more throw and "ring it out" I would not hesitate to train someone on a stick. I have done it!

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

I am NO expert with 4 years in the hobby, but i still love my stick. H9 Ugly Stick....setup with only the ailerons, no flaps, tail dragger, turn the rates down and it's a great trainer, crank up the rates and it can do most anything....hang an O.S .55 with a pitts on and you have a great little plane.....This is my 5th Ugly stick, since I keep finding ways to crash them but I have to keep one around even though I have 5 or 6 other planes......it's a great Sunday flyer......handles the wind, etc....and most any instructor will help you with one of these setup right......

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

If you don't want a trainer get a Stick. Trust me it's really a lot of fun flying it once you put the throws up. This weekend again I saw a guy flying his Stick at a fly in...boy oh boy what a great plane. I miss mine[:o]

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

Get a trainer. I have been one of the main instructors at my field for the past ten years. If you go electric, get the T-34 from E-flite. It will do everything that you want to do after you get current again, plus you will be on 2.4. Just take the leading edge slats off and put the flaps back up. IF you go glow, LOVE the Hobbico Avistar! What ever you do, stay away from the Nexstar. Piece of junk and doesn't fly well, Monokote doesn't stay on it, too much dihedral, etc. Also for glow is the H-9 Arrow or Alpha 60, both extremely nice planes. Good Luck! See ya!

RE: Beginner's First Aircraft Choice
 

If you have flown before and you are currently pretty good with a simulator, don't get a trainer - you will be bored with it in about a week.

Find an instructor, and get an intermediate trainer. Two of the best are the Goldberg Tiger II or the Sig 4-Star 40 (These are both 40-size planes, but are available in 60-size also)

There are also a few cheaper copies of these designs on the market.

This is a good one to:

http://www.thewingsmaker.com/airplan...p?name=Wingman II (GP)