Here's the deal. I've been flying RC Airplanes 25 - 46 size for about 15 years and I've been flying RC helicopters for two years. Another words I'm not new at this.

Here's my question, I have a seven and four year old son who want to fly, they like the airplanes (neither one of them care for my helicopters and usually don't even want to go with me to the field).

What would be a good SLOOOOW electric plane for them to learn to fly with?

I put together a 40 size high wing trainer for them and they have both tried it a few times but I think it intimidates them too much.

I have also tried the COX Air-O-Commander with disappointing results. It doesn't have enough power to hardly get it up in the air and if the wind is blowing at all it's almost impossible to control. Not to mention that the flight times are so short with it that by the time I get high enough in the air for them it's done.

I've read all the adds now I need some real advice from people who fly these things.
As a side note we also have several RC Trucks that use the sub-c 6-cell packs and I have all the quick chargers, circler's, etc, etc, that's needed to charge the batteries. So, something that could use my 1/10 scale truck batteries would be a bonus.

Thanks for the help.

I do some product reviews from time to time. I recently did one on the Cermark "New Timer" Looks like an old timer but in an electric version. It was a great flyer, but not a windy weather plane. Three channel, easy to launch and fly. You can e-mail me direct if you have any more questions.

Take a good look at the ZAGI 400X or maybe even the new Zagi FIXX. No gear, no rudder, (electric) engine always starts, virtuallly indestructable and great, stable fun! It can fly pretty slowly and is nearly impossible to spin or snap accidentally. I'm new to this game myself, and wish I had bought my ZAGI 400X as a first plane. I think there is a promotion for the kickoff of the new FIXX going on now.

Looking to teach my grandsons on these also.
Fred

I know you said electric but I participated in a camp for kids with cancer and for this group of kids I put together a Sig Kadet Senior with a OS 4 stroke.

This was on a buddy box set up and all the kids took a turn.

Its quiet, its slow, and its easy to see.

Kids loved it.

tonyc

Bigwave,

I've seen some negative press but the following is based on my own personal experience.

A co-worker purchased a FIREBIRD XL in hopes of learning to fly it and then teach his 8 year old son.

I agreed to give him lessons on our lunch hours. After our 2nd 1 hour session he was soloing with it (hand launching & landing in a large field) (Although he did become accustomed to REVERSE CONTROLS much quicker than anyone else I've taught).

Although his son will take a little longer to solo they have had some good weekend flying sessions with it on their own. Well worth the $ even if they do have to purchase new equipment when they move up to another level of plane.

3 plus's with the FIREBIRD:

minimal initial investment (119$ and he bought a spare battery)
We could fly it in "less than perfect conditions" wind est 7~10 mph
10+ minutes flight time per battery charge.
Fairly sturdy construction

Minus

Rudder only. have to "re-learn" elevator when they move up.

However, the Rudder/throttle system does reduce the intimidation factor and whenever the newbie get's the first few circles around the field under control they quickly get used to the system.

Just my $.02

Harvey

IMO A good choice would be a JK Aerotech T-52. It flys fairly slow, is nearly indestructable, and can pack around the sub-c cells from the RC trucks.

IMO A better choice is a DuskStik from Mountain Models
It's easily built, flys at a walking pace, and is surprisingly tough for a balsa plane, but you won't be able to use the sub-c packs with it.

One of the problems you're going to run into is that most, if not all slow-flyers will not handle wind very well.

I hope this helped, good luck.

Jason

I would like to second the nomination of the Firebird XL. You guys have to remember that these are really little kids we're talking about here. They'll be thrilled just to make the airplane go round and round. When they get comfortable with that one, then you can move them up to the glow trainer.

The Firebird XL is slow, and has an ideal flight interface for young pilots. You can't go down; it's climb or glide, based on throttle. The throttle and turning controls are in their proper Mode 2 locations, so moving to a regular plane will be a breeze.

I cast a no vote on the FB unless you have a large (600' x 600') field to fly in. It can be a real hand full in a tighter area.

Good luck, have fun with those kids.

I also would say the firebird I have purchased one for my son who is 9. He is flying the simulator but I think flying the firebird will build his confidence at the field. These planes will take a ton of abuse and still fly good.
Fred

I like the Mini IFO I am able to fly it in the back yard on calm days and I have flown it in my basement. My sons 11 and 14 and they are able to fly it also. I know it is the most indestructible plane I have flown. My Father in law had never flown before I handed him the transmitter he said he was afraid to crash it. I told him to try it he could not break it. He flew it kind of yanking the stick this way and that crashing int the tree the wall the house and the ground. All with out damage he did fly it into our pave stone wall which cut the front bow. He said see I told you I would break it. I told him to wait a minute I ran into the basement and grabbed my dental floss and my CA and he was flying again a couple of minutes later. Try one you will not regret it.

wattage mini max!!! the best trainer
they fly sklow or fast for about 10 to 15 min

I second the mini max. It may not look pretty but is sure does fly well. Can fly very slowly for a new learner.

. If you want a slow, very easy to fly and learn on, I would have to recommend the GWS Tiger Moth. The firebird is quite a handful, and you cannot use the radio on other airplanes. The Tiger Moth is very bright, and can be charged by the charges that you already have. I would recommend a 7 cell 300mah battery.

Go to ezonemag.com to get a whole lot more information.

A GWS slowstick is also a good choice.

Beachernaut also had some good suggestions (but you forgot the EZONE!? ). I highly recommend the duskstick.

The firebird airfoil is way too thin

I'm reading and researching everything you guys are suggesting. I was leaning real hard towards the Firebird XL but, I'm also checking out all the other suggestions your recommending.

Heck I'm even thinking of trying an E-Plane for myself, I was looking at a few of the flying wings so I'll have something to play with at the "park" also. I want something fully aerobatic and elevon mixing don't bother me I can use one of my Heli radios.

Once again, I'm not a beginner and I have several radios both standard and programmable so don't make your suggestions based solely on a kit being complete with radio. The only downside to my existing radios is that I've noticed with my boys that there pretty big and heavy and may be one of the sources of intimidation they are experienceing with the .40 size trainer I put together for them.

Thanks again everyone, I'm still reading.

A glider with or without motor would work pretty well.

The Focus 3 is a nice little radio,I've been at this for about 30yrs. and have experienced the intimidation factor while instructing a bunch of times...Eliminate as many variables as possable to make it a little easier on him. The Focus doesn't have a buddy-box hook up though. You can usually tell if a student has "got it"or not (natural ability)right off the bat. That will help you decide if he really needs a b-bx. or not, and how basic a trainer he really needs...I'd suggest a slow stick, because it's big enough to see well at a distance,and you can fix it easy if(when)it runs into something it's not supposed to. A little extra wt. won't effect it either (from repairs)...And it flys like an airplane, with a 2 axis stick and real throttle, and you can set it up w/ailerons if you want to later. Check the other threads @ the park+slow flyers and see what you think. I would use a 7cell pack, maybe 600mah 2/3AA NiMH (same size+wt. as the 270/350 NiCd) so you have some useable flight time. The G.P. E.S.C.'s have worked well for me, the c-10 should do it. Happy Landings...