I recently went out and bought two HobbyZone (Aerobird) products: The Challenger and Commander. I purchased the Commander for my young son - I figure I will need to show him how to fly for a few weeks before I let him take over (he's twelve). I have a little experience with RC planes (a few hours flight time with a two-channel plane as a teenager many years ago). I have a few questions for anyone who is knowledgeable. Thanks in advance.

Are there any first words of advice with respect to these products? I am aware of the control differences of these two planes (three channel vs. two), and understand I should find a large airfield, and make sure there is little or no wind.

Any common mistakes I can avoid to keep my crashes to a minimum?

Takeoff or landing hints?

Anything else?

Again thanks a lot...

I have also had two HobbyZone products . The Firebird Outlaw and the Firebird XL . Nether are really like the ones you purchased but they are a bit similar . As far as the challenger and commander , I think they may be a little to hard for a 12 year old to fly on his first few tries . My advise is to ma be go get a FIREBIRD OUTLAW for him to fly for a while . I loved the thing and may buy another some time . I'ts performance is ok , vary maneuverable . It can't do any tricks though . I liked it so much because it was only something like $40-50 RTR I think . Heck , I liked it much more than my old FIRBIRD XL $130.00 . It should be vary easy for someone that has never flown be for to fly . What I can tell you about all the HOBBYZONE airplanes is that they are all vary forgiving to control and they are a lot tougher than most planes when they crash . I flew my FIREBIRD XL into a light pole at about 35 MPH and I was flying it again an hour later . What ever you do , do not buy a FIREBIRD XL . That thing is fast , but its maneuverability is all most nonexistent . About the wind , it depends on who is flying and which airplane . For the kid , 0-5 mph , for you , ma be 0-12 mph . A good pilot can fly one at 15 mph , but its not any fun anymore by then . If you have any more questions reply them or if you want to you can PM me . I hope I have help any .

Also try the T-HAWK . I have never flown one but I hear plenty of good things about it . It should be a grate beginer plane ! I'ts about $150.00 .

The T-Hawk is basically the same as the Challenger control-wise. Tail configuration is different, but the end result is the same.

I would be surprised if a 12-year-old CAN'T control the Commander. Remember, video games + youth = hand-eye coordination...

When you launch for the first time, the plane probably won't fly straight ahead in a moderate climb. If it does, consider yourself lucky.

When the plane goes left or right after launch, don't try to fight it. Back off on the power and land before it gets too high, then adjust the tail to compensate. There are little knobs on the control horns back there. If the plane turns left, adjust the left tail flap up a little and the right tail flap down a little. Do the reverse to correct for a right turn.

The plane may also try to climb too steeply. Try and adjust that with the adjuster screws under the tail. You may need to shim, but probably not.

Get the plane so it flies straight ahead, and doesn't climb or dive under power, before you ever try to make a turn or gain much altitude.