Greetings, Everyone,

I am new to rc flying but remember well the enthusiasm that my father and brother had for the sport when I was a child. It must be in the genes because now I have the same enthusiasm, particularly for the new electric rc planes that are arriving on the scene.

I am writing to seek advice on purchasing an electric RTF or easily-assembled Micro ARF that I can fly outdoors in low-to-no wind situations. I live on a hill in a forest clearing about the size of a baseball field. I can launch from a place at the top of the driveway that is level with the tops of most of the trees - beyond these trees is a deep, open valley. I am looking for a very maneuverable, fun flying model that has the option for flying slow, though it would be great if it could fly rather fast as well. I recently purchased a Firebird Scout on the recommendation of someone but am not finding it as responsive as I would like, and it needs more room to maneuver than I have available. I am thinking of trying a Micro flyer instead, such as the Mini-Stik, which I have read about through a review by Greg Covey.

I would appreciate any recommendations you have for your favorite RTF's and readily assembled ARF's (micro or not), suitable for a fast-learning beginner who will be flying in an area that calls for a good deal of maneuverability.

Thank you and happy holidays.

Redwoodflyer,

I had a real good time with the GWS E-Starter, it's a foamy that can be assembled fairly quickly, and has good flight characteristics for the beginner. The E-Starter can be built with or without ailerons and is responsive with the supplied engine however, if you'd like to really "kick it in the pants" try a brushless engine such as a himax 4200 for a power plant.

If your feeling a little more constructive the Mountain Models Smoothe with the Sport Wing is also a treat to fly however, it is a balsa fuselage build with a foam wing. Hope this helps and good luck, this hobby is a lot of fun and has a way of to getting in the blood.

Redwood,

Im new to RC fliying also, but read so much about them that i believe my advice is also fairly good. Yesterday i ordered my first rc plane from Hobbypeople.net. I ordered the RTF Wattage Cessna 180. I beleieve that with your "special" requests, this plane is just for you. At an inexpensive 150, this plane packs alot of features. I powerful motor which can go very fast, and fairly slow. Also, it includes a four channel radio which i believe is really good and will stick with you for the next few planes. Its made out of foam, so its virtually indestructable, and if an accident happens, simply use epoxy glue and your done. It looks great, like a typical high wing trainer. If you are interested in this plane, go to:

http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/128309.asp

Oh yeah, if you buy it, do what i did, buy spare parts because you know, as a first time flyer, your gonna crash. So its best to be fully prepared.

Good luck and ill let you know how my first flight went.

Thanks for the recommendations, flmlm and Samolot. The all look interesting. The Wattage Cessna 180 looks especially intriguing for the price and versatility. I wonder if it can handle a LiPo battery.. I look forward to hearing about your first flight, Samolot!

Don't even consider the Wattage Cessna as your first airplane - neither you or Samalot are going to be able to fly it. SMALL AIRPLANES ARE WAY TOO QUICK FOR BEGINNERS!!!

Get yourself one of the pusher prop beginner planes with a wingspan of at least 30".

Wolfewind...I agree 100%...those 2 planes mentioned are definitely not for beginenrs..more then likely..any begginer that trys those planes will spend more time on repairs and more money om replacement parts then a begginer needs to expirience...but theres no doubt this is a learning expirience...some will spend way more money and time then necessary..just trying to have a first succesful flight by buying a plane thats not for begginers...this hobby can be expensive..but not having a good 1st begginers plane only adds to this expense/frustration...

I really think you need a larger field to practice in then fly it back at the house. Your place looks big to you but these things cover the ground fast while learning. Once you get good with it you can fly them in smaller and smaller places. Look at the Parkzone j-3 cub. Nice and slow, easy to fly and easy to repair. Parts are available everywhere and it flys just like a cub. It is one of the best first time planes available. http://www.atlantahobby.com/shopexd.asp?id=1501

Good Winds

Have a look at the 3-channel Wing Dragon. It meets all your criteria except it doesn't really fly very fast even at full throttle. It will fly very, very slow though. For your first flight, I recommend going to a field larger than where you live, but after that you should be skilled enough to fly it where you are. Don't be tempted by the 4 channel Wing Dragon Sportster, known as the BeginAir in the US. It will be too fast for you as a beginner. When you get bored with the Wing Dragon, then consider the Sportster, but by then you will be good enough to fly many of the choices available.

Thanks for your advice, everyone. I will look into the Park Flyer J-3 Cub and the Wing Dragon. I am also thinking seriously of the Pico Tiger Moth, which I have heard great things about. Hope you have had a fine Christmas!