This thread is intended for young and old who have advanced from AirHogs and other 2-channel planes to a more advanced 3-channel electric throttle/elevator/rudder aircraft and are now ready to purchase (or build) an aileron trainer whether you're 15 or 65.

So, forgive us if some of this seems like learning a foreign language. It's up to you to ask questions whether it's--What is ARF and RTF? Or, What in the world is rudder/elevator coupling? Or, Why would any one want to buy a 3-Channel throttle/elevator/aileron model airplane instead of a 4-channel throttle/elevator/rudder/aileron controlled aircraft as their first aileron trainer. Another obvious question might be--What is the reason for a pusher propeller plane like the one shown in the picture posted below by aeajr. If you've heard it once, you've heard it a 100 times--There is no such thing as a stupid question.


Three reasons I've posted in this electric training forum is: (1) This is a very suitable aircraft design that has proven itself over the years as evidenced in other links; (2) This 3-channel pusher one aileron plane offers advantages that currently aren't yet readily available as an ARF or RFT online or through your local hobby store; (3) For decades modelling enthusiasts cut their teeth on model building so RTFs are the way to get started for many beginning enthusiasts. While some other enthusiasts new to this exciting/fun hobby still enjoy the rewards of building their own plane. Also, one tends not to assume unnecessary risk when flying a plane that is a labor of love.

One path to consider in this transistion from 3-channel throttle/elevator/rudder (t/e/r) control to a 3-channel aileron trainer (t/e/a) is for you(or you and a more experienced partner) to build an all foamy one aileron pusher plane similar to the one described in the following link--[link]http://www.qnet.com/~skif/plane.html[/link]

As much sense as this foamy pusher design makes for being inexpensive, airworthy and durable I haven’t been able to yet locate an ARF or RTF 3-channel electric aileron foamy for sale online or through a LHS. IMO this one aileron aircraft design serves a useful purpose in a self-instructed parkflyer learning curve progression from 3-channel rudder/elevator coupling control; whether as an electric glider, sailplane hotliner or slow flyer to aileron/elevator coupling for your basic parkflying maneuverability advantages.

Many parkflyers upgrading to aileron flight end-up buying an aileron plane that is either underpowered, too responsive or both for most self-instructed parkflyers that are making the transistion from r/e coupling to a/e coupling. A 3-channel t/e/a electric aileron foamy(fixed rudder) can provide just as enjoyable(if not more) aileron parkflyer training experience than some of the current 3-channel or 4-channel RTFs that are either underpowered, too responsive, more expensive and therefore take more time/money to repair. The aileron(s) on the main wing of this simple pusher 3-channel aileron foamy can be tailored to each individual whether a 10 year old beginner, a 15 year old intermediate or a 20 year old advanced pilot. One or two ailerons, a dual throw rate (beginner or sport), the area(length x width), location along the trailing edge of the wing(distance from the fuselage), and whether one or two ailerons are used will determine the degree of responsiveness that gives a beginner, intermediate or advanced pilot the most enjoyment.

Another advantage of this aircraft’s airworthy transgression from r/e coupling to a/e coupling is that you can stick with a less expensive brushed motor setup for a first/beginner parkflyer aileron trainer. This light-weight foamy design doesn’t need a more expensive brushless setup to be a suitable aileron trainer for any self-instructed parkflyer making the transistion from r/e coupling to a/e coupling control. So, you have the less costly option of buying a suitable inexpensive brushed motor and a replacement RX/ESC having the same frequency as the 3-channel TX you currently use.

Try this I went from the super cup to the t-28 and I am doing fine so far, lot of simulator time too. You can set up the t-28 for high throw or low throw and that helps alot and it can be flown very slow check it out. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...670620&page=50

Here is another place to get okay trainers. http://www.parkflyers.com/

i think a lot of extra fuss is made over "aileron" trainers. when a plane turns, it turns, right? who cares how this occurs? the main thing that happens when one upgrades from a basic trainer (like the hobbyzone supercub) to a more capeable model is that the new airplane goes a lot faster and is more responsive, hence requiring more skill to fly it. just my two cents worth. i went from the hz supercub to the pz t-28, like a lot of folks on this forum. this progression worked well for me and other self-taught flyers. good luck! rob

Swift,

That is a very interesting plane you reference in your post:
http://www.qnet.com/~skif/plane.html

Has anyone tried to build this plane? Looks pretty easy. I have some 1" and 1.5" EPP that might be suitable, but it would be a little heavier than the EPS they suggest. Too bad my workbench is full.

Interesting. Someone should put one together.

I don't know what twists and turns this thread will take or if it is even necessary. Here are three more reasons I decided to post.

(1) It's not uncommon for parkflyers to be ovefrwhelmed with all the choices as they upgrade and transistion from r/e coupling to a/e coupling. So this thread is not so much intended for those that have the experience, knowledge and resources to always feel confident that the plane they purchase for the transistion from rudder control to aileron control is the best fit for their particular interests and skill level.

(2) It does seem that there is possibly a missing 3-channel link in the transistion from r/e coupling to a/e coupling for many self-instructed parkflyers. This particular 3-channel pusher aileron plane could provide a very useful missing link in helping to make the transistion more enjoyable for many parkflyers that learn on their own and are overwhelmed by all the choices available today.

(3) Although, this plane appears to be a simpleton its aileron(s) can be taylored to provide hours of enjoyment whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an advanced pilot. As aeajr has eluded to in another thread you don't have to have the latest fancy dancy high maintenance beauty to have hours of relaxing fun by yourself, or with a friend or to instruct a newbie.

I leave it up to aeajr to steer the intent of this electric training thread in as KIS as possible for parkflyers new to this hobby that aren't even sure what question to ask or how to phrase it, including myself.

Again, this thread is intended for newcomers who have advanced from AirHogs and other 2-Channel planes to a more advanced 3-Channel electric throttle/elevator/rudder and are now ready to purchase or build an aileron trainer.

That plane is reminiscent of the old Mountain Models Urban Flyer, pictured below.

- Jeff

Yes, they do look somewhat alike.