Stumped on first plane
 

I am really on the fence about which to chose for my first plane. From what I have read they are both good choices, each with it's own pluses and minuses. The two planes are the Hobby Zone Super Cub and the Park Zone Radian. Both are available as a BNF kit and a RTF kit. Long term goal is to learn to fly, practicing on RealFlight 5.5, and at some point try to find a club and or mentor. At this point though a club is not really an option due to work and family life. So, I will have to go it alone for the time being.

So, from a real world perspecitve, which is the better choice? Also, would RTF be better than BNF and picking up a 6 channel radio?

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Go with the Apprentice 15 E RF, 4channel.  Delivered to your door for $299.99 from Hobby Zone.

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Both are excellent but they have completely different purposes.

The Super Cub is an electric airplane.
The Radian is an electric launched glider.

the Cub would have the motor on most if not all the time.
The Radian would have the motor off most of the time, after a 30 second climb.

So, are you looking for an airplane or a glider?

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

I usually suggest the super cub, it has a great track record for newbies and works for most. With easy throttle near 15 minute flight times are near the norm. I do suggest you find a seasoned pilot, will help in saving your ship on the learning curve. Last year a newbie started with our group using the Super Cup. WE did do take off and landings till he had some feel for flight. Is quite the accomplished flyer now even has a bipe.

You picked the top two in my books as also flew the Radian, as mentioned its a glider, you float with this one and perhaps chase thermals for extended flight times, terffic fun as well. Either is great, decide which or even both as I eventually did, fantastic.

Keep us posted

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Having read the other thread about flying before work about 6:00am and after your son gets to bed sounds like flight instruction at Parker isn’t possible with your schedule. If you’re going the self-taught parkflyer path then the Apprentice 15e RTF, 4-channel beginner plane with ailerons isn’t practical unless you have an experienced instructor for flight training at Parker or a more experienced flying buddy for flight training at the soccer fields.

The most popular parkflyer 3-channel RTF beginner plane is the HobbyZone Super Cub DSM. However, if you're really serious about learning to fly the right way(crashing isn't fun) and there is some way you can learn from a club instructor then consider the 4-channel E-flite Apprentice RTF at $300.
Spektrum Trainer Cord is an optional accessory for flight training (see photo below)

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Nexstar Mini EP is also a good choice. The wing design helps prevent stalling. There is also the Nexstar Select, which has a larger wingspan of 68 Inches.  They all come RTF if you dont have a radio, and some are in RXR where all you need is the receiver. <div>
</div><div>The Select has pilot assist too, if you get goofy with it, take your hands off the stick it will right itself.  this system does have drawback, it only works in daylight between 10 AM and 4 PM, if the sun is low it messes with the device and you have to turn it off.   I'm looking for something like this in Nitro. I can get one for $379. </div>

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

I can tell you, the Apprentice 15e is a good choice. I picked one up, a rxr version where I add my own RX and battery, which happens to be the same one used in the T-34 Mentor, which I also have.  I setup the radio with dual rates, -50 expo on elevator and ailerons, I tried the rudder too, but it seems that it needs more rudder so I set it back to 100 on rudder.

The plane flies very nice and docile, takes off quickly, yet can come in nice and slow.  I got 3 flights on it so far, and flight time is still unknown, I had it up 8 minutes and the battery charge was at 3.8 volts.  I can probably get 15 minutes out of it the way I was flying at 1/2 throttle.  I havent tried full rate yet, but from the throws, it looks like it will be snappy.

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Darn Flyzone releasing the Sensei trainer even has a release door to drop a chute. Fantastic fun with their Corvalis, my Sensei arrives later today. It's going to be super fun, nice 58 inch wingspan and is a high wing !

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Ended up buying the Apprentice and, after reading all the posts steering me away from the self-taught route, decided that the way to go was with an instructor. I also bit the bullet and joined Mile High RC. Then I made the drive out to their field this Sunday morning. It's a great field, and an outstanding group of guys, but WAY out in the boonies. Anyway, long story short, when the plane showed up my son immediatley wanted to know when he was going to fly. So I have taken a back seat to his learning first. Rick, the instructor who worked with my son, was incredible and they got in three flights, about 30 minutes flying time, before we had to leave. The Apprentice was rock solid and my son even got in some solo stick time with the instructor right there in case something went wrong. Now he can't wait to go again. The best thing about Sunday, other than the smile on my sons face, is that the Apprentice is still in one piece, not even a scratch on it.

Building the Apprentice was a snap with the only issue involved centering up the nose gear as it wanted to turn left. A few turns on the clevis and it was good to go. Checked the CG with the battery in and it was spot on and the trim on the rudder, elevator, and ailerons were spot on out of the box.

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

Yeah, glad to hear it. Mine was pretty much the same, CG out of the box was dead on too. How is your rudder servo? Mine is a bit slow to center. The nose gear also was a bit funky on mine too. Iactually need taller gear, if the grass is too tall I cant take off, it just furrows the grass and messes up the plane. It is hard getting grass stains off white foam.

RE: Stumped on first plane
 

I don't have to worry about grass stains or taller gear. Here is a link to the field my son is learning to fly at: http://www.milehirc.com/fieldmap.htm

As for the rudder, I have no problems with movement or with it centering. I don't know whats with the nose gear. Another guy bought an Apprentice and brought it out to the field. He hadn't check the nose gear and when he tried to taxi out, all it did was make sharp left turns. He had to take the wing off and make adjustments at the field. I havbe no idea why he didn't check it out before hand.