I need some beginner help
 

hi, id really appreciate some advice.

Ive spent the past 2 days all mover the internet trying to find out the best plane to buy to get into this hobby, but everyone says something different. Ive spent the past 3 hours in these forums only to be confused by the many posts and planes recommended to newbies. I figure a better way would be to ask for help by telling you what i would like to get out of this hobby.

last month i was at the beach and saw a guy flying an electric glider. I thought it was awesome and thought about trying it out. I knew it wasnt an easy thing to get into so i figured id sleep on it. A month later here i am still thinking about it and confused on what to start out with. SO if you could please help me pinpoint the right plane for me by what i want that would be great. I really dont have any experience other than with rc cars growing up.

I would like an rtf plane.
I want a glider cause i like the idea of shutting power off and just sailing and saving battery power. Ideally something i can keep up in the air for 10-15 mins.
I guess beginners usually start out with 2ch planes(planes that basically only climb and dive and turn left and right?)
I would like to start out with a 3ch plane(3ch meaning they can do aerial acrobatics?) but dont want to get ahead of myself.(is that possible)
I dont have a flying instructor.
I would like to spend between $50 and $150 for everything, preferably not buying everything seperately.
I would like a plane that i am not going to get bored with in a week.
I thing i would rather not have landing gear, i like the idea of throwing it to take off instead of taking off from the ground.
I would like a plane that can take a beating if i crash and is inexpensive to fix.

In doing research it seems everyone has a different opinion. some love a plane some hate it. some say it was the best beginner plane some say they couldnt even get it off the ground. very frustrating.

I was on hobby-zone.com and saw the firebird outlaw, thought it was a great price (49.99) and a great beginner plane, then i read a review and thought twice.

I saw the vortex extreme on ebay and thought that was a good plane for me but then wasnt sure.

I just want a solid, nice looking(one that doesnt look like a little toy), beginner plane that can take me to an intermediate level without going out and buying another. One that i can start out on and learn the basics, but can also loop and flip when i am ready for it.

I hope i am not asking for too much and you guys can help me with my decision.

Any links you can include in your replies would be very helpful. Thanks so much in advance for your time and helping out a very excited newbie.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

mjgdesigns,

I will give you the advice you will hear the most from many reliable flyers.

Get a slow stick. It has great handling, repairability, steady flight, and it can be flown 3 or 4 channels. It flies so well, it can lift many things. Many people have attached camera's to their slow sticks. It's slow enough to be flown anywhere! You can get the plane at gwsexpert.com and everything else, you will be paying around 200 dollars, for a 4 channel transmitter and everything. You need to construct the slow stick, but trust me, it's worth it.

If, you really are not into building, then you could go with a sky scooter pro 2 from http://www.servocity.com . It is rtf, but, there is no real throttle control, so you have to fly it until the battery dies. If you wan't to go this way, read the huge post on it in the park flyer forum.

You could, also, get the graupner mini piper from hobby-lobby.com . It is a rtf, and flies very steady. I have heard no bad reviews about this plane either

Also, make sure you look at the good first planes post on the top of this forum. If you look around, i seriously doubt you will find any bad reviews about the slow stick, and if there was one, it may be a technical malfunction that could happen to any plane. You can advance with your equipment too. If you would like to stay in the hobby, consider getting a better radio, maybe 5 channels, like at servocity.com . It would come with the servos. You would need to customize the hitec flash 5 radio so it has 2 hs-55 servo's and the super slim 8 channel receiver. Then, at gwsexper.com, you would buy the plane, the esc, (an 8 amp 300) and a battery and charger. That would come to about 270, but all the equipment you need for a while would come with it. Some people have never graduated from the slow stick they like it so much.

The most important thing, of course, is to have fun.

Happy flying!

Al

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I would like an rtf plane.
*OK

I want a glider cause i like the idea of shutting power off and just sailing and saving battery power. Ideally something i can keep up in the air for 10-15 mins.
* If you ever get a glider up to altitude and loose orientation the plane will sail away..permantly.
Not all that good of an idea. Slow, low, and in close is better.

I guess beginners usually start out with 2ch planes(planes that basically only climb and dive and turn left and right?)
* 3chl is normal

I would like to start out with a 3ch plane(3ch meaning they can do aerial acrobatics?) but dont want to get ahead of myself.(is that possible)
* 3chl is still normal : ) #1 is for ailerons or rudder, #2 is elevator, #3 is for throttle

I dont have a flying instructor.
* If repairing crash damage does not bother you.. it can be done. A compter flight simulator can really help.

I would like to spend between $50 and $150 for everything, preferably not buying everything seperately.
* Buying all from one company is good should you have problems. All in one set is OK if possible. Your price range is a bit low for flyable gear. Expect $200 minimum

I would like a plane that i am not going to get bored with in a week.
* If you are new and bored in a week, you have the wrong hobby. Get out, don't spend more. This hobby is an extention of a love of aviation not just fun toys.

I thing i would rather not have landing gear, i like the idea of throwing it to take off instead of taking off from the ground.
* Good choice if you like it that way. Myself, I like wheels.

I would like a plane that can take a beating if i crash and is inexpensive to fix.
* Like the man in the previous post... Slow Stick.

Having all the Internet as a playground can indeed cause confusion. Its a great place to learn but as you well know it can be confusing.. enjoy yourself!

RE: I need some beginner help
 

or if you want something alot better, look at the XE2. Awesome wing. it will cost alot more though. (about 300)

With the stock motor it does 50mph.
EPP foam so you will have a hard time breaking it.
easy to fly and build.
can take normal size servos (they are stronger and less expensive.)
You can add a brushless motor later (150 bucks) and it will do about 85 mph.
Will do acrobatics easy on stock motor....

Pretty cool wing.

Here is a link [link=http://combatwings.com]http://combatwings.com[/link]

Here is a link to a full kit [link=http://www.combatwings.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22_25&products_id=209&osCsi d=d3af766f94df9a5ad510391a107e342c]XE2[/link]

that kit Comes with

XE2 Kit
• Hitec Focus III AM Radio
• (2) Hitec HS-311 Servos
• Hitec 3 Channel AM Receiver
• 1500mah NiCD Battery Pack
• (3) 5x5 Propellers
• 20amp Electronic Speed Control
• Speed 400 Motor
• Stainless Steel Motor Mount
• 2” Strapping Tape
• ¾” Strapping Tape
• 3M 77 Spray Adhesive
• Shoe Goo

Just a thought. :D

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I started without an instructor flying the Sky Scooter Pro 2. BTW, it DOES have a channel so that you can stop the motor & glide. The previous versions of the Sky Scooter did not have this ability. It's pretty durable and easily fixable. Also it's not very twitchy, which is a good thing for beginners. You can continue to use the receiver, transmitter & servos in another plane once you feel the need to move on. I'm using everything but the servos in a Unicorn right now.

I also hear good things about the Slow Stick, however I have no personal experience.

Definately fly on a sim for a while. FMS is free!

Good luck,
Brad

RE: I need some beginner help
 

There are many RTF planes about, and there are a lot suitable for beginners. There are also begginner sailplanes around, that are easy enough to fly, however, I wouldn't choose them for the flight time. I have a GWS Tiger Moth and with LiPo's it can go for 3/4 Hour! :D .Two channels are a good trainer, especially if you are learning by yourself, however some people feel restricted by these as they cant do much more than basic flying. In many cases the third channel does offer aerobatic capabilities (because nearly all aerobatics require elevator). Many planes (such as the Aerobird) are capable of rolling and throwing takeoffs. If you are interested in looks, I think the GWS Tiger Moth looks quite nice and fairly realistic, especially with a few easy mods. It is also easy to fly, nice and slow, and fun. I haven't heard anything bad about the slowstick either. I wouldn't start with a wing. I got a wing as my first plane. Still can't fly it, never have a good wind on a good slope.
When you do start, make sure you get some tips first, and a lesson on basic flight pricipals. It's prob a bit different than what you think, but don't worry its easy enough. Matt Kirsch or aeajr are both good for this, or I could help if you like.
Good luck!

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I really like my Tiger Moth also..but I hesitate to reccomend it due to initial building time and maintaining the bi-plane after a crash. I get about 40 minutes of cruise time on a 650 nimh 7 cell. I have flying wires and a profile pilot...great airplane.
Here are a couple of my Slow Sticks and the Tiger Moth all in one shot...

RE: I need some beginner help
 

For $50, you're not going to get much more than an expensive toy. Also beware of planes on Ebay; there are many people out there just waiting to part fools from their money.

While the Firebird Outlaw may not be the best flying plane out there, its larger siblings are perfectly fine for beginners. The Firebird Commander is an excellent beginner plane for someone with a limited budget and no access to an instructor. For something a little more advanced, the Aerobird Challenger might be the ticket. You get full 2-axis control, and throttle on a more conventional-looking (and feeling) transmitter. These planes are readily modified and repaired, and parts are widely available at many hobby shops.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Just to throw my 2 cents in for the T-Hawk by ToyTronix http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html

Your requirements:

I would like an rtf plane.
T-hawk ready to fly in 10 minutes - no BS!

I want a glider cause i like the idea of shutting power off and just sailing and saving battery power. Ideally something i can keep up in the air for 10-15 mins.
T-hawk will glide and can run for 10-15 minutes with NiMh batteries - sometimes more if u glide more.


I guess beginners usually start out with 2ch planes(planes that basically only climb and dive and turn left and right?)
T-Hawk is 3 channel plane with rudder, elevator and full range of throttle speeds


I would like to start out with a 3ch plane(3ch meaning they can do aerial acrobatics?) but dont want to get ahead of myself.(is that possible)
You can do loops and hammerheads with the T-Hawk and the flying is exciting!!! Acrobatic planes and beginner planes will never meet.

I dont have a flying instructor.
T-Hawk is pretty simple to teach yourself. If I did it, anyone can.


I would like to spend between $50 and $150 for everything, preferably not buying everything seperately.
T-Hawk is $149-$159 with EVERYTHING and many spares!

I would like a plane that i am not going to get bored with in a week.
-you got it!


I thing i would rather not have landing gear, i like the idea of throwing it to take off instead of taking off from the ground.
T-Hakw has removable gear

I would like a plane that can take a beating if i crash and is inexpensive to fix.
Spare parts can be easily ordered and will arrive in 2-3 days. Parts are cheap.

You really can not go wrong with this plane. Read the reviews by the professional flyers and magazines - as well as this board - no one has critsized this bird, and all agree the plane and the exceptional customer service is top notch.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I agree with the T-Hawk also. It is towards the top of the list. A good product.... I just tend to like the Slow Stick a bit more. The T-Hawk does have a more complete, ready to fly package.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

U can get the new Parkzone flyers. Piper cub for $169 and u can make it 2 OR 3 channel.

Just my 2

Andrew Tzers

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Hi ebay is a good place. my dad bought a 3Ch Glider from there for 50 from hong kong though it costed 20 shipping. It came with 3ch radio. The plane was very nice I was suprised after telling him that he should not buy from ebay. The plane flies extremely nice. Just go to ebay and search 3Ch glider there are a lot of them. The one my dad got is the one that the picture looks like its on the hood of a car. That seller sells tons.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

The Cermark Easy Lander looks like a perfect starter sail plane. Easy to build, easy to fly, just not sure if it actually thermals well, which is the whole point of a sail plane.

I have to disagree with most of what RandyL had to say. I found that the 2 channel FirebirdII from HobbyZone was an excellent starter plane. I researched this choice for a month, reading many forum articles and decided to buy an RTF 'throw away' starter plane, meaning one that couldn't port any gear like servos, transmitter etc (Hobbyzone products are very proprietary). I rationalized that if I totally sucked at this, or got bored quickly, then $150 Canadian was an acceptable price to pay.
After making one tiny mod to the tail (taping cut down business cards to the 'ruddervators' to extend the control surface 5/8" past the tail) this plane will do chandels and even a sloppy loop/roll thing. And I still have a Speedwing and battery upgrade to try out, which promises an additional 35% increase in speed.
Regardless of what plane you get you MUST read the forums for it, read the friendly manual, watch the video (if provided), trim the plane, choose a field 600'x600' minimum (roughly two or three footbal fields), do a range test and do not take your first few flights in any kind of wind.
You will be tempted to keep the plane low, to avoid serious damage if it noses down... this is a misconception and a mistake. If you let it get up to 100'+ you will have lots of time to either correct for stalls or just let go the controls and the plane can self correct (at least the FirebirdII will do this). Several short (under 2 min) flights where you just take it up and then glide it in, will give you confidence and teach you left from right.
I've only been flying a dozen times and already feel comfortable in 20 kph winds. The one thing that RandyL nailed was that this hobby isn't about chasing the latest upgrade. It's about a soul deep, dyed in the wool love for flight.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Medic... I don't think we are all that far apart in opinion. Flying in low and slow really has nothing to do with crash damage, a crash is a crash. I was more concerned with being able to see the airplane easily. A Firebird at 100 ft certainly fits in this catagorey. It is another good choice.
Having a saiplane at 1000 ft or more from where you are standing could easily turn into a fly away for a beginner if they lost orientation of the "speck" in the sky. I think that a small powered airplane like the ones listed in this thread are a better choice than a sailplane, usually.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I just started flying a couple months ago and taught myself like you are planning to do. Based on my own experience these would be my suggestions:

1. You are going to crash a lot at first, so get something durable with the motor mounted behind the wing and facing backwards. Don't even consider any plane with a front mounted motor.

2. It will take you 2 planes to teach yourself to fly. The 2-channel is easier but you will get bored with it sooner. The 3-channel will hold your interest much longer, but it is much harder to learn on, so you will crash it more in the beginning.

3. I would recommend the Firebird IIST from Hobbyzone to start with. Get an extra battery or two and a 1.2 peak charger from Hobyzone so you can get more flying time in and recharge in the field. Tape a sponge to the nose and it will survive a lot of crashes It will fly for 10 or 15 minutes and replacement parts are cheap and readily available. By the time you have wrecked it you will probably have learned the basics of flying for about $100. The Firebird Comander would be one step up. It will fly a little longer and soar much better the the IIST, but it is a little heavier and not quite as durable because of that, and about $30 more.

4. Then go to a 3 or 4 channel plane after you have some experience and are past the point of crashing all the time.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Just some thoughts on flying sailplanes....

I started flying on a sailplane. It had no motor so we used a hi-start or winch system to launch it up about 250 feet. They are nice in the fact that they do not fly to fast and most beginner sailplanes will be extremly stable. As for being 1000 feet up and unable to see the plane it can happen but you have to be good at finding thermals and know how to ride a thermal up. It took me 2 summers to learn how to ride a thermal well and get anything longer then a 10-12 minute flight. I tried a few powered gliders but the batteries and motor made the plane way too heavy to float and I had to keep them flying faster.

I would say a powered plane would be less frustrating then a glider. The slow stick would be great as it is durable and will fly slow enough for a beginner to make mistakes that you can correct before augering into the ground. Building it can be frustrating but i feel it helps the pilot know his plane better so you can make adjustments or possible repairs.

Hope this helps.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Easy Star

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I started flying in March of 2003. I had no interest in building models, so I
went the R-T-F route. I think this is such a great way to get started. I now have 400 flights, 11 planes and am having a ball!

I was a first timer. After several months of research, talking to flyers I
decided to start with an electric parkflyer. I
looked at lots of planes and packages and selected the Aerobird.

It is a super value and very easy to fly. The new version, the Aerobird
Challenger is even better. It has two flight modes - Sport for the beginner or
relaxed flyer and expert for the more advanced or aggressive flyer.

HobbyZone AEROBIRD CHALLENGER
THREE CHANNEL ELECTRIC PARKFLYER

Very inexpensive and rugged for a three channel starter - $115-$150
The plane comes complete and fully assembled. Charge the flight battery with
the included 12 V peak charger, put on the wing, put the included batteries in
the transmitter and up you go!
With a little throttle management you can get flights of 12-15 minutes on a
battery.

The plane is very rugged

In addition to being a fun parkflyer, the plane glides very nicely. We
thremal soar the Aerobirds at our glider club field. Because the plane only
has a 42" wingspan it can't go as high as the sailplanes because we would lose
site of it. I have also read reports of people slope soaring with the
Aerobird. This is a very versitle plane.

If you are interested I have written up a tips sheet on how to fix the
Aerobird.

Here is a review of the Aerobird ( before the new Aerobird Challenger)

http://www1.wildhobbies.com/news/def...&articleid=853
On these pages you will find Videos of the Aerobird in flight
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.modelflight.com.au/model_flight_videos.htm

With 150+ flights on the Aerobird, I love it and have recommended it to many
friends who fly them now as well. They all learned very quickly!


I have heard lots of good things about the Multiplex Easy Star,
another RTF - There are two at our field. They fly very well.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFXV0&P=7

For about $190 you get everything you need to fly. This plane is more of a
park glider as it is larger than the Aerobird and has characteristics that
should make it a better glider than the Aerobird Challenger but can still be
flown as a parkflyer.

Also the T-Hawk from Toytronix is popular at our club and makes a good first
plane.
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html


From Electric Park Flyer to Sailplane - my second plane

THE GREAT PLANES SPRIT SELECT RTF 2 METER SAILPLANE -

If you are more interested in sailplanes than parkflyers, the Spirit Select is
completely assembled with all the electronics installed. It includes a 72 MHZ
three channel radio. It is branded Hobbico, but it is really a Hitec radio.
This was my first glider.

Here is a link to the site where I purchased it for $140complete!
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXVK55**&P=7

Here is a link to the ARF version where you can find links to two product
reviews. If you want to do some building, the ARF is the route, but for an
extra $40, I got the radio and the plane ready to fly. For me that was
perfect.
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma1045.html
Video
http://www.greatplanes.com/gallery/gpma16.mov

The plane has spoilers built in the wings that are not set-up when you get it.
If you want to use spoilers, you can set them up later, as I did. The third
channel on the radio operates the spoilers. The included instructions tell
you how to do it.

I started flying the Spirit in Mid July and have about 80 flights on it. I now
have that down pretty well. This plane has a reputation of being a great
thermalling plane but I have heard of people flying it on slopes as well. I
is so great when I get it so high it is just a dot in the sky. I recently
built an electric power pod for it so I can launch it with an electric motor
if I like, but can take it back off so that I have a pure sailplane. I
definitely recommend it as a first sailplane.


SPECTRA MOTOR GLIDER

I don't have one of these, but if you are more likely to buy a motor glider
than a pure sailplane, there is a version of the Spirit called the Spectra.
Essentially the same plane, but with a motor. Again, tower has it for $199
RTF - Add $10 for Eveready's and you are set.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXVJ51**&P=7


Both the Aerobird and the Spirit have been a pleasure. I would recommend them
to anyone starting out in electrics or gliders who would like to go the
ready-to-fly route rather then building. I now have 10 planes, but these are
the two that really got me started.

If you are interested in sailplanes/gliders, visit this link
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=18

RE: I need some beginner help
 

What are the pro's and con's betwween the T-Hawk and the Areobird??? Does one of them handle wind better..more sturdy..etc.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

This is an eval of the T-Hawk vs Aerobird I did a couple of months ago for a
friend:

The T-Hawk is a fine starter plane. It is very rugged and flies well. We
have three in our club. We have 2 Aerobirds and 4 Aerobird Challengers and and
2 Aerobird Extremes, so I have first hand observations on these as well as pilot
feedback.

I will try to detail similarities and differences to help you evaluate and
have a price summary below based on my understanding of costs.

Similarities:

Both are pod and boom plane design
Both are three channel and have similar flying characteristics.
Both are in the 16 -18 oz range.
Both use a speed 380 motor
Both can have proportional throttle (t-hawk FM option required)
Both use a polypropylene body with a carbon boom
Both use foam wing and tail.

Differences (T hawk items first)

standard tail vs. V tail
standard servo/receiver/ESC vs integrated control board
pushrods vs pull pull design
AM/FM option vs FM only
FM 2000' range vs 2500' range
Requires 7 cell battery vs 6 or 7 cells
40" wing with wood spar vs 42" all foam wing
AC-3.5 hour charger vs DC Peak charger - 40 minutes
5-10 min flight with std battery vs 7-15 min flight with std battery
2 batteries, 2 wings, 2 tails - 1 of each
parts by mail only in most areas - parts readily available in LHS
$5 extra to choose channel - choice of 6 channels at purchase


Aerobird Options (not avail for t-hawk)
Air to air combat module
Bomb/parachute drop
sport mode/pro mode

Typical prices for comparable starter packages
(these would be my starter pkg recommendation)

T-Hawk, 160+5+10+40+5 = $220 (mail order)
Base Plane package with FM option, channel choice, two batteries, two wings,
two tails -
Upgrade to NIMH, Optional 12V peak charger (60 min charge time), 8 transmitter
batteries

Aerobird - 150 + 15 + 10 + 25 = $200 ( at local hobby store)
Base plane package - add wing, tail and second battery
includes nimh and field 12V peak charger (40 minute charge) and 8 transmitter
batteries

I have not included shipping or sales tax in either as that will vary.

What you see is that the price difference between them is not great. Both are
great planes! You make the choice.


e-bay option

The Aerobird Challenger is available daily, new in box, on e-bay for about
$115. If you consider this a valid source, then the Aerobird comes in at
$165. Lots of Aerobird stuff on e-bay.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Gee Whiz.... You did a good job of spec comparison and I'm sure it will be read and used by many. Thank You.

My concern in paticular was that a fellow worker is wanting to order a T-Hawk and I was curious it there were some reason that you would not. It will be flown in the breeze at times and driven in the ground like all good trainers! :)

Price is not the major concern, more if when the money is spent...will it fly or last long. Appears as though he will be OK. I still like flying the Slow Sticks but he wants something different and I appreciate that.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

The T-Hawk is a great starter plane. He will enjoy it.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

I started with the T-Hawk got a Slow Stick for my second plane. If I had to do it over again, I'd pass on the T-Hawk. The T-Hawk flies well and is very tough. The spare parts pack that Toytronics includes with the initial purchase are second to none. I went through the spare parts pretty fast as I found that if there was any obstruction in the field, I'd hit it. I hit a pole, a tree, and finally wiped out the first wing by ramming a chain link fence. The T-Hawk is very fast for a beginner and the spare parts kept me in business until I could handle it. I put in about 150 flights before I retired the poor beat up thing. If you choose the T-Hawk, be sure to get the FM option so you have full proportional throttle and you have pitch and roll on the same transmitter stick. It's well worth the extra $20.00 just to have your right thumb handling the elevater and rudder at the same time. The cheaper option has an on-off switch for throttle and has elevator on one stick and rudder on the other. Not good when you go to a four channel set up. I know because the FM option wasn't available when I bought my plane. I had to relearn everything when I bought my four channel set up. The T-Hawk is a great plane and you'll learn to fly R/C with it but:

The Slow Stick is better! The SS is just as light and twice as big. With this super light wing loading, it will slow down to walking speed without stalling. With the stock set up, it's a cinch to fly and will climb like mad. To take off, you can hand launch into the wind or take off on fairly rough grass because the wheels are big and the landing gear is strong. Just point it into the wind, give it full throttle and toss it straight ahead. Once it gains speed, pull back on the elevator stick a little and it will climb out at nicely. Release the elevator
stick if it climbs at too high an angle. Let it climb 100 feet straight ahead and then cut the throttle to about 1/2. Practice doing gentle circles in both directions adding a little up elevator when the nose starts to drop. Learn to use the elevator to just maintain altitude and only use it a little. You will soon learn that too much up elevator means DOWN!

This plane will loop, hammerhead, and wingover beautifully. It will turn several times tighter than the T-Hawk can without loosing altitude. Experienced flyers are going nuts over this plane. Powerful brushless motors are being mounted so the SS can climb verticle, hover, and accelerate vertically out of a hover. Mods such as ailerons and oversized rudders and elevators, and clipped wings are being added to make them even more manuverable. The Slow Stick has turned out to be a universal airplane. I still can't resist the allure of the SS even though I more into pattern flying at this stage of my progression in our hobby. My SS now has all the mods mentioned and the brushless motor. At our flying field, we have contests to see who can fly their SS inverted the longest. They don't like to climb when inverted but we've been able to maintain altitude with the modified elevator (and plenty of it).

The Slow Stick is the only plane I've bought more than once. I'm on my third one now. They are so cheap ($35) and easy to build and fly so well that many of us have them with us every time we go flying. We do so many crazy things with them that we sometimes break them beyond repair but generally, they are repaired with epoxy and tape very quickly. I'm sure there will be a forth (probably a fifth and sixth) Slow Stick in my future.

You'll spend more to go the SS route but if you get hooked (and you will) it's well worth it. Get a 4 (or more) channel set up because you will need it later. They can be had for a little over $100. A couple of Lithium Poly 2S 1500 batteries and a charger can be bought for another $125. The plane is only $35. I know this blows your budget a bit but all of this stuff goes into your next plane which might be a nice aileron trainer like the GWS E-Starter.

Good luck in our great hobby! Randy (another one)

RE: I need some beginner help
 

wright3,

Some great points. I have never flown a SS but the reports are universally positive so I have to believe this is a great flyer and good for beginners. Too bad it is not available as a RTF.

One thing I did not put in my positive recommendtaion for the T-Hawk has to do with space. For a new pilot that plane needs a lot of space, just as the Aerobird needs a lot of space. An experienced pilot can fly it in a soccer field, but for a new pilot you want about 600X600 or about 6 soccor fields. Otherwise you are turning and trying to avoid things all the time while you are trying to manage the plane.

Also, once launched and he had climbed to at least 200 feet, he can probably cut back to about 3/4 throttle which will give him good flying and slow the plane down. It will probably fly nicely at 1/2 throttle but he might have trouble holding altitude in turns. Again an experienced pilot would not have that problem with a T-hawk.

Hope this is helpful for you and your friend.

RE: I need some beginner help
 

Hi. I'm new to rc planes and would like to get into the hobby. I'm looking at the dragon wing selling at ebay. Its really cheap the the specs are almost the same as aerobird. I get extra battery and crash kit for $84. Can anyone advise me on that? i can't really decide.