I just received a Firebird Commander 2 for Xmas. How much space should I have to effectively fly this plane? Is a soccer or football field big enough or should I look for more room? I am a beginner.
Thanks,
Indy Park Flyer.

Hello and welcome!
Yes, try your plane in a large field on a warm day with few obstructions in your way. I say a warm day because the plane is subject to cracking whilst bouncing around in temps much below 0 degrees. You might want to try the following method if you are a beginner, it worked for my Neice. Make little test hops and use your first couple of batteries up trying out the ground handling. It helps you practice/train your hands for left and right turns before you get into the air. After that, take to the sky! Now she is learning formation flying and getting good!
Have a great time Indy!
Cptn.K

Indy, Welcome to the addiction, you have a good little plane to learn with and you should enjoy it, one of the most important things to remember is don't fly it on a windy day, after you fly a while and get good then you can risk it some, but as a beginner don't do it. You only have limited control meaning you can't directly control downward flight, wind is every planes enemy but especialy 2 channel planes. It is important to get it to at least 100 ft before you begin making turns, I'm only guessing but if you have the Commander 2 the ACT will help you a lot, it will take over if you get it in bad shape, just untill it's level again
Best way to get airborn for the first time is to hold full throttle and give it a good toss straight ahead level not up as it will stall and nose dive, that's bad, let it climb to about 60 ft then start backing off the throttle to let it level out then work the throttle to get it up to around 100 ft. don't be afraid to fly it high, just keep it close to you till you get the hang of it. also be carefull not to over steer the plane, it will tend to have a delayed reaction to your inputs so don't use full motion on the sticks or you will wear yourself out overcorrecting it all the time, and most important, never forget this part, HAVE FUN
Post your maiden flight report and let us know how it goes, good or bad, if it's bad someone can help figure out what went wrong
if it's good Brag away
Good Luck and Good flying

You should try to find an area that is at least 600ftx600ft. of clear field. You can fly in less but it's more difficult.