Hey guys just need some recommendations. I learned to fly the Firebird Commander 2 this summer and lost it today when the wing folded up on me. I am thinking of jumping up to a 3 channel plane. The FC is hard to control in the slightest winds and needs a lot of room for turns. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks

A prized plane I enjoy in the trainer catagory is the E-flite Alpa 450 Sport, tho a 4 channel, you mainly use the right stick for aileron and elevator, left stick on the throttle also rudder. Note especially at the start and even now I seldom use the left stick rudder, aileron behaves very similar to a 3 channel with tighter turning is all !

This one is a honey, touch of speed, top wing making it still a trainer, but it will survive wind alot better for you. easily 10 MPH and even more but go easy getting accustom to windy conditions as effects take off and especially the landings..

Landings this beauty floats in you can pull the trigger too soon, simply level again and still come in right ! It will handle the shorter grass landings which also makes it the winner for me ! I still prefer grass tho do hard surface as well, grass is more forgiving tho.

The PNP version comes with it all except the receiver and transmitter, it flys great with the DX5 with high and low throws, I now prefer the high throw position. Makes for a reasonable package, infact I'm going to fly mine right now, absolutely love it... BEST ..<>..

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/index/in...p/efl2875.html

Keep us posted on your choice, ooodles out there, but this is my winner ! Good Luck !

Note another option if your going towards foam is the E-flite Apprentice, another winner !

Comes with it all in the RTF Ready To Fly version even DX5 included and receiver, abit larger model, personally the 450 flys slightly better but the 450 is balsa making it less forgiving on impact for some. Liked this one as well, but 450 wins !

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_88...tm.htm#8874747

Dealer, are several, great success with this one

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/EFL2725.html

If your concerned on your current flying ability, lean towards the Apprentice as will take some abuse, if you feel comfortable flying then may want to consider the 450, but both great candidates, can't go wrong with either !

Thanks for the info. Will look into those. What about the SC. Is that too much plane
for me?

Here are some good ideas, if your a beginner and don't have a lot of money.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbyking/s...ess_w/_4_Servo

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=11611&Product_Name=DHC-2_Beaver_(Bush_Plane)_STOL_EP_ARF

Here is a 2.4Ghz radio for those planes.

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8338&Product_Name=Hobby_ King_2.4Ghz_4Ch_Tx_&_Rx_V2_(Mode_2)

Or, you can get this RTF. I have it and it is a great flyer right out of the box with plenty of power.
After flying it a few times, being the true hobbiest that I am, I upgraded to brushless and lipo for around $30.00 at HC and she turned into a power house.

http://www.raidentech.com/3sdj3picubre.html

Here is a vid of the stock Exceed Piper Cub

http://www.rcuvideos.com/video/Exceed-Piper-Cub-2-wmv

the hz sc is a great choice its only three channel but you wont be disappointted .

Cool, going from the Firebird Commander to a Super Cub- will I have much trouble flying the Super Cub?

If it's only going to be a 3 channel, why would you waste all that money when you can get a very similar plane for $69??

Thats a good point. Is the SD J3 Piper Cub a good plane for a relative beginner. Can I get parts easily?

I was somewhat a beginner when I got it. It is a great flyer. and yes parts are available. As cheap as they are, I bought a second plane for parts, but never used it. One time I broke the fuse in half, glued it back together and it flew like it never crashed. I sold the second plane for $75 locally.

Thanks for your help- going to order it today.</p>