Plane selection help
 

I taught myself to fly back in the late 80’s early 90’s and have not flown since.
I had a 3-channel front engine electric plane. I flew it many times till I had a crash that broke the front motor mount and bent the shaft of the motor. I was not able to get replacement parts so it sat for a few years. I then sold everything to a person I worked with who flies.
I’ve been kicking around the idea to get into flying again, for some time now. I do not want to spend much, around $100.00 for an ARF or RTF electric to fly in large open parks nearby.
I believe I want a rear engine plane so I do not have any motor damage if I crash. (Pros / Cons - rear vs. front engine planes?)
I also want a 3-channel radio so that I can hopefully remove the electronics to place in a new plane when / if I would want to upgrade.
So I’m looking for suggestions.
What I’m leaning towards at this time is the Aero Voyager RTF kit. Can anyone give me personal flying experience with this plane? (Pros / Cons, charging time, flying time, etc. etc)

And what other plane I might be overlooking and would want to look into with Pros / Cons, charging time, flying time, etc. etc
Thanks for your time.

RE: Plane selection help
 

READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box
These also glide well so you can thermal soar
with them under the right conditions.


Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 - Space CL2/3
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze. This is the best choice for people
who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor place to fly, such as
a gym or
similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_20...tm.htm#2089493
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://users.cwnet.com/dhsc19/Slo_V_Aerobatics.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8


T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $170 - space CL1
Comes with extra wing, tail and battery
Flies well and stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.toytx.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html


Easy Star - RTF - $180 - Space CL1
Believe this goes easily back in the box to keep in the car
Super tough foam. Comes with 72 MHz radio in the US.
Good parkflyer and a good glider
Radio in RTF package can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Discussion Thread on Easy Star
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258656
Video - touch and gos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
Video - Testing the plane's behavior
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv


Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $150 - Space CL1
Great keep in the car plane - take off the wing and it goes back in the box!
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 350 flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal
and slope soar this plane. Flies well and stands up to hard landings. Their
add on fun accessories for night flying, air to air combat and drop module add
to the fun!
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=HBZ3500
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html

RE: Plane selection help
 

aeajr,
Thanks for the info.

I keep changing my mind on what plane to try.
I was starting to think about the 2 channel Firebird Commander II with the ACT Technology. Or the new Firebird Freedom that will be out soon, waiting to read reviews, because of being a 3 channel with ACT.
The T-Hawk I originally scanned over quickly, and was more then I wanted to spend. Looking at it closer it is not a bad deal with the extra battery, wing, tail, and being a 3 channel plane.

RE: Plane selection help
 

T-Hawk is a great value when you look at all you get.

Plane flies very well. Try it, you'll like it!

Skip the two channel planes!

RE: Plane selection help
 

yeah skip 2ch you'll get bored very easily

the 3ch wing dragon would make a good choice, very powerful, glides nicely and almost intestructable and at $99 RTF from hobby lobby it cant be beat

RE: Plane selection help
 

I thought the 3 channel would be better over the 2 channel.

I looked at the Wing Dragon and thought it looks a bit goofy. Although from the reviews I have read it sounds like a good plane.
I do have a question about Wing Dragon. Looks like the electronics can be removed. I think I read somewhere that it comes with a 4 channel radio with 2 servos and the speed controller. Is that correct?

I have to convince myself to spend the extra money for the T-Hawk and hope I do not destroy it or get bored too quickly.
I found a R/C sim FMS and a model for the T-Hawk. Not sure how close to the real thing it is.

Thanks again for the help and suggestions.

RE: Plane selection help
 

If it helps, I started out with an Aerobird Challenger. Great gliders...just fly up really really really (i mean REALLY!) high and kill the motor. You can glide forever with these.