Hi All,

I just bought the H9 Alpha 40 - my first Nitro plane - gone through several Aerobirds and Super Cubs. My questions are: How fast does this plane go, can I hand launch it and what is the radius of control? I will of couse find a seasoned helper to show me how to control it first - body system I think it is called. Also, how much cleaning is involved with a non electric plane? Thank you in advance for your help and have a Great New Year!

Michael in Richardson, Texas

You'll do better with that question in the "Beginners" forum rather than the combat forum.

The Alpha is a great flying plane though. Top speed is around 45-50 stock, with a different prop it can hit 65. You can hand launch it, but it's hard and not worth the trouble. Most guys will tell you not to hand launch something that big, and it's rarely done. The plane weights around 6lbs. Cleaning, yep. Glow engines make a mess, but you can moderate that a bit with an exhaust deflector.

It will be a fine trainer, hope to see some crepe paper on the tail of one of your future planes Lots of COMBAT fun in Texas!

The range on the radio is as far as you can see the airplane. If you can't see the airplane, you can't control it! In theory, I would imagine our modern radios would have a range of a couple of miles.

Regards,
GPB