Hi all,

Its my first post here on RCU. I am interested in getting started in RC Jets. I am an intermediate to advanced RC heli flyer. Been flying .90 size helis for over 3 years. How hard would it be for me to switch to a Jet. I love military jets and was thinking of getting either a Fei Bao SU-27 when it comes out and put 2 turbines in it, or getting an F22 from Skymaster or YellowAircraft maybe even an F15. I looked at the jet trainers and they all look ugly to me, so I was thinking on skipping them. Also is there anyone in the Seattle area that flies jets? and one more thing is there a good website that has something along the lines of basic equipment lists or requirements for turbine jets. I should also mention that I have never built a plank so I would only get an ARF plane and would definitely need help in assembling it. About the closest I ever got to fly an airplane is in my Realflight G3.5.

Any advice will be gratly appreciated.

Thank you.

I would stay away from twin turbines, learn how to fly a jet with a single turbine first, I would not jump into an SU-27 type aircraft with 2 engines, not a good choice. Joe C

If you must skip the Jet trainer,F15 is a good choice,very stable flyer,good size,easy to fly & land.
Suggest Single Turbine & keep it simple.
Definately seek the help from someone in your area that flys jets.
Most Jet fliers will be always help if they can & usually have a jet trainer set up that you can buddy up on.
Do not try & go it alone,you will need help on setting up & starting,plus always need a second pair of eyes when flying.
I started with ducted fan & then Turbine with the Super Reaper & Wren MW54,low cost,robust & easy to fly.
Good off grass & Tarmac.
Lots of people have flown my Reaper on buddy lead.
Lots of people ended up with a large grin/smile afterwards.
All the best,
John c

is it because of the added complexity of a second engine? or different flight characteristics?

Come on over to our meet on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of August in Kalispell, Mt. You'll get to see some jets for sure.

We need to learn to walk before we can run....If I never flew a helicopter, would you recommend a real complex chopper, or a trainer? You can spend your money any way you want, but...............
You won't be successful with a jet until you learn the fundamentals. That's where the trainer comes in.
Since you have never built or flown an RC airplane, you are at the bottom of a very steep learning curve. Get a prop powered trainer and learn to fly. Then progress to a faster sport airplane. Then become proficient in high speed prop airplanes and warbirds.
That's a good background for a wanna be jet pilot.
Besides the flying skills, you should have some $$, cause a turbine ARF costs twice what a prop ARF costs.
See www.bvmjets.com

Harley Condra
BVM REP
JetCat REP

I sugest you first start with a prop plane. Starting with a jet is very dificult and you will probably loose time and money with this.

When you are ready for a jet I recomend the F-16, F-15 or L-39. This are very stable and easy to fly jets. My personal choice would be either the F-16 or the L-39.

Here are a couple of videos:
http://www.jetsrc.com/videos/F-16_Tiger_JetsRC.wmv
http://www.jetsrc.com/videos/L-39_JetsRC.wmv

You can see more pics and info on my web page: www.jetsrc.com

Anyway, again I strongly suggest you start first with a prop plane. When you fly a basic prop good, go into a fast prop like a patriot or similar or go with a WWII like a corsair or P-51. This two last ones will teach you power handling and dealing with higher wing loading.

Michel

Thank you for all your advice and prompt responses I will look into prop aircraft befor going for jets. Should be pretty cheap to start with cause of all the extra equipment I collected over the years.

I am also just beginning in jets after many years with props. I looked at many entry level jets and saw the same "ugly" the you did until I saw the Reaction 54. Mine arrived via UPS today. One beautiful box of wood. It's slow enough to learn "Jetise" with and land in our grass field. The plane is low wing with retracts and an exposed turbine which really doesn't look that bad. Very sleek looking and it lends itself to kit bashing if you are so inclined. That a trip through the Reaction 54 forum on RCU and get some info.

The all up weight of a twin turbine Jet is a major factor... besides cost is just about doubled! The amount of fuel is also doubled.. One gallon of fuel will allow 10 minutes of flight maximum depending on the size of one turbine. Fuel alone would weigh in at over 12lbs. Those are just a few reasons starting with a twin turbine Jet would not be recommended.

If your not limited by budget and want one of the best starter Jets, I would recommend a BVM King Cat. Big, fast, but lands light and slow. The flight envelop for the King Cat is huge... you can do almost anything and keep on flying. Cost shouldn't be a factor as I said but BVM will sell you everything you need.. Highly engineered kits & accessories.
Lee H. DeMary
AMA 36099