Hey guys,
I am trying to find the best path into the jet community without picking up a plane that looks like a rectangular box with wings. All comments are welcome but please do not tell me to suck it up and buy a rectangular box and then spend $2000 to make it fly.
Thanks,
Spenser

P.S. I love scale so any ideas of scale jets that would be good are greatly appreciated!

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=362

http://www.skymasterjet.com/f15.htm

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I would agree with George. The F15 is a great plane. It was my first jet. It definatley is NOT a trainer but with some help from a more experienced turbine pilot you should have no problem.

here is me with my baby before 3 years..

its not a trainer but a jet!with very good habits in the air!


just dont take it camo as it will be dificult to see for a beginer...

Spenser,

The F-15 was also my first turbine jet.Very stable,and slows well for landing.Also beautiful lines,looks great in the air.You can see pics in my gallery.On another note,My good friend started with,and still is having great success with a Reaction.Slows like a trainer to land.

I notice you live in NJ.I am on the BOD for Farview Flyers,in Hamburg,Pa.We are having a giant scale event next weekend,with jets welcome.I will be flying my super bandit,and my buddy Jim with the reaction should be there,along with other jets.Check out our website,Farviewflyers.net.We also have a jet meet in Oct.You should try to come and see us.If you can't make it,call/email/pm me anytime,and you are more than welcome to come fly with us as my guest,or just come and watch.Only caveat is our field is 2.4 only.My # is 610-554-7455.Also,I am a cd,and can help you with the waiver process if you need.

Whatever you choose,reach out to active turbine guys in your area for help.Also this forum is loaded with many incredibly knowledgeable guys who always go the extra mile to help others.The jet community is awesome,and once you try it,you will be hooked forever.Good luck,

Erik

Go with the F15.

A very forgiving plane, easy to see and fly & lands very slowly.
Just don't overpower it.
For fun you can add lots of scale options like missiles ,drop tanks,etc.
Plus there are Loads of colour schemes out there.
But if just starting don't go camo grey unless you fly with lots of blue sky.

Plenty of room in fuz for all bits & bobs,plus smoke systems,lights & much more.

Regards,
John C

Ok so the general consensus here is that the F-15 will be a good choice. Which kit/arf would you guys recommend me looking into?

Erik R, I will most definitely look into going to your clubs event next week and the one in october. Thanks for the invite

Thanks,
Spenser

One addition to Erik's post. Farview is normally 2.4 only except for events, when 72mhz is also allowed.

Spenser, I got started in turbines earlier this year with much prodding and help from Erik. Now, my Reaction 54 is the plane that I fly most. Erik really knows his stuff and made the transition from props to jets easy (also had some help from Lee).

Jim

The 15's are nice but to many of them out there. How about a f9f Panther.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll1TYN4TNpI

If it's your first jet and you want something that performs well but handles gently, too, I'd recommend a BVM BobCat or KingCat. I learned on a BobCat a year ago and I still enjoy the heck out of it. BVM's service is excellent, too.

I've heard that the BVM bobcat is a great jet trainer, but I just can't get over the huge price increase between BVM kits and others such as the Skymaster F-15

Have any of you guys ever built the Jet Legend or built a Jet Legend Jet? If so what do you guys think about that one as my first jet.

Thanks,
Spenser

Ahh, let me explain the price difference that you are seeing. With BVM you will get quality and customer service. You'll get every part needed to build any model you choose minus your radio gear and turbine, I mean everything down to the exact clevis and control horn. Instruction manuals could be read and understood by a 5 year old. Give them a call on Monday morning and ask to speak with either Dustin Buescher or Barry West, they will be more than glad to talk to you about beginning in the world of jets.

My first jet was/is a Tamjets f-16, very solid aircraft and great service from Tam, always willing to go that extra mile. flies great and a good teacher for landing nose high with no bad habits. Kevin

Fly Eagle and Global Jet Club have some reasonably priced planes as well. Check them out.

I am also interested in getting into jets, what about the skymaster F-18 as a first jet ? Obviously I will have an instructor with me as I have never flown anyhting nearly this fast or with this high a wing loading.

an F-18 would probably not be the best choice for a first jet, but there are people out there that have done it.

Does anyone have any experience with the Fly Eagle F-15? That seems like a good model to start with since it includes a lot of the components.

Hey Erik I am looking forward to getting to see all of your guys planes tomorrow at the fun fly hope to see you then!

Get the 15. You'll like it. I promise. [sm=thumbup.gif]

A scale jet is WAY different than a sport jet. Just like a cap or extra is WAY different than say a mustang or a spitfire.

Once you own a BVM you will appreciate EVERY detail. Some details are better than others though.

Don't quite get an 18 for the first jet. Get the 15 learn and to fly a heavily wing loaded, arse dragging scale jet that is somewhat forgiving. An 18 will not forgive your mistakes. And you WILL make mistakes. Jet legend, Skymaster, global jet club, etc, they are all the same.

Tam's little F-16 is kinda small for a first jet and you might have some problems getting the gear doors working, that being said Tam is a very nice guy and super helpful.

Remember. Your first jet will take some beatings. It will get scratched.

Now go have some fun, will ya!?

Raf

Camo F-15's are the bomb!!!

If you are looking for something different, try an MB 339 from Fei Bao or Skymasters. It is a huge jet and it flies great. IMO it is very predictable on take offs and landings. I have yet to discover any nasty habits.

IMO, an F-20/F 5-E would be a better choice than an F-18.

Here it is, $699 covered......... 20lb thrust 20-170mph TBM DV8R

My problems with it.....

-not avail till Dec (approx)
-Only has 2 schemes and so far won't do an ARC version
-no cockpit kit


Other than that I love the DV8R.

I think the DV8R would be a little against what he is looking for, don't you guys?