Getting started with jets
 

I have to admit I am really interested in this aspect of RC. I happened to catch a segment on jets on Inside RC on the Outdoor channel a few weeks back & this is all I can think about. I started flying planes about 20 years ago,but lost interest (hated doing all that building) & moved to helicopters. I have been flying helis for about 17 years now and really would like to try this segment of the hobby. My interest had already begun shifting back to planes,especially with all the ARFs out now,then when I saw the jets, I know I want to get back to fixed wing.
I have talked with several people in my club who are very interested in jets as well, but no one knows anything about them. We do have a very nice field,but it is grass (however, it is long & well groomed). Where can I get good books & information in order to get started? I would appreciate input as to what kind of fixed wing experience is needed to graduate to a turbine. Also, some idea as to what cost is involved and which planes or engines to start with.
Thanks for any help

RE: Getting started with jets
 

First of all I like to say Welcome.

I'm going to try to put it very simple for you. I also have a airplane/heli background, because of that I know that you will do very good with the jets ( everything must be right before it can fly ), if you don't like to build and can afford an ARF jet the JHH hawk is an excellent airplane to start, turbines nothing to it, they are very easy to run and very reliable, find a good jet guru to teach you how to operate them and you will be on your way to a very successful jet career.

The next jet event is happening in Mesa, AZ this month on the 21,22,23 for your info.

Good luck and I hope you succeed.

CARS II

RE: Getting started with jets
 

Hello,

You really have a couple of decisions to make first.

I read that you want to get into turbines (as opposed to ducted fans). I am one of those that says if you can fly well enough you can skip ducted fans, they are just an expensive, messy side track if you want to get into turbines.


Now you need to decide what motor you want to get, that is what size you want (do you want to fly bigger planes in the future) and how much you want to spend. Used motors can be had for maybe $1000, new motors can go for 3 times that or more.

Once you have decided on a motor, you can pick a plane. There are wood kits all the way up to composite ARFs, cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand.

RE: Getting started with jets
 

First you need to do some homework and read all you can about jets. There are a couple of great magazines out there - expensive, but very well worth it.

Check websites of the turbine manufacturers - you can get their names by reading this forum, then let your favorite search engine find them for you. About this time you need to decide what size turbine you want (or can afford).

When you have decided on a turbine, you can on a jet to mount it in. The biggest constraint is that it needs to be able to operate off the field you fly from - a fully decked out scale ship is not going to work on a 400' grass strip.

And finally, start saving your money...or maybe do that first.

RE: Getting started with jets
 

That's some great advice. I too am leaving the heli's and going back to planes. I took a couple of years off to try and master heli's. It's a lot harder than it looks. I live out here with Alan Szabo, anyone who knows helis knows this golden thumbed 17 year old is some kind of freak! It's almost discouraging watching him fly and then flying yourself. Anyway, I had a lot more fun flying planes and I'm back with vengence. I've been doing a lot of reading on turbines and realized there is a lot to learn.

This forum seems like a great community and I hope to learn a lot.

Chad

RE: Getting started with jets
 

Chad,

You might find there is a place for both planes and helis. I really enjoy my helis for keeping my thumbs sharp. THe time I have spent with my helis this summer definetly improved my jet flying.

RE: Getting started with jets
 

David,

That is my thinking exactly. I think flying helis makes one a much better fixed wing pilot. (You can not fly a heli with one hand.) As I stated in my post, I loved planes, but just did not like the building process. (I am so meticulous that it took me forever to finish one). Then when the first ARFs came out, all I saw was junk. However, the ARF's I am seeing now are really sharp. I had been thinking about a new low wing for myself for several months. Then when I saw the Inside RC segment on jets, I am hooked on plane again. I will not stop flying helis because I do still love them, but the sounds & looks of those turbine jets has me excited.
I appreciate the encouraging words & info you guys have provided. I have been doing a lot of reading on this forum & everyone seems so helpful. I will be asking more questions in the future as I get closer to buying my first jet. I want to get my AMA waiver before I even purchase the plane. In the mean time, I am picking out a new plane to begin my graduation to jet pilot.

RE: Getting started with jets
 

Let us know what you decide to use for your Waiver process. I am at the same point in the decision process and still trying to decide.