Ok Guys,

Maybe it's just me, but I'm having a heck of a time finding hobby shops that have a decent selection of F3A aircraft. I would like to get something inexpensive to start with, and then 'invest' in something better if I like it, and choose to compete on a regular basis.

My search has brought be to aircraft in the 1K-3K range, which is really not where i need to be.

I did find a few models from CMP and 'The World Models' which seem to be in my 'starter' range, but can't seem to find a dealer for any of those (except nitroplanes, which appears to be out of stock on 80% of their inventory!).

Pattern flying appears to be the 'underground' of the rc aircraft world, lol!!!!

I've found a few sites out of Europe, but I'd rather not order anything from a website where I have to translate the page first!!

If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it.

-Steve

F3Aunlimited.com They carry the various sizes of the Monolog series, and you can get started at a very reasonable cost with good equipment. They can help you out with the cheaper, more cost effective stuff, all the way up to the Oxai equipment. Also, Chris is very easy to deal with,

Arch

F3A Unlimited is a good place to start as Arch mentioned above.

Extreme Flight makes a nice plane (hard to get, but still nice):

http://www.extremeflightrc.com/html/vanquish.html

3D Hobby Shop is coming out with a new 2M electric plane, the Osiris designed by Andrew Jesky. But they have the 62" version available now. Nice flying plane. I own one and it makes a good practice planes and I would not be concerned about flying Sportsman or Intermediate with it.

http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/62-OsirisRed_p_15388.html

F3A Unlimited sells the Sebart Wind 110 for a great price. Also a nice flying plane. And they do great package deals. The Monologue is also worth a look. So there are a few choices out there for under $2,000 that will get you started and having fun.

Also take a look at the National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA) website:

http://www.nsrca.us/

Some good info there as well.

Where are you in California? We have a fairly active group here as well.

Bill in Orange County, CA

Don't forget Central Hobbies too. They've been the backbone of the pattern community for as long as I can remember.

www.centralhobbies.com

Can i suggest for a pattern shortkit for $550 :

www.radiance-f3a.com

Good company for certain, but I do not think they sell planes any longer. I do not see any listed on their website or in their catalog.

F3AUnlimited is the place to start. Almost everything there is geared toward sensible pattern equipment. Chris carries the stuff that we are all actually using, or the stuff we wish we were using, without too much fluff.

You can find some of the new BJ Craft planes for a good price, different sizes too, as well as everything you need to get started at one place.

Ok, pattern plane on a budget? Check out the 47" or 62" Osiris. Both amazing values IMO, both fly terrific and are easy to put together the right way.

Thanks Guys.

I like the 62" Osiris, but I really want something I can put a 4- stroke in. It appears the evolution is to go to a brushless/ lipo power system.

At least one of the Monolog planes can work with a 4 stroke.

The Monolog 2Meter size comes with the hardware to take a 4 stroke or Electric. Most of the cheaper options are dedicated for E. only. Mike

8th, maybe consider second hand equipment? In my case, a 110 sized plane with a YS 1.10 on a vibra-mount, all JR digis, a PCM Rx (replaced with 2.4), Hatori pipe, and Bolly gear, in very nice shape for five Franklins. Picked up another one NIB (same plane) for less than 1.5 Franklins and another YS 1.10 (from a respected scale modeler) for .8 Frankies. So far, for under $750, I have a solid flying 110 sized plane and another of the same to put up as the main ship (have to get the other electronicgoodies for it but still...). Just an idea and it helps out the resale community too. I plan to go full 2MM after I get my feet (or thumb) wet with the smaller planes.
Hook

The 1.10 Monolog is listed as glow or electric on F3A site:
http://www.f3aunlimited.com/webstore...roducts_id=533