Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

Hello Fellow RC Pilots.

I am looking at getting into pattern flying and i would like to get some feedback into what aircraft are out there.

I dont really want a pattern/3D plane (ie sig mayhem) just a plane purly devoted to pattern flying.

Any info regarding planes/manufactures would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks All in advance

Blackfox

RE: Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

There are so many options out there. We need to narrow them down. What lass will you be flying? What size plane are you thinking of? Most importantly, what is your budget?

RE: Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

I am looking at about a 1.20 size plane. I will be looking at flying in the advanced sequence. but i will probably fly intermediate as well.
I guess a i am like everyone else and would like to get a nice ship but not pay 5yrs wages on it. I realise that you get what you pay for but i i could stay under $3000 american dollars it would be good.

Blackfox

RE: Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

For 3000 american dollars you could build a 2 meter plane and be very competitve.

RE: Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

U$3000 is too much for a 120 size plane but perfect for a 2 meter plane. The best 120 size plane for me is the Hirobo Astral X or XX 120. The only difference between the 2 is that the X has a cenventional stab while the XX has an unhedral stab. It is an arf with a carbon/glass painted fuse and built up surfaces covered in oracover/ultracote. Soft mount for a YS110/120 is included and these are the recommended engines for the plane with the 110 being the preference due to lighter weight with almost the same power. I just got one after being so happy with my 2 meter Astral XX. I will start building it next week and it should be done within the month since I am a bit busy at the moment. My friends Astral X 120 is already flying and flies terrific. I have 2 other friends who ordered one after seeing the 1st one fly. Whatever you end up getting, I strongly suggest you get a pure pattern plane with regular sized control surfaces and not one of those 3D/pattern designs with oversized (for pattern anyway) surfaces. Good luck.

Jayjay

RE: Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

Try to pick up a used airplane if you can. It is possible to get something like a Focus or Focus 2 with everything but the motor and receiver for $1500.00 or less. Sometimes a lot less. Just have to be in the right place at the right time. The best time to buy is toward the end of the season when guys are ordering their new planes for next season. Keep in mind, most pattern planes last a LONG time. 300 flights is considered almost new. For 402 or 403 you don't need the latest / greatest design. A Focus is more than up to the task.

John Pavlick

RE: Pattern Planes. Need Help!!!
 

HI,

The New Icepoints would be an excellent starting point for flying Pattern. My mentor who has been flying an EMC2 just finished one and it is very nice, and he is taking his icepoint back to the nats this week. In this case you would get a new plane ($500-$600) it think, and then with the rest of the items needed you could get in easily in the 1200.00 range with all new equipment. IF you already have an engine, receiver and servos, you cost is minimal.

Buying used planes can have it's "Buyers Beware" unless you know the person and have seen the plane fly.