Giorch

Hey guys, few days ago I asked for a good second plane or low wing trainer. Conclusion was the Sig Four Star as a good choice. The point is that I am from Chile and this plane does not sale here unless I order it from USA. In the hobby store I found a GP Rapture and the GP Super Sportster. Are one of this two a good choice for a low wing trainer, with slow aproaches for landing? Or should I order the Sig Four Star, which is a bit expensive because to the order.

Once again, Thanks

gumhead

Super Sportster gets a big thumbs up

CRFlyer

The super sportster is a very nice flying plane, however it does not slow up as much as a four star does. If you can fly your trainer well, the super sportster may work as a second plane. It is not, IMO as ideal as the four star, but could be used in needed. However, I would suggest getting some help for the first couple flights.

ChuckW

I built and flew the Rapture as my second plane and I also have had 2 4-stars. The 4-star is probably a little better quality kit and a lighter airplane but the Rapture is still a great choice. It builds easy and is nice to fly. In fact, the Rapture kit makes installing the fuel tank and radio gear easier than the 4-star. It will do rolls, loops, climb vertically, fly inverted, etc. just like a 4-star. The only problems with mine were some bad wood and die cutting. It will also nose-over easy on rough fields so you need to make sure you hold a little up elevator during the take-off roll. Mine was powered by a Magnum-XL .46. If you have a Rapture kit available locally, I would go with it. To be honest, I don't know why the Rapture isn't more popular than it is.

As for the Super Sportster, I haven't flown one personally but I've seen a few fly. They are great airplanes but not necessarily as forgiving as a Rapture. The Sportster tends to need a little more speed on landing. It could be a second plane but the Rapture or 4-star are probably a better choice.

sowega flyer

I have never flown a rapture, however, I had a super sportster as my second plane. I loved that plane! When putting it together, use a one piece dural style landing gear just ahead of the wing saddle, mounted to the fuselage. I found that being a second plane, it tends to take a beating while you are trying to learn its landing characteristics. Take offs and flight are excellent with the SS. I lost mine due to a tip stall on landing, followed by an extreme case of dumb thumb...it took me three days to get over it.
I plan on buying another one though...

Kostas1

Hello from sunny Athens!
I wish you to be ok.
So,
from my personal experience i reccomend the Super Sportster.
I've seen the 4* flying and i've flown it too,but i prefer the Supersportster.
I think the desicion must be equal with your flying style.
The Supersportster with an OS 65LA will be ALWAYS quicker than the 4*!!![X(]
Also,
a 4* is a kit not an ARF.
I don't have so much room to build a kit,so i prefer ARF's.
I have the Supersportster as i told you and i have approximately 10 flights.
It's very easy to fly.
Mine needed 2 clicks of up-elevator being a bit nose heavy.
I don't balance my planes,and that's not good.
Anyway,
i attached some pics to see it.
Enjoy.
Kostas

GrantK

My Feedback: (15)

While I do prefer it in kit form Sig does sell and Four star ARF.

BUflash

You don't balance your planes and you like to start them un-restrained. Thank god you're not a member of my club! Just so all of the beginners in this forum are aware, not balancing your plane and starting your plane without any kind of restraint to hold the plane back are both sure fire ways to get yourself in a lot of trouble if not removed from your club. Safety first!

Kostas1

HAHAHAHAHAAA.
I am laughing.....
From my 1st plane that was a trainer i was alaways starting my OS 46LA by hand,no restrainer.
And NEVER NEVER had a bad situation.
BUT,
stay on topic please..

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

The desision of course is up to you, but the Rapture is an excellent kit. It compares well with the 4*

The Super Sportster is also an excellent airplane, but it is a step above the 4* and Rapture.

If you had already decided on the 4* but it difficult to get, I would highly suggest getting the Rapture.

Giorch

Thank you for your suggestions. I made up my decision for the Rapture.
Saludos desde Chile para todos

buzzard bait

Chuck, it's true that you hear very little about the Rapture. You mentioned that yours was heavier than the 4 Star. Do you know the weight? The structure looks every bit as light as a Four Star, but maybe the wood is heavy. The ads give about the same weight for the two planes, whatever that's worth. Thanks,
Jim

bjnginge

G'day thought id say that i just flew my ss 40 for the first time after leaving my sky raider trainer.man this thing is awsome,had an instructor take it up first and within 10 mins i was doing areobatics.landing and take off a breeze.a big thumbs up and i say go the super sportster.

ChuckW

It's been a while and the Rapture was sold to another club member. If I recal though, it was just over 6 pounds. Actually, I don't think this hindered the plane at all. The plane was very stable and floated like a 4* on landing. Even on deadsticks, it was easy to glide to a gentle landing.

ChuckW

Why don't you do a build thread on this in the kit forum? This is an afforable, nice flying plane that I think a lot more people would be interested in if they knew more about it.

Giorch

I bought my Rapture !! It will arrive in 20 days (no stock at the store).
Once again thank you all.

ChuckW

You'll enjoy both building and flying it. Keep us posted on the progress.

Kostas1

ISN"T IT PERFECT?

Kostas1

Here is a link to my Supersportster video.
Enjoy.
[link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58f8DLBypr8]2nd[/link]

cmartin3d

Hey Ya'll
Gld to see that someone else is buying raptures. As far as overweight, mine turned out at 5.75 lbs and flies like a dream. Hint, when building the landing gear, use alot of epoxy, the weight's worth the hastle of ripping into the wing. My mains have broken 4 times and not very hard landngs. Where are you guys running the CG for the rapture?