R/C airplane info? Any advice for someone looking to get into r/c planes? no experience so far, just interest

Question

I know I should be looking for a "trainer" model, and a "High" wing is easier to fly? I dont want to spend too much until i know if i like it, but are the little "electric" units worth trying, just for the experience or are they not a true taste of what gas powered flying would be like? any advice or experiences?

good advice. i looked into clubs,etc. i live in a fairly remote area and no clubs anywhere nearby. 1 person I know of that flys on his own but he just likes the biggest, the best, most complicated, hes been doing it for too long, i cant really take his advice as he cant seem to remember being a beginner.

Answer 1

well it all depends on how much financing you have to start. this is a very expensive sport and requires alot of time and moneys... but its alot of fun!

Trainers are slow high wing planes that have self correct abilities in-flight and are usually in the .25 - .50 engine class. A complete trainder setup can run about $350 (www.towerhobbies.com) and that doesnt include any field support equipment... starter, glow plug igniter, fuel, glues, spare props, spare servos, spare battery etc... Between one thing and the other your drop about $500 to get started unless you go for a used model from ebay.... This is for the gas models

Electrics are a different story. Battery technology has come a long way with Li-Po batteries. Theses can provide long run times and charge reletively quick but are expensive. a 11.1V 2100mah li-po will run about $50 - $70 each (you need more than one). then u need a lipo charger which runs between $80-$150
and a speed controller with a brushless motor (stronger and more efficient setup). then you got the radio gear to deal with

an electic plane will cost more to get going but you wont have to be paying $25 a gallon for fuel because its charge and go...

for electrics im refering to a smaller size electric. if you're looking for a larger electric then it could cost many hundreds if not thousands to setup. and dont be too cheap, remember, you get what you pay for... going for one of thise $150 complete setups is not going to give you the right experience and you will give up quicker. and better setup plane will be easy to fly no matter what it is.. trainer or advanced. get a simulator for your computer. they are a great investment in the hobby!

as mentioned, find a club in your area and ask questions.. talk to people and see what they recommend. if you like u can join the AMA for model insurance (they cover $2.5 million for $60 a year)
i've been in the hobby for many years and currently fly 3D helis only but i have an extensive background in planes

Answer 2

they are OK if they have a four channel remote, so you have full control. best and cheapest way is to make friends with an experienced flyer. They all have an old plane sitting around to sell you at a good price and if you find a nice guy he will show you how to fly. the remotes can be patched together with a trainer cord where he can take over when you get into trouble. Check your local flying club if you don't know any go to your local hobby shop they will know who the local club is.

Answer 3

Do you know where clubs fly locally near you? (There are two places around where I live where people are flying RC planes all the time in good weather.) You could hang around there watching, and get to know some of the people---I'm sure they'd be happy to give you advice. Another idea is to go to a hobby shop (preferably a smaller one--not a big chain store) and ask someone there to give you some guidance.
This website has links to some sites where you might chat with people who are involved in this hobby

http://www.towerhobbies.com/rcwair.html

Answer 4

Well, I tried getting my son into it. I got (what I thought) was a really good plane from the local dept store. It was an air hog. It was a total waste of money. It didnt even last a day. When I looked into replacdement parts, I found it would be the same $ to get a total new one. It is very tricky learning how to land them. It didnt stand up to a beginner's training time.
This Christmas we are trying the RC boats.
Good Luck

Answer 5

I bought a Cox `Sportavia` for my first plane. Two channel and fairly easy to fly. It is a very fun activity and is always a rush.

Answer 6

Fly Dragon (downside is interference prone 27 MHz band radio):
http://www.raidentech.com/eatofly3chrc.html

EasyStar ready-to-fly is one of the most popular beginner airplanes . . related FatWallet thread:
http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/674773/

Answer 7

A cracking web site with links to many others, some free plans