This page is under construction and is about 25%
complete. Still, there is a significant amount of
information and help for the newbie in selecting trainer
planes.
Information for Newbies
This page will
attempt to offer those new to the hobby, and those newly
returning, recommendations on airplanes, engines, and
electronics to make their first choices much easier.
There are many, many options available to the hobbyist
on planes (ARF, RTF, Kits, etc.), types of power sources
(electric, gas, glow, etc.), motors/engines (brushless outrunners
and inrunners, 2 stroke, 4 stroke, etc.), types of
transmitters (72 MHz, 2.4 GHz), and field
equipment (types of fuels, fuel pumps, chargers,
batteries, etc.). The following recommendations are not
the only good options available to you, but they are
excellent recommendations based on our trainer's
experiences. Again, these recommendations are given to
you to help reduce the stress from trying to sort
through the mind boggling array of equipment choices.
All the recommendations herein are very good ones.
Radio Control
Sport Flyers is dedicated to the training of new pilots.
RCSF strongly advises new pilots to seek training from
experienced trainers. Tips on maintenance, safety, and
etiquette, not to mention keeping your plane in the air, will significantly increase your success in,
and therefore your enjoyment of, this hobby.
This page will be
quite long and
therefore divided in several sections for your convenience:
GLOW vs.
ELECTRIC
There
seems to be a war raging between diehard
electric and glow pilots over which is better.
Recently electrics have been increasing in
popularity. As one who flies both wet fuels (gas
and glow) and electric (I trained on an
electric), I am puzzled by this war. In my
opinion, neither is inherently overall better.
However, one may better suit you nore than
another. This section will give you a very brief
overview of these two most popular power
choices.
Glow
fuel, most commonly known as "gas", is
actually a blend of alcohol, nitro, and caster
oil (There are engines that do run on gasoline,
but they have large displacements, are more
expensive and as such are used mainly by the
experienced pilot to power very large aircraft).
Glow engines will more easily and cheaply power
large planes than electrics currently can. Glow
trainers are approximately 4 - 6 lbs in weight,
have a 5 - 6 foot wing span with a high wing
designed for stability, and most are built to be
more stable in flight. This does not mean that a
trainer cannot do aerobatic maneuvers. Glow
engines are quite reliable and require a
moderate amount of maintenance. The castor oil
does leave a residue on the plane which needs to
be cleaned off with a Windex type cleaner.
Militant electric flyers tend to think of their
glow compadres as noisy and slimy. In fact, glow
planes are often called "slimers," even by glow
pilots.
Electric trainers are generally smaller than
glow trainers -- about 15 - 32 oz with a 3 foot
to 4 foot wing span -- and like their glow
counterpart they are designed for stability and
forgiveness. Because they are lighter than their
glow counterparts they tend to be more
susceptible to windy conditions (especially so
for a trainee), but are less likely to sustain
damage in moderate to light crashes. Electrics
are generally easier to transport (most easily
fitting into an average trunk even with the wing
attached), and can be as responsive and
effective as a glow plane. Since electric planes
are generally smaller and often slower than glow
planes, they can be flown in smaller spaces than
the larger glow trainers. Indeed, there are
numerous small, slow flying electric trainers
designed to be flown in a typical household yard
or a park. Care should be taken on choosing
motor types, and batteries as this will
greatly effect performance. Choosing an
electric motor for someone new to electric
flight (even an experienced glow pilot) can be
much more confusing than choosing a glow engine.
Hopefully, the recommendations in the
engine/motor section of this page will be clear
enough to make your electric motor choices much
easier. Electric motors produce no waste so
there is usually no need to clean the plane
after flight (grass clippings being the most
common spoilage). Militant glow fliers tend to
think of electrics as toys.
Even
though RCSF strongly advocates for the use of a
training instructor there are circumstances that
may lead a person to choose to learn to fly by
themselves. Fortunately for these folk, there
are some electric planes that can be used to
learn to fly without an instructor. New pilots
should who decide to take this route should take
time to carefully research RC flying safety and
etiquette procedures.
Either
glow or electric work well as trainers. Those
with strong opinions on this topic tend to
support the power choice they trained on. After
reading the following recommendations you should
have a better feel on which power choice you may
prefer. If this page does not help you, come to
Stamm Field (or a club near you) and talk to
club members. Many of our members who fly
regularly fly electrics as well as their glow or
gas planes.
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TOP ~
COSTS
As with
any dynamic hobby, your investment can have a
direct impact on your enjoyment. This is not to
say that if you spend huge amounts of money you
are guaranteed success or ecstatic joy. Rather,
we caution you to consider buying good,
appropriate, reliable, quality equipment vs.
always getting the cheapest. Fortunately, parts
of this hobby are getting less expensive as time
passes; this is not to say it is cheap. For
those in the hobby, it is well worth the money.
Generally,
a beginner can expect to pay about $450+ for a
complete glow setup (plane, engine, transmitter,
receiver, batteries, charger, fuel, starter,
etc.). An electric setup (plane, motor, gearbox,
transmitter, receiver, speed controller, servos,
battery, charger, etc.) can be significantly
cheaper (less than half) but you do need to be
concerned about the reusability of your
equipment when you move to your second plane.
Reusability is much more a concern with electric
setups (especially the ready-to-fly setups) than
with glow setups. We will discuss this later in
this page.
FLIGHT
SIMULATORS
RC flight
simulators are strongly recommended do much to
enhance the quality and speed of learning to fly
RC airplanes. There are many to choose from, but
for the beginner you do not need to spend much
or any money to get a helpful and fun simulator.
For the newbie, getting a feel for the plane's
orientation and a general feel for landings are
the most important issues. There are many free
simulators on the internet and many inexpensive
one on the market. The following list are
recommendations of very cheap or free
simulators.
Pre-Flight: $38 (as of Nov. '06)
http://www.preflightsim.com/preflight001.htm
FMS: Free (as of Nov. '06)
http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html
The
following are recommendations if high end
simulators
AeroFly Pro: w/ simulator "transmitter"
$208; w/o "transmitter" $180
Hanger 9 FS One: w/ Mode 2 controller $210;
w/o Mode 2 controller $180
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ARF, RTF,
KIT
OK, ok!
You want to know what to get. We are very close
to giving you that information. First, some
basic background information.
RTF.
Ready-To-Fly setups are nearly fully assembled
airframes with all electronics in place, a
transmitter, batteries, and charger. You will
still need to supply the fuel and glow igniter
for glow planes. Most RTF's are ready to fly
when the batteries are charged (overnight in
some cases, a few hours to a few minutes in
others). Advantages to RTFs is that all the
equipment is packaged and chosen for you and,
for those who do not like to build or do not
have time or space for building, your
construction time is nil to extremely minimal.
Negative: you have no flexibility in equipment
choices, color schemes, etc.
ARF (or ARTF):
Almost-Ready-to-Fly setups are approximately 90%
pre-built airframes only (airframe only: no
electronics, engine, etc). These plane are
framed and completely covered. You will have to
join some large parts (i.e. wing halves, rudder
and stabilizer), install the electronics
(servos, receiver, battery), and you will mount
the engine. Most people, even those with little
building experience, can complete the
construction in a long weekend. If you have no
building experience it is recommended you visit
your local club or hobby store and seek some
advice and tips. The building instructions are
generally clear and with careful attention to
detail, these aircraft can be very successfully
built by a novice. Advantages: fairly short
construction time, and you may choose equipment
for the plane. Disadvantages: building time for
those who do not like to build or do not have
time or space for building, you have almost no
flexibility in color schemes, and you have to
make decisions about equipment.
Kits: Kits are
totally unassembled airframes. They come with
plans, wood, instructions, and in most cases,
hardware (landing gear, pushrods, etc). Kits can
take from a several hours to several months to
complete depending on the complexity of the
airframe, experience of the builder and free
time for building. A novice can expect to spend
three or four weekends building a introductory
kit. Access to experienced builders can reduce
building time and frustrations significantly.
Advantages: you are in control of all aspects of
your plane (building care, modifications, color
schemes, equipment, etc.). Negative: building
time for those who do not like to build or do
not have time or space for building
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RECOMMENDED GLOW TRAINERS
RTF:
Hobbico Avistar
Select
Specifications:
Wingspan: 59 in
Wing Area: 602 sq in
Wing Loading: 19 oz/sq ft
Weight: 5 lb
Includes: O.S. .40 LA, Futaba 4VF
radio
Features:
* NO
PAINTING, NO SANDING, NO GLUING and NO
DRILLING
* O.S. .40 LA Engine & Futaba Radio
Pre-installed
* 20 minute assembly time
* Fuselage: Pre-Covered in MonoKote &
Pre-Assembled Sheeted Box Style.
* Wing: Pre-Covered in MonoKote w/Ribbed
Balsa
* Semi-Symmetrical Airfoil That Joins
Together with a Metal Dowel Rod and Nylon
Straps
* Tail Sections are Solid Balsa and are
Pre-Covered in MonoKote.
* 90% Pre-Assembled, All Wood, Ready-To-Fly
Kit.
Requires:
*
Field Equipment
* Misc. Items: Glow Fuel, Phillips Head
Screwdriver, Pliers
* 5/64" allen wrench to tighten various
screws
Price:
Almost
anywhere this set up can be purchased for
$279.99 as of November 2006
ARF:
Hobbico Avistar
40 II
Specifications:
Wingspan: 59 in
Wing Area: 602 sq in
Weight: 5 lb
Wing loading: 19.1 oz/sq ft
Fuselage Length: 44.8 in
Features:
*
Sturdy, all wood, 90% pre-built and
pre-covered wing, fuselage, and tail
assemblies
* Easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction
manual.
* Semi-symmetrical airfoil provides
stability & aerobatics capabilities
* Pre-Covered in Top Flite MonoKote
Covering.
Includes:
*
Wing, Fuselage & Tail Assemblies
* 2-1/4" Spinner (White)
* 10-1/2 oz Fuel Tank
* Metal Engine Mount
* 1/8" diameter Wire Landing Gear
* 2-3/8" Rubber Treaded Wheels
* Dowel Pushrods
* Hardware
* Illustrated Instruction Book
Requires:
Engine:
.40-.46 (2-stroke)
Radio:
4 Channel
Misc. Items: Building and Field
Equipment.
Price:
Almost
anywhere it can be found for $99.99 as of
November 2006
KIT:
Sig LT-40
Wingspan: 70 in
Wing Area: 900 sq in
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Wing loading: 14.8 oz/sq ft
Fuselage Length: 56 in
Features:
*
Lazer-cut, die-cut and saw-cut wood parts
* Easy to follow plans and instructions
* Flat bottom wing
Includes:
* All
the Wood to build kit
* Dubro Treaded Wheels (2/34" & 3")
* Dubro 8oz. Fuel Tank
* Dubro 2" Spinner (black)
* Sig Easy Hinges
* Sig Nylon, Adjustable Engine Mount
* 1/8"Diameter Wire Landing Gear
* Decal Sheet
* Folded Plans & Building Instruction Book.
Requires:
*
.30-.40 2-stroke or .40-.50 4-stroke Engine
* 4 Channel Radio
* 3 Rolls of Covering Building
* Field Equipment
* #67 rubber bands
Price:
Almost
anywhere it can be found for $99.99 as of
November 2006
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RECOMMENDED ELECTRIC
TRAINERS
RTF
Hobbico's SuperStar EP Select with Ailerons
Specifications
Wingspan: 48.75 in
Wing Area: 402 sq in
Weight: 3.1 lb ready to fly
Wing Loading: 18 oz/sq ft
Fuselage Length: 36.1 in
Channels: 4 (ailerons, throttle, rudder,
elevator)
Motor: ElectriFly T-601
Battery: 7-cell 8.4V 2100mAh
Flight Time w/ Recommended Battery: 6
- 10 min.
Features:
*
Balsa and plywood construction
* Precovered in a durable plastic film.
* Ready to fly in just 3-5 hours.
* Easy installation of standard-sized
onboard electronics
* One piece wing with ailerons and metal
joiner rod
* Flat-bottom airfoil supplies excellent
lift at slow speeds
* Two piece pre-bent wire landinggear
* Two 1-3/4" (45mm) diameter foam
construction wheels
* 9x5.5 composite construction propeller
* Warranty: Ninety day limited
Includes:
*
Pushrods
* Instruction manual
* Futaba 4YF radio system
* 7-cell 8.4V 2100mAh (w/standard Tamiya
connector) battery
* Electronic Speed Control with metal heat
sink
* BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuitry) and
Kyosho type connector
* ElectriFly T-601 motor preinstalled with
leads
Requires:
*
Charger: Timed or peak for included battery
* Additional batteries recommended (7-cell
8.4V 2100mAh)
Price:
Prices
hung around the $234.95 - $249.99 range as
of November 2006.
RTF
(Self Training Capable)
Multiplex Easy Star RTF
Specifications:
Wingspan:
54 in Wing Area: 390 sq in
Weight: 24 oz Wing loading: 9 oz/sq ft Fuselage Length: 36 in
Channels: 3 (rudder, elevator,
throttle) Motor: Speed 400 Battery:
7-8 cell 500-1050 mah NiCd
or NiMh
Features:
*
Designed for first time pilots in mind
* Incredibly stable flight characteristics
and durability
* Powered by a powerful Speed 400 motor
* Motor is mounted on the top so hard
landings won’t break the prop or hurt the
motor.
* Made from Multiplex’s durable “Elapor”
foam
* Easy Star will take a tremendous amount of
abuse without breaking
* Easily repaired at the flying site with CA
(super) glue
* Even after many crashes, the Easy Star
will be ready for more
* This is a great plane to teach someone to
fly where other trainers would be ready for
the trash can
* Motor, speed control are installed and
wired, the receiver and servos are installed
and connected.
* All connectors are installed; control rods
and control horns are installed
Includes:
*
Hitec Focus 3 Radio
* (2) Tiny-S Servos
* X-08 Speed Control
* Motor
* Battery and charger
Requires:
*
Nothing
Price:
Prices were most commonly between $159.99 -
$199.99
as of November 2006
ARF
(Self Training Capable)
Multiplex Easy Star ARF
Specifications:
Wingspan:
54 in Wing Area: 390 sq in
Weight: 24 oz Wing loading:
9 oz/sq ft Fuselage Length: 36 in
Channels: 3 (rudder, elevator,
throttle)
Motor: Speed 400
Battery: 7-8 cell 500-1050 mah NiCd
or NiMh
Features:
*
Designed for first time pilots in mind
* Incredibly stable flight characteristics
and durability
* Powered by a powerful Speed 400 motor
* Motor is mounted on the top so hard
landings won’t break the prop or hurt the
motor.
* Made from Multiplex’s durable “Elapor”
foam
* Easy Star will take a tremendous amount of
abuse without breaking
* Easily repaired at the flying site with CA
(super) glue
* Even after many crashes, the Easy Star
will be ready for more
* This is a great plane to teach someone to
fly where other trainers would be ready for
the trash can
* No landing gear, model lands on its belly
* Ready to fly in two to six hours
Includes:
* Foam
fuselage, wings, and tail section
* 400 size motor (direct drive) with
connector and lead (must be soldered to
motor)
* illustrated instructions.
* Pushrods and other hardware included
* 5" diameter pusher prop with black spinner
* Colorful Easy Star logo decals
Requires:
*
Minimum 3-channel radio (throttle, rudder,
and elevator control)
* 2 micro servos
* 12 amp speed control and connector
* 6 or 7 cell battery from 500 to 1500mAh
* Charger for the battery with proper
connector
* Miscellaneous building equipment
Price:
Prices
were most commonly between 57.99 - 59.99 as
of November 2006
ARF
Modeltech Fledgling EP ARF 4-Ch Trainer
Specifications:
Wing Span: 55.5 inches
Wing Area: 495 sq. in.
Weight: 2.75-3.1 pounds
Wing Loading: 12.8 to 14.5 oz/sq.in.
Length: 41 inches
Cannels: 4 (Aileron, Elevator,
Rudder, Throttle)
Motor: Speed 600
Battery: 7 cell 2400mah or greater
NiMh or 2 cell 2000mah or greater LiPo
Features:
*
Includes 600 size electric brushed motor
* Propeller designed for the Fledgling
* All-wood airframe
* 4 Channel Function for superior control
* Complete hardware included
* Finished with premium covering
Required:
* 4
channel radio system
* 4 channel (minimum) reciever
* 3 servos
* 35 amp motor ESC
* 7 cell 2400mah or greater sub-c battery
pack (alternative: 2 cell 2000mah or greater
li-po battery pack)
* Charger for battery
* Basic tools and finishing supplies
Price:
Ranged
from $90 - $100
KIT:
Stevens AeroModel SQuiRT Trainer w/ Ailerons
Specifications
Wingspan:
38 in Wing Area: 260 sq in
Weight: 15 oz Wing loading:
8.3 oz/sq ft Fuselage Length: 26 in
Channels: 4 (ailerons, rudder, elevator,
throttle)
Motor: Speed 400
Battery: 1000mAh 7.4 volt (2 cell)
LiPo
Features:
*
Innovative shock absorbing gear and wing
mounting system
* Out performs any foamy in it's class in
terms of flight performance and ruggedness
* Laser cut tab and notch construction makes
building a straight and true wing and
fuselage as easy as gluing your fingers
together!
* 2 - 3 evening building time
Includes:
*
Stick mount for the GWS Speed 300/350 power
system
* Full hardware pack loaded with high
quality Du-Bro hardware
* Pre-Bent Landing gear and wheels
* Full-Size Plan Sheet
* Detailed step by step photo illustrated
instruction manual
Requires:
* GWS
EDP400 6V direct drive motor system and
mount
* 7x3.5 propellor
* 3 each sub-micro servos 8-10g (Hitec
HS-55)
* One 4ch (minimum) receiver
* 4 Channel (minimum) transmitter
* 10 amp Speed controller with BEC
* 1000mAh 7.4 volt (2 cell)
LiPo
Price:
$49.95
directly from Stevens AeroModel
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