First Airplane ?

[2old2fly]

Flew my first radio control airplane last weekend. Really enjoyed it but was amazed at how bad I was at it. I used to fly real airplanes and thought this would be easy. Instructor saved the airplane on many occasions so I've got a lot to learn. I'd like to get into the hobby, but know that I will not want to fly a trainer for long. Does everyone start with trainers? Will instructors teach you on more advanced airplanes? I realize the consequence of crashing an expensive airplane, but also don't want to waste money on an airplane I may not want for long.

[DaveSawers]

If you used to fly real airplanes, then you will understand that you don't put a rookie pilot into an F-16.

Get the basics sorted out on a trainer and if it survives the experience, sell it to another beginner.

Even experienced model pilots can still have lots of fun with a trainer. Smooth aerobatics and inverted flight are particularly challenging to perfect on a trainer and are much easier on models designed for that job.

Walk first, then start running.

[David A]

Sell the trainer eventually if you wish but my advice would be to keep it in reserve. It's a lovely reference-point model to come back to every now and again. In the months and years to come it'll make you realise how much you've learned and progressed.

Make sure you get one in the first place though.

[mcflyboy]

The main difference between full-size and models is the ability to fly at any orientation relative to the pilot. Master that and judgin your altitude and you'll soon be moving off your trainer.

[globemaster3c17]

Try the SPAD Debonair ( go to http://www.spadtothebone.com/freeplans.htm then go to trainers, then Debonair). For about $10-15 worth of materials, you get a great trainer that builds extremely easy and faster than a balsa plane, at about 1/6 the price of a balsa kit. It has the added benefit of being really tough, so it can take a lot more of a beating than a balsa trainer. I became accustomed to flying R/C (I'm also a full-scale pilot, basically a checkride away from being a CFI) real fast with my great planes PT-40 MK II, but I can't imagine starting out with something other than a trainer. I'm now flying my 4th plane, a 3D Sledge 540, but like the other guys said, it's still fun to take the ol' trainer up every now and then.

[LostMyPlane]

There are also trainer planes with semi-symmetrical wings. They can be tuned down a bit for the first part of training (learning to solo) then be used as a basic acrobatic trainer once you’ve soloed.

[cornbinder]

I,ve only been in this hobby for about 4 years now but have to say keep that trainer
even though you may not be using it much after you become used-to it however there
will be spaces in your flying times that you find the trainer just perfect for self-tune
ups, usually 10-15 minutes 1 flight and i am ready for my sig 300 etc.

[2old2fly]

Appreciate all the good advice. Found a little Hobbico Avitar that was a couple months old with a few small upgrades. After flying a little more, I have much better understanding of your replies. And have gotten very similar info from the guys at the field. Thanks.

[fhhuber506771]

If the instructor will let you use it as a trainer (many won't understand) the Sig Four Star (40 or 60.. either is fine) will work as a trainer. Just have the controls set a bit milder. The Four Star 40 comes with Sig's beginner's guide (so Sig considers it a beginner's model) and the wing planform is the same as a typical trainer... (and thats what makes a good trainer is the wing..) It can fly very slow..

It can later have the wing clipped (one "bay" each side cut off and the wingtips put on the new ends) and the control throws maxed out and will do some entry level 3D with a .46 and an APC 12.25X3.75.

Hard to go wrong with a Four Star...

[ivanc]

I have the 4*40 and I love it. This is my third plane after flying a Hobbico SuperStar EP and a Hobbico HobbiStar 60. But I would not consider it to be a first airplane. It's easier to fly it AFTER flying a high wing trainer and especially after the HobbiStar 60, which has a high landing speed and stalls pretty easy. But the 4* is much harder to track because of its low wing. It is also a pretty sensitive plane compared to high wing trainers.
So my advice is to get the Avistar - it's a nice trainer capable of a lot of basic aerobatics (less dihedral and semi-symmetrical wing). You'll enjoy it even when you move to more aerobatic planes. A lot of experienced pilots on our field bring an Avistar on occasions for fun flights.

[Viper Pilot]

I flew my Avistar regularly for many years before I sold it to a youngster new to the hobby. Wished I never did that!!!

I'm getting another trainer this summer to tool around with. It's amazing how a change from a "hotliner" to the trainer can calm your nerves.

Viper

[skyflyut]

Hi all,
I've been flying electrics for about a year. I would like to get into glow. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the "PTS" planes from hangar 9. they have droops and speed brakes to make the plane slower and more stable. As you get better with the plane you can remove speed brakes, droops, and make the flaps functional (rather than fixxed in down position)
Thanks

[littlewing78]

This is just my opinion but I know there are many who will agree. Get a real trainer plane. I dont like the PTS planes. You will also need an instructor. Even though you know how to fly you will need to learn how to use a glow engine.
Just about any plane that is labeled as a trainer will work fine(other than PTS). Depending on how good you fly you may be able to skip the glow trainer and get something like the SIG 4 star.