Nexstar

[Andrew Lumley]

Hey,

I was considering buying a Nexstar Select RTF. Does anyone know if this is a good plane to start with? And also does anyone know if the Nextar on Realflight G4 is easier or harder to fly than the real thing?

Thanks

[skippyspad]

Typically the real deal is always harder than the simulator. There's no red button do-over. I hear good things about this plane as a trainer, but you should still probably get with an instructor if you've never flown, or it's been a while. I learned a long time ago (20 years), was out of it for close to 15 years, then got back in with an ultra stick. Expensive lesson as it's now about a foot shorter than designed. Built a Kadet LT-40 and have been flying it for over a year. Now it has floats. My kids have been training on G 3.5 while building a trainer.

[pkquat]

I was also looking at a Nexstar a while back. A number of people at the G4 and G3.5 forums and other places on the net have said that the sim is close for flight characteristics although you can't simulate real wind and other similar factors.

I have G3.5 and G4 now, and never flew a real plane before. I have spent a very large number of hours on the sim flying all sorts of planes on there. IMO the more planes you try and succeed with the better. I have crashed over a million dollars worth of planes on the sim. It was well worth it. Practice smooth dead stick landings, and as long as you are close to the runway that is fine. I also tossed the plane in odd positions or attempted trick and then try to recover.

I recently got a used Avistar off Craigslist. My first flight with a buddy box I landed it after some practice approaches (but I only was on the tar for a second before I stopped in the grass). My 2nd flight I was doing inverted 8's and other basic aerobatics and again landed it. I think the next time we go flying he won't be plugged in (depending on the amount of wind), but will be near by for advice.

An instructor is a must for any first flights.

[rodneygt]

Many people have learned on the nexstar. I'm sure it's a good plane. I learned and am still learning on world models sky raider mach 1 - it has been a great trainer. I've noticed that hanger 9's alpha trainer rtf is about to be shipping with a 2.4 radio - the new spektrum dx5e. 2.4 is the way of the future. Many people have learned on the alpha too. Most high wing trainers are probably going to be similar.

I don't know about G4. I used the freeware simulator FMS. It had one huge advantage over G4 - it was free. I had to be self-taught or not fly because I live so far from any clubs.

Simulators are good but they're not perfect. In most ways it's easier to fly the simulator but in at least one way it's harder.

Sim is easier: There's little stress flying the simulator - if you crash it, you get to restart it. There's huge stress with the model you spent all of that money on - you crash it and it's gone. When you first fly the real plane, it probably won't be trimmed perfectly (e.g. I had to fight too much down elevator on my first flight and was too nervous to slide the trim lever - also, I almost hit a tree). The real plane will seem much faster than the simulator initially. This is probably because of the small screen you've been flying the simulator on (after you've made a few actual flights, you won't notice this speed difference). The models take up more airspace and ground space than you may have guessed from the sim.

Sim is harder: The only thing that is easier about the real plane is in your ability to see it (peripheral vision present in real and you can judge distances better - actual 3-D versus simualted 3-D) - also, you can physically move around and look where you want to.

If practical, get an instructor. Regardless, practice, practice, practice on the simulator.The orientation skills learned on the simulator are invaluable.

Rodney

[jetmech05]

IMHO there are better trainers out there for less money. The afs system...most instructors I know disconnect that before the first flight.
However you are going to find that the Nexstar has its loyal followers as well..I could teach you with one..and that isits purpose

[GunnyGlow]

I learned with a nexstar......I was VERY sad when someone crashed it. It's durable and fun for a few months. Then you will want something better...and better....and better.....so starts the endless cycle!!