Beginner RC planes

Off-topic Chatter
6

Been flying since I was 10, and there is nooooo way id start with those micros or jets either :slight_smile:

I have been thinking about getting my brother into it, and I think the cheapest way is something like this:

Gliders fly sooooo slow so you have time to correct your mistakes. Being a pusher prop it wont break the prop on landing, which even folders do, and its repairable with foam safe CA for probably 10 or 20 crashes. I fly mainly foamies now because theyre dirt cheap and super easy to fix and modify. One day when I get a piece of land big enough, ill get back into bigger ones etc.

That would get you started anyway.

The dx5e is ok, I have a dx8 and a dx4 that came with a rtf kit which cost almost nothing, and a few old 72 mhz futaba computer radios etc.

The ones that come with the hobbyking kits are fine. Ive had one similar for probably 5 years and it never skipped a beat. Although my futaba is 20+ years old and still works perfect too.

If I was going to buy a radio to start off with, dx8 is awesome, dx7s is just as good but often you can find the dx8 cheaper, and the dx6i is what I would buy as a minimum, because you can save 10 models on it, the dx5e can only save the one. A PITA to re set up everytime etc once you get into it.

I also use these receivers which have flown great for the 2 flights so far haha

If that helps!

Chris

7

The only thing that sucks with glider is that they are slow responding. I had problems when I first flew one and was still fairly new at flying. I would give it too much one way and when it finally went it was to late to try and get it going back.

Another thing is to find a hobby shop near you and have someone help you setup your radio (expo and things like that) so that you are pretty much ready to go when you finally get out to fly.

8

I am not into RC planes but in my place the Sbach 342 is very well-loved for its performance in aerobatics.

9

Times have changed so much, I’m not sure what I would recommend (other than something larger that a micro). I started with a .40 size Midwest Aerostar (about a 4’ wingspan) many years ago. Once I got that down I advance into the faster, less stable, more aerobatic stuff.

If you are looking for a trainer, look for something with a flat bottom wing and a reasonable amount of dihedral (slight wing upward angle). Unlike a car or boat, there is no pause button with planes and crashes are inevitable, so get something easily repairable and lightweight for it’s size.

The best way to learn is to get someone with experience to get the plane off the ground and up to about 2 mistakes high, take over getting the hang of it, and be able to hand it back over if it gets out of control.

10

Hi.

I’ve just got back into RC flying this year from about a 15 year absence.

The planes you link too are very good but if I’m honest are quite advanced unless you can already fly.

The Sbach is highly responsive and very much a stunt plane and not for a beginner. And with the duct fan Jets you really need to fly them, as in mistakes and slow flying are not what they favour.

If you can already fly, then these would be fine. However if you’ve never flown before I think you’ll find these a real mistake and just end up binning the broken pieces.

You can buy USB simulators off ebay cheap, these are quite good for learning the basics, although nothing actually beats real flying.

For a first plane something like this is ideal (I have one):


http://secure.hobbyzone.com/rcplanes/beginner/HBZ4900.html

This is a 3 channel trainer. It’s easy to fly, but also a lot of fun to try. Once you have mastered the basics you need to learn 4 channel.

Something like this would be a good step up:

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/PKZU1580.html

Once you can fly these proficiently then the ones you’ve linked would be worth looking at.

Personally I love the Micro series of RC planes, so much more usable than larger ones as you can fly in so many more places. Plus they are cheap, cheap to repair and easy to maintain.

The only downside is you do need quite a calm day to fly. Being lighter they don’t handle wind as well as larger models.

Remember if you are starting out, you’ll need everything. The Hobbyzone Champ comes as a RTF (ready to fly). Which means you get the plane, the batteries, charger and a transmitter.

I don’t think the Efite come as RTF, so you’ll need a transmitter. Personally a good digital transmitter is well worth the money, like a DX6i or better.

This is a good place for more info on RC planes: Micro Ready-to-Fly - RC Groups

11

I think I am going to go with the Champ RTF kit. Easy to get into. Has remote, batteries, charger and plane is completely built. If it is something I get into, I can save up and get a nice controller, and other BNF planes.

I dont think any of the E-Flights come with a controller. I really want to hold off on buying an expensive remote until I find out if its something I really like

Thanks guys for all the help!!

12

I think that is a great choice. Good luck and hopefully you have fun.

13

The Champ is definitely not the looker that the Sbach is, but would probably smash it up. And the the complete Champ kit is cheaper that just the Sbach plane. Was looking at some larger planes, but the micros are just more interesting and will be a better fit for me right now I think.

My dad bought my sister a yellow balsa wood nitro plane kit years and years ago that never got put together. Maybe if I get into this I can snag that up anb put it together

14

$97.98 shipped to my door for a complete RTF Champ kit. Can not wait! 8)

15

My first plane was head-first into the deep end with a Rarebear Funfighter.

A similar head-first experience ensued.
Super easy to fix foamies though.

16

Hope you enjoy the Champ, it’s a great place to start. Plenty of spares and very easy to repair. Get yourself some foam safe glue and you’ll be set.

My bro accidentally crashed my Champ and tore a wing off. Glued it back on in 5 mins and it flies like new. Larger planes you just wouldn’t get away with this.

When you are ready the Sbach will be a very nice upgrade.

Just so you know, Eflite and Parkzone are Hobbyzone companies/brands. So the Champ is quite closely related.

17

I kind of figured they all were like "house brand" type deals. From the looks of it, the Champ comes with a 4 channel radio too, so if I need to I could get away with not getting a new one until I can afford the one I want. I really wanted something faster and cooler looking, but I guess that's like giving a Lamborghini to a 16 year old.

Looks like it will be here next Tuesday... can not wait

18

If you are new to flying I think you’ll be amazed at how quickly the Champ can cover the sky in front of you. And how quickly things can go wrong :wink:

Let us know how you get on with your maiden flight.

19

Want me to have my fiance record the carnage? S)
I will be sure to let you guys know how I make out for the first flight.

I have two 500 mah lipo cells sitting here that I am wondering if I can mod into the Champ for some extended flight time… Horrible aint it. First plane, have not even got it, and already thinking about modding it…

20

If it’s on it’s way…then go with it. It’s a fine trainer.
It’s light, crashes ‘lightly’ (saving some grief often) BUT it does have some issues, but then EVERYTHING does.

Being light it blows away in ANY wind. You need DEAD CALM conditions. This is critical starting out. This it the main problem in those areas with constant wind.
For your first flight you need LOTS and LOTS of clear space. Any tree within a 1/4 mile will reach out and grab it, guaranteed.
ALL the components are ‘disposable’. It’s a good one trick trainer that is not worth modding and has nothing much worth keeping if you like the sport, but MANY trainers are that way. You can easily spend 2x that amount on a decent transmitter alone. A good kit with stuff worth keeping would set you back about $500. OTOH you WILL trash your first (2nd, 3rd maybe) planes if you don’t get some help/instruction. So, cheap ain’t bad to start since so many people go it alone now. An experienced flier with a buddy box is the best instruction route but you can’t do that with the Champ.

Like this group for lights there are far better places to take this discussion:

There’s way more to learn about RC flying than lights. Staying away from jets until you can fly WELL is one important lesson. You have 2-3 steps (planes :stuck_out_tongue: ) to go once you master the Champ. It’s not a cheap sport even if it looks that way to start.

21

Not to get off-topic but I’m curious if those who happen to have a private pilots license have an easier time starting out with R/C models?

I’m guessing it isn’t an advantage since most of the skills are different but I’ve always been curious. I have a private pilots license (that I no longer use) and I’m not currently thinking about R/C planes but I’m still curious.

I’ve seen people flying them and it looks interesting. I can see that a lighter plane would be harder to fly with wind and I can see that a heavier plane probably does better (successfully) landing on a hard runway rather than trying to land on grass.

22

I was looking at some bigger models, but dont think they would be good for me right now. We live in a small house (836 square feet) with two kiddos and already too much stuff in it.

Wind could be a problem, but I am not too worried. Spare parts are cheap, and glue is even cheaper

Im sure I will crash and smash it up, but I got a plan... Low n slow to learn the controls. Do not know anyone that flies RC planes to help out, so I am on my own

23

Having a good understanding of aerodynamics and the basics of flight does help. When the plane is coming at you the ailerons and rudder are “reversed”, so it takes a while to get used to ingrain this in your reactions (when under pressure).

24

General feeling is at first being a pilot interferes. The difference between ‘seat of the pants always facing the direction you are flying’ and no feedback + control reversal when flying at yourself is extra disrupting. The little planes fly with similar dynamics but the experience is wholly different.

I helped out 1 pilot. He was worse than some, not as bad as a few, but certainly not a ‘star pupil’. I’ve flown a small plane once. It wasn’t like RC at all.

25

Yeah, I’m guessing the viewpoint, lack of feedback, and different controls would be a completely different experience. Maybe after one learned to fly R/C it might help but at that point you’ve probably figured it all out anyway :slight_smile:

Pulsar, take some video of your maiden voyage!