Plans for Indoor RC Airplane

[strawcuter]

I am new to RC flying and am in the process of learning to fly an Easy Star. I would like to continue to learn over the winter. I hope to find a place to fly inside this winter and would like some advice on an inside plane for beginners. Either a kit or plans would do. Also any advice about where I can find electronics, motors and accessories would very helpful.

Thanks, Bob

[Mike Taylor]

If you have an indoor facility to fly in, there are a lot os smaller models that will fill the bill. Since you are just learning, I would suggest you stay away from balsa planes for a while, and concentrate on some foamies that will take a lot of banging around.

For micro gear, there are a few systems that are under 1/3 ounce. There is the Cirrus Micro Joule ($130 for the RX, ESC and 2 servos; for 1 LiPoly cell see http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/443413.asp and for the 2-cell version see here: http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/443414.asp). This system uses servos. This system got a bad name when it was rushed to manufacturing last year, but has been completely revamped. The now seem to be quite solid performers.

The JMP RX (from Bob Selman in the U.S. http://www.bsdmicrorc.com/) comes in bothe servo and actuator versions. The servos are twice as expensive as actuators, but much stronger and lighter than some actuators. The servo version comes ready to plug in and go. You do need to solder up the power leads to the motor and battery. The actuator version can be had with or without connectors, and I advise spending the extra $15 for the connector-ized one - it is much easier to use and set up.

The RFFS was the first 'plug-n-play' micro system. It runs actuators, but it is very light. Its draw back is that it if not very selective and is subject to radio interference if you fly with a large number other people. See the DWE / DU website at: http://www.slowfly.com/

DWE sells RTF parasol-type, high wing models, and can supply several small motors, the LiPoly batteries and charger for them, the DWE 'Flying Dutchman' or 'Super Skeeter'. Bob Selman sells a nice foam core wing from which you can build a great flying indoor model. There are quite a few foam FF models that convert nicely to R/C control for indoor use. The Harbor Freight 'Ligtning' (looks like a Cessna) is a good flyer after conversion and is quite durable. After you have the gear, new airframs can be had for $10 or less. This takes a lot of the worry out of indoor flying.