Begginer question about electric to gas trainers

[kobkobico]

Hi, I have a question about moving to rc gas trainers from electric. Is it possible after learning to fly electric trainers (without an instructor) and getting it perfectly flown,to get a gas trainer (like the Alpha trainer) and flying it by teaching yourself? If so is it really hard? :D thanks,
Kobkobico

[aeajr]

All depends on the pilot, the plane and the flight conditions. Planes fly the same regardless of the power source. For example, ailerons are the same on glow, gas, electics, and gliders. They do the same thing in the same way.

Glow planes tend to be larger and heavier. They tend to be 4 channel as opposed to many of the beginner electric planes which are 3 channel. If you have mastered a 3 channel electric, you can move up to a 4 channel electric aileron trainer or you can go to a 4 channel glow plane.

An instructor is always a good idea with your first glow plane as there is a lot to know about tuning engines that you don't need to know to fly electrics. Also the glow planes, if they are larger, heavier and faster, are also more dangerous and can cause a lot more damage. The same would be true with a larger faster electric plane.

Power source is really not the issue.

[bigedmustafa]

I agree with aeajr, flying a nitro powered plane isn't radically different from flying a powerful electric plane. What is different is all of the nuances that come with nitro/glow powered engines.

The fuel is highly flammable and the high rpm/high torque engines can remove a finger or two. Jumping into nitro powered planes without the guidance of an experienced modeller/pilot to help you isn't recommended.

Setting up a flight tote with a glow starter, fuel bottel, fuel pump, starter, and other miscellaneous field equipment is not very intuitive, either. Here again the advice of a seasoned r/c pilot will be invaluable.

Finally, damaging a nitro powered plane isn't like crashing a ready-to-fly electric at all. If you stick an electric plane in a tree while learning to land, you might just need a replacement wing from the hobby store. If you put your nitro plane into a tree, a typical repair will call for skilled hands to rebuild the damaged balsa wood bracings and to recover the holes made in the monokote covering.

Starting and flying nitro planes requires special skills and talents. Landing and maintaining nitro planes requires special skills and talent. Crashing and repairing nitro planes requires special skills and talent.

Jumping into a "gas" powered plane without the help of someone experienced in flying them could end up being an expensive exercise in frustration.

[1g1yy]

Obviously you must be referring to the little toy electric planes. (If you were flying .40+ size electrics you wouldn't be asking this question.) I agree with what the above posters wrote -- you need help from an instructor! But it should be easier and quicker for you. :)