Buying first plane. Am I getting in over my head?

[Tread253]

My buddy and I have been thinking about RC electric park flyers for a while, and decided to take the leap. Problem is, I am a little concerned that we may be getting too much for plane for an absolute beginner. Our flight area would be large local parks and football fields.

We were intrigued by the Streetfighters put out by Northeast Sailplane. Since they are EPP foam, we figured that they would be able to take a little beating.

My question is do you think we should start off smaller? Our thought was to get a decent 4-channel radio and the individual parts so we could change planes at a later date if needed. Our setup was going to be this:

Streetfighter Plane - Foam - 29 in. wingspan

Hacker A20-34S Brushless Outrunner

Hitec Laser 4-channel FM / 2 HS55 servos

Great Planes Silver Series 8A Brushless ESC

LiPo 720 mAh 7.4V 2-cell w/ charger

Does anyone have any experience with the Streetfighters or with comparable size foam flyers? While I know they won't be as easy to learn on as a dedicated trainer, are they still light enough and forgiving enough to take the pounding of a beginning flyer?

Thanks

[aeropal]

Does anyone have any experience with the Streetfighters or with comparable size foam flyers? While I know they won't be as easy to learn on as a dedicated trainer, are they still light enough and forgiving enough to take the pounding of a beginning flyer?
Don't really understand why you are asking . . you have obviously done a lot of research and have chosen to reject traditional beginner airplanes such as the EasyStar or SlowStick in favor of the "cool looking" Streetfighter (http://www.nesail.com/categories.php?subcatID=63) series. The "don't want no stinking trainer" mentality is your decision to make . . why waste everyones time if you have already made it?

[Bark65]

Most people benefit from flying trainer type airplanes first. You might be an exception. You will find out real quick if your in over your head once your new street fighter airplane takes her maiden flight. Let us know how it worked out for you. Photos would be great.
Good Luck,
Bark

[Joe Brinduse]

Don't really understand why you are asking . . you have obviously done a lot of research and have chosen to reject traditional beginner airplanes such as the EasyStar or SlowStick in favor of the "cool looking" Streetfighter (http://www.nesail.com/categories.php?subcatID=63) series. The "don't want no stinking trainer" mentality is your decision to make . . why waste everyones time if you have already made it?
A nice way to put this is maybe you should get a trainer frist And then move up .

[Bark65]

My first post was probably a little sarcastic. I apologize. You would probably be better off waiting to fly the street fighter until you have some stick time in with a trainer. None of us know what your abilities are so you might be successful with the combat plane, but once the plane is in the air and you decide you can't control it its too late. At the least you will twist up a prop which is no big deal. On the otherhand you could also total the plane, and worse yet, hurt someone. The choice is yours to make. Just make sure you pick a day with little or no wind and that people are at a safe distance away.
Good luck,
Bark

[Tread253]

Don't really understand why you are asking . . you have obviously done a lot of research and have chosen to reject traditional beginner airplanes such as the EasyStar or SlowStick in favor of the "cool looking" Streetfighter (http://www.nesail.com/categories.php?subcatID=63) series. The "don't want no stinking trainer" mentality is your decision to make . . why waste everyones time if you have already made it?


Wow, aeropal. Not exactly sure where the "pal" comes from in you tag. I can think of 3 or 4 different letters for the tag, but that's besides the point. I was asking because I was genuinely curious, and felt I was going to fast. Thanks to the helpful replies to this question that I got in a different forum, I am scratching my plans for a warbird and looking at the SlowStick. Thanks for helping me decide not to use this forum in the future.

[Joe Brinduse]

we All are not like that ^^^ Good luck

[Bark65]

Slow Stick is a great airplane from what I hear about it. There is tons of information out there on the web about this plane. From what I've read its a great plane to start out on and one that you will fly for a long time and not get bored with it. Lots of guys strap cameras on them and use them for aerial photography as well. The simple design of this plane will have you spending less time making repairs and more time flying.
Good Luck,
Bark

[aeajr]

My buddy and I have been thinking about RC electric park flyers for a while, and decided to take the leap. Problem is, I am a little concerned that we may be getting too much for plane for an absolute beginner. Our flight area would be large local parks and football fields.

We were intrigued by the Streetfighters put out by Northeast Sailplane. Since they are EPP foam, we figured that they would be able to take a little beating.

My question is do you think we should start off smaller? Our thought was to get a decent 4-channel radio and the individual parts so we could change planes at a later date if needed. Our setup was going to be this:

Streetfighter Plane - Foam - 29 in. wingspan

Hacker A20-34S Brushless Outrunner

Hitec Laser 4-channel FM / 2 HS55 servos

Great Planes Silver Series 8A Brushless ESC

LiPo 720 mAh 7.4V 2-cell w/ charger

Does anyone have any experience with the Streetfighters or with comparable size foam flyers? While I know they won't be as easy to learn on as a dedicated trainer, are they still light enough and forgiving enough to take the pounding of a beginning flyer?

Thanks


Two suggestions - Now that you have decided to get the slow stick:

1) Get some extra props, but more importantly, get a prop saver. The one problem with front prop trainers it that you are going to break props.

2) If you have the funding, get a computer radio instead of the standard radio. I would say it is pretty certain you are going to have several planes. A computer radio will allow you to save the set-up of each plane so you can switch between them easily, with out making mistakes in trim, servo reversing, etc. Plus, computer radios can do things standard radios can't.

One suggestion would be Futaba 6exas with the micro sized components. Thsi package is available at many hobbby stores.

Or, go to www.servocity.com and get the Hitec Optic 6 or Futaba 7C with exactly the components you want.

[mes]

aero.........****, chill out man. We all started somewhere with a lot of questions.

[Longbranch]

Wow. I hate to see a new member turned off by their first post (if it was). I hope Tread doesn't resign from these forums entirely. In case you're still looking in here Tread, there is so much to learn here, and so many friendly folks. It would be a shame to miss out on all this forum has to offer because someone hurt your feelings.

At any rate, here's my take on the starting out question. I started with the Parkzone line, first going with the Slo-V, and fairly quickly moving up to the Super Decathlon. I found the Slo-V to be a good trainer, and still lively enough to give you some fun on the high rate setting when you get more experienced. The Decathlon has been a bit of a dissappointment so far. It's underpowered and the wing seems a little small. It lands hot and stalls out easily. Stalls are fairly forgiving however, with little tendency to drop a tip. If you think you can handle something slightly more than the Slo-V, the J-3 Cub might be the place to start. For me it was better to get the whole package together for about $150 to $180 (depending on what you choose) with transmitter, battery, charger etc. all at once. I'm now looking into my next plane and haven't decided what route to take yet. I'm thinking hard about the Parkzone F-27B Stryker (again a complete package, and also Lipo compatible) or some other plane that requires all seperate components such as radio etc. As far as that goes I'm looking at the Futaba 6exas with micro setup as described by aeajr. I know I should look at Hitech, but haven't had the time yet. Can someone recommend which model Hitech offers that is roughly similar to the 6exas? I've heard good things about JR too, but the whole negative shift thing seems limiting, at least so far as other brand components in the future. Another advantage for me at least with the Parkzone line is that my only local hobby store has all the replacement parts etc. I could ever want for their entire line, so it's very convenient for me. Thus far I've needed a few replacements and a few extras, and the cost is pretty low. If I had gotten another plane, I would have had to wait for parts via UPS or pre-purchased them in anticipation of less than perfect landings. Either way, a quick trip to my local store and I had my parts. Cheap and easy. I'm not advertising for Parkzone, rather I'm suggesting that you might want to think about your logistic situation and get the plane that will be easiest to repair not if you need parts but when. Anyway, I hope you choose to stay with this forum and also that you choose a plane that makes you happy, cuz that's what it's all about. This is a HOBBY, nothing more. Do whatever puts the smile on your face. Good luck.

[aeajr]

I'm now looking into my next plane and haven't decided what route to take yet. I'm thinking hard about the Parkzone F-27B Stryker (again a complete package, and also Lipo compatible) or some other plane that requires all seperate components such as radio etc. As far as that goes I'm looking at the Futaba 6exas with micro setup as described by aeajr. I know I should look at Hitech, but haven't had the time yet. Can someone recommend which model Hitech offers that is roughly similar to the 6exas? I've heard good things about JR too, but the whole negative shift thing seems limiting, at least so far as other brand components in the future.

This is a HOBBY, nothing more. Do whatever puts the smile on your face. Good luck.

Longbranch,

You provide excellent advice to our new flyer. Since you asked some questions youself, let me see if i can help.

Based on your post, it is time to leave the relm of the RTFs and move on to components. Nothing wrong with RTF packages but you are ready for the next step.

6EXAS is a nice starter computer radio at about $160.

Hitec has one below it, the Flash 5SX, and one above it, the Optic 6. Both good radios, but I no longer recommend the Flash because I think the 6EXAS is a better value at this time.

Airtronics also has a nice strater computer radio in the VG 6000 which is packaged with micro servos, receiver AND a speed control for about $160
http://www.airtronics.net/VG6000.htm

The Hitec Optic 6 has more features but is not sold in a package with small servos. The Optic can change shifts from neg to positive so shift is not an issue. There is also the Spectrum channel synth so you can fly on any of 50 channels. You would have to go to www.servocity.com and buy a custom package if you want micro components. With micro stuff it would be about $230 on one channel or about 275 with the Spectrum. These are just estimates.

The Futaba 7C is easier to program than the Optic 6, in my opinion. It has 1 more channel and two more model memories. However it does not offer shift select and can not take a channel synth, like the optic 6. Again, not sold in a micro package that I have seen. Servocity can do a custom package on that one to. With micro stuff figure about $260.

However, with all those choices, in my opinion, for the new electric flyer the way to go is spread spectrum. No channel conflict to worry about, plenty of features, micro components and backed by Horizon Hobby.

The DX6 computer radio - $199
No shift problems
automatic channel selection
plenty of features
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2460

Hope that helps on the radios.

If you like the Stryker ( I like it too) then take a look at the ZAGIs, and similar flying wing electics. Like the Stryker, most are EPP and have great bounce.

Here are some to consider:
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/fogo.htm

Multiplex:

Twin Jet
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=MPU214072

Microjet
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=MPU214170

By sticking with the RTFs you will have plenty of fun but will be limiting your choices. I started RTF and have no regrets but you are at the stage where you should go for the radio, go for the ARFs or maybe even kits from www.mountainmodels.com so you have a much larger range of planes with a radio with lots more featuers!!!

Boy are you in for a good time!

[kingsnake93]

I am 12 I just started a firebird commander2 from hobbyzone it is a RTF plane. It is so easy to fly.
I say start with a 2 channel plane. evan to a beginner evan a 3 channel plane would seem impossible.
not to get your hopes down for geting a plane but to go from a person with no expereince with aircrafts to knowing how to fly a 4 channel not likley.
the FirebirdCommander2 would save you a lot of $$$$$$. I flew the first I got it in the air evan landing.

[aeajr]

This is HobbyZone's newest plane. Firebird Freedom.

Three channel with anti-crash assistance. Typically about $140
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ7000#Articles

[Leo L]

I am 12 I just started a firebird commander2 from hobbyzone it is a RTF plane. It is so easy to fly.
I say start with a 2 channel plane. evan to a beginner evan a 3 channel plane would seem impossible.
not to get your hopes down for geting a plane but to go from a person with no expereince with aircrafts to knowing how to fly a 4 channel not likley.
the FirebirdCommander2 would save you a lot of $$$$$$. I flew the first I got it in the air evan landing.
I'm glad that you are enjoying your Firebird Commander. I agree with your comments that if a person does not have a trainer, the best planes to start on are 2-channel planes. Even with only 2-channels to worry about, the first flights seem very busy, worrying about elevation, distances to nearby objects, not turning too sharply, etc. It doesn't matter whether you start flying when you are 12, or when you are 50, like I did this past April.

Keep us informed of your progress.

[kingsnake93]

This is HobbyZone's newest plane. Firebird Freedom.

Three channel with anti-crash assistance. Typically about $140
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ7000#Articles
The Firebirdcommander2 has ACT just like the Firebirdfreedom.
The Firebirdcommander2 is just right becoes its not to big and I have a fairly small baseball field. I flew my plane yesterday and 5 good flight no crashes!!!!
WOOT :D . But the last two flight it started banking of to the left evan with my trim tab fully to the right the right stick fully to the right :( so I had to glide in for a landing. But still no crashes WOOT.