Need Help!

[AcPilot]

Im a beginner. I dont have a plane yet but im thinking of getting this: http://www.compucreate.net/billsebay/AirStrike.jpg. Its a Megatech AirStrike. I dont know if this is a good idea or not. It is only $150 with everything included including the radio.
http://www.compucreate.net/billsebay/AirStrikePackage.jpghttp://www.compucreate.net/billsebay/AirStrikeInbox.jpg
<b>Good idea or not?</b>:confused:

[Taylorcraft]

Holy....... whatever...

At least this SOUNDS like a wonderful deal?
I spent more than $250 for my 6ch. radio alone! And, with the plane, motor and other stuff, at least I would go for it. It only depends on if this is a good beginner's plane or not.

I've been into this "business" for over 20 years, but I've spent my time building and fixing for others instead of learning to fly myself.

I've tried on my own but only experienced crashes and in 20 years I've accumulated approx. 5--6 hours in the air. So you CAN consider me as a beginner. :)

I've struck a deal with a club 32 miles from where I live (the closest I could find), and they're gonna teach me when spring comes. Until then I'm using a simulator!

This opened a new perspective for me. First of all, it takes the fear out of crashing, no rebuilding, no wasted time and no big expenses! (Shoulda done this years ago!)

But what I really want to say is this:
If you're bitten by the model airplane bug and you're determined to learn to fly and continue to be in this hobby, find someone to teach you and get a plane that's slow and forgiving. A club that's taking paid for the membership also oughta have a club trainer. Check the Net for used stuff, go with the known brands of radio and engine/motor. Used equals half the price or less. I could suggest you'd buy an used plane as well but I don't. You can seldom be sure that a used plane is structurally safe (there's a reason that it's sold). Either buy new stuff or build your own. A club oughta be helpful here.
They could also have a simulator, or you can check the Net for a used one (you can buy mine in a couple of years or so... :p ).

The best deal may not be the least expensive one. But if you start out with a used 4-6 ch. radio with rx, batteries and servos and a sim, you should be able to sell later it without too much loss if you find out that this isn't your thing. Shouldn't cost the shirt of your back now either. then, when you're starting to get the feel for how a plane responds to your stick input the time has come to get a real plane to fly. This will cost more to get started but also will save you money in the future, since you won't have so many serious crashes. You could also get an inexpensive plane now only to find out that it's just junk, and your money is wasted, leaving you disappointed thinking model airplanes are just garbage.

One thing to consider, bigger usually means better. They're more stable in the air. A wing span of 60'' or more should be just fine. They're also easier to see and tell up from down.

But what ever you choose and decide for, I hope you'll be happy with it and get a long life as a model airplane nut! :)
I'm almost 40 myself and hope I never "grow up" from them.

So good luck my friend!

BRG,

Tayorcraft

[Wings]

Megatech has a nickname among experienced flyers: Megajunk. The reason is their Cessna-like models, which are reputed to be terrible. I recommend you save your money.

Don't be fooled by the 55MPH top speed...it may be fast, but the planes reportedly can barely fly. Besides, 55MPH is REALLY REALLY fast for a beginner!

Search for "beginner" in this forum and E-Zone's forum (http://www.ezonemag.com) to see some whopping info on what to get. The most highly recommended models are the Wingo/Soarstar (Soarstar is a clone that is a better package deal IMO), GWS models (Tigermoth rules the roost, Pico Cub FD second, and Stick FD ranks third...non-fuselage models need mods to fly their best), Sky Scooter (good overall when pro w/gearbox added), and Zagi and clones (nearly unbreakable flying-wing models that fly fast, handle wind well, and need lots of room). Still, there's hundreds of airplanes, so you need to look at them and decide what's best for you.

As for the simulators: get one! Even if you use your keyboard and the free FMS simulator (search for it to find the link), it's much better than not using one at all.

BTW, expect to lay out some "real" cash to really get into the hobby. My setup has some pretty good room for growth opportunity (for when I learn to fly better), and thus that $130 Soarstar kit expanded into a $600+ deal. :) Yeah...ouch.

Welcome to our wonderful, winged world! Prepare to surrender your wallet! ;)

Wings

[rcairplane4lfe]

My brother had a megatech, it flew for about 5 seconds. It flew very fastly out of control. The wing span is way small for a bigginer airplane and if it is even the slightest bit windy it is all over with. I would suggest the Hitec sscooter. It is the airplane that i learned to fly one. I taught myself. I crashed it over 15 times and it still flys great. the nose has been glued on around 10 times. The sky scooter is a great deal. although it does have the same wingspan about it is not as prone to wind as the megatech. the trainer plane i just bought was the kyosho ep cessna 180. it has an impressiv wingspan for an electric and should fly very well. i havn't got around to flying it yet though.:( hope this helps. good luck

[Twmaster]

Please do not buy this plane. It is a hunk o' junk. You will be very unhappy. A friend has (or should say had) the airstrike. it was awful. I would suggest you start with either a GWS tiger moth or a Wingo or a soarstar. Much better to learn with. I understand you think 'hey it's only $150' Remember if it sounds too good to be true.... and you get what you pay for.

Try www.hobby-lobby.com they often have a package deal on the wingo.

Maybe they should call the airstrike airsick?

Mike N
Twmaster

[2NG]

I own couple of planes, spent over the amount that you are asking for. I first started with FBXL it flew quite well, as what I would expect for as a Newbie, but then boredom sinks in, and you want something fast and can go up and down, a plane with an elevator controll, for the FBXL only has Rudder, so you go out, and say to yourself. Okay, I think I have learn enough, and decide to get something, far more exciting and more capabilities. Only to find that the cheap plane you bought, taught you worthless nothing.

Spend you money wisely, because in this Hobby a mistake big or small is costly. My advice for you is to get a plane that has the capabilities, that can teach you, as you progress. Get a TigerMoth, Stearman, Sunwhell, Wingo, New Timer or a Pico Cub, those plane that I mentioned is superb for it's worth. Read the reviews on different Planes.

Or check the website out
http://216.40.226.212/~admin2/forums/index.php?topic=ezone

2NG -- "Hope my two cent worthed, keep the change":cool:

[merlin]

I have several "Package Planes", and parts, parts, parts. If you are new to this,GO SLOW. 10mph flies, 100mph wrecks. And if you are MEGA minded.go for the MERLIN for starters. This one goes slow, and you can put it back together two or three times. I've been there, done that..:o

[Mikerjf]

Save your money. I've got one and it's not a beginners plane. It's heavy and underpowered. It flys well enough but has to be kept fast and you've got to be careful with any climbs. If you slow it down too much (climb too steep) it falls out of the sky. Additionally all the radio gear is not compatible with anything else so if you plan on staying in the hobby you can't use it for anything else.

Buy a Teddy.

Mike