First Airplane

[bbarnes]

I am an avid Nitro R/C Car enthusiast and I was interested in getting into airplanes.

Seeing how I do not know how to fly yet, I was going to start with an electric so I don't have to worry about learning to fly and the engine.

What plane would be a good one for me to start out with?

[Dave Robelen]

Hi BBarnes,
The Firebird series has been getting very high marks for a first airplane. Others think very highly of the GWS Tiger Moth. The FireBird can probably handle a bit more breeze which might be important depending on where you live.
Regards, Dave

[billb1]

I picked up a Firebird II after not having flown r/c aircraft for over 30 years. It handles well and takes abuse well. After hitting trees, wire mesh fences and using white glue to repair the dents it still flys well. Have not had to use the second wing yet. Get the cigarette lighter charger for field recharges, takes 45 minutes so you may want a 2nd battery pack as well.
I'd like to have elevator as well as rudder / motor so I could control the climb better. That will have to come in the next plane.

[bbarnes]

So what about the Hobbico Superstar EP ?

Also, what is it about having two motors?

[CDNshy_guy]

bbarnes
If your plan is to go nitro with the planes then get a nitro plane and find a good club that will train you.
electric (Tools, parts, servos) are not the same as glow but just as expensive, so you will have to re buy almost everything.

A local flying club will be the best place to ask about a trainer.
They will give you advice on planes they will feel most comfortable training you with.

Norm C

[billb1]

The Hobbico looks like a nice plane - However - it is not made of the more durable materials and is more likely to suffer hard landing damage. It also requires you to supply your own r/c transmitter and battery charger. The Firbird comes with all and while the radio equipment is not likely to survive the plane the total cost for the Firebird is under $90, the transmitter for the Hobbico will likely cost you more than that.
The Hobbico does give you R/M/E while the Firebird is only R/M but I'd still start with it.
Re Nitro - flew them for a lot of years. I like the ease of electric, the noise level (nil) and the mess (nil). I can fly in any fairly large field (baseball or football or just any open field) as long as the wind conditions are suitable. Yes if you want high speed, nitro will do it and you should join a club with a flight school to teach you. The large clubs all do it. With Electric you can 'do it yourself' watch the video, be patient and wait for GOOD weather with VERY light winds.
Whether you go Electric or Nitro, have fun! It is a hobby!

[2NG]

Whether you go Electric or Nitro, have fun! It is a hobby!

I have to agree:) The Firebird is alot of fun, but limited contols, I learned how to fly, by flying the firebird, that's what got me hooked in the hobby. The TigerMoth is the popular plane, I must say.... A good trainer as well. Hobbico airplane, go for it, as billb1 noted "However - it is not made of the more durable materials and is more likely to suffer hard landing damage. It also requires you to supply your own r/c transmitter and battery charger." true, same goes with the TigerMoth, that's the radio and the charger, batteries too, firebird comes with everything. TigerMoth, Firebird, Hibbico plane, they are all fun craft to fly. I owned them, well, not now, gave them all way. Which ever you like to fly, these three planes are the way to go (Well, I'm kindda skeptical about the Hobbico, flying by yourslef) TigerMoth, Firebird, will definately give you, your moneys worth:)