Some advice from an RC "old timer" (only 31 yrs old, but been flying RC for 23 years!) and I have been an RC Instructor for over 12 years now.. Get a trainer. A TRUE TRAINER such as the Alpha from Hangar 9
Alpha Trainer The Alpha is an excellent trainer, I have trained MANY people using this airplane.
The Alpha runs approximately 289.00 on the Horizon Hobby web site.
Another option is the P-51 that was posted earlier. It is called the P51 PTS (Progressive training system) Also from Hangar 9. Many instructors and old school rcers have not taken well to this plane due to its appearance as being not really a trainer 9low wing, taildragger etc) However, having traiend several fpeople on this aircraft last summer, I can tell you it IS a valid trainer, and is jsut as stable as a more traditional trainer. Witht he added bonus that you can remove the high lift devices, speed brakes etc, and have a decent 2nd plane or, "advanced trainer" when you are ready for a bit more capability in your aircraft.
The P-51 PTS Runs a bit more than the Alpha, costing around 399.00 ready to fly, but is a great option if you dont care for the "trainer" look. (BE CAREFUL though, Hangar9 also offers several models of true P-51D's, and these aircraft are true warbirds, and NOT suitable for training purposes. make SURE youg et the PTS.)
Hangar 9 P51 PTS They also have a new one, along the lines of the P51 PTS, but with a semi-scale appearance of the F-22. While I have no experience with this model, it appears to offer the same features as the P-51, and so should be a good trainer as well.
F-22 PTS I DO NOT recommend getting a park flier to learn on... and again this is advice, based on experience, not a definite thing... but the reasons are this, park fliers often times do not lend themselves to joining a club (more on that later). Also, park fliers DO NOT prepare you for some of the more advanced RC aircraft.. IE if you learn to fly on park fliers, your skills will be with park fliers, the larger nitro and gas powered aircraft fly completely different than a park flier. If you learn on a nitro plane, you will be prepared (with further practice and such) for warbirds, aerobatic planes, 3d planes, Giant Scale, even pylon racers and jets, in addition to the park fliers.
Another near requirement is to join the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). Nearly every club in the US requires an AMA membership. for roughly $60 a year, you get a good magazine, as well as the real important reason, 2 million bucks in liability insurance. Sure, those park fliers arent too much to worry about, but what about that trainer flying 55mph and weighing 5 pounds? Or my Giant Extra 300, weighing 25 pounds and going 100+MPH, or what about a jet? 15-50 pounds, 200+mph... you can do a lot of bodily harm, or property damage should one of these models get away from you... 60 bucks a year is very little to have such coverage. As stated in all of the manuals that come with these planes, THESE ARE NOT TOYS, they are miniature aircraft, and as such, MUST be respected.
AMA WebsiteJoining a club... this is almost required as well... some people wont do so, and many times they miss out on one of the best parts of htis hobby, sharing your time and experience with poeple of the same interests as you! Club membership runs on average 50 per year, and some clubs may have a 25-50 dollar one time "runway fee". Clubs are non-profit organizations, and dues go to cover many things, including site maintinace, and other costs.. the club will be happy to give you a breakdown on what your dues go for. Check AMA's web site, or with your local hobby shop for club locations near you. Most clubs offer a nice smooth, short cut grass landing strip, or a paved runway. Other things a club is great for is, the wealth of KNOWLEDGE you can pull from.. 50-100 people, if you have a quesiton, there is almost ALWAYS someone there who can answer it for you, or offer advice. Most clubs also offer free flight instruction... This is invaluable since without an instructor you WILL spend a LOT more money than your club dues on new planes and/or [parts... so even if you dont want to hang out with other fliers, just the instruction is WELL worth the fees involved.
If you have any questions feel free to email me at
pittspilot@cinci.rr.com I will be glad to help you!
