We get asked this often... "how to start?" Well there's tons of choices out there however our experience has shown these planes to be the best for starting out.
Get a computer RC flight simulator such as the Real Flight Simulator and have fun learning.
When you're ready to fly, join our flying club, contact one of the club instructors and they'll hook up a "buddy box" to your transmitter and not only give you free instruction but can usually save your plane from crashes when you are learning. Usually it takes just a couple of lessons to solo.
You'll also need AMA insurance to fly at our field.
Your First Plane (outdoor)
If you've never flown an RC plane before, get this small electric one. It's
everything you need, ready to go. However this is a "no wind" day
airplane, so fly it very early in the morning or just before sunset when winds
cease. This updated version uses the newer LiPo batteries, but has a cheap-o 27 mhz radio system. But hey, it's your first plane so who cares!
Super Cub LP RTF by HobbyZone
A bigger, better version of the above - has a
2.4Ghz radio, 4 channel and can take a 9mph wind.
Hobbico
FlyZone Piper Super Cub Select 2.4GHz EP RTF
E-flite Apprentice 15e RTF w/Dx5e Radio
(foam construction)
With the assistance of an club instructor, the
E-flite Apprentice 15e RTF
is the perfect trainer to learn the basics and beyond. The Apprentice is a
15-size high-wing trainer that comes with everything you need to go from buy to
fly. This one-box purchase includes the full-range DX5e Spektrum radio with the
2.4GHz interference-free technology, AR500 receiver, and a 3S 3200 mAh 15C Li-Po
battery and charger. There is no building required—just charge and install the
included battery, mount the wing and tail and fly.
Step
up from your basic trainer and start learning to fly thrilling aerobatics—today.
Hobbico's Avistar with
MonoKote makes your transition unusually smooth, fast and simple. It's
factory-built from top-quality, all-wood parts, and also professionally
precovered using Top Flite MonoKote.
You'll need to do some building with this one, as it is
just the airframe, however there are also combos available that include all the
necessary parts. Suggest using a .46 OS glow engine.
Also you'll need other support materials such as a glow
starter, fuel, pump, starter motor, flight box etc. ( ask an instructor for
recommendations)
Your Second Plane - Fullsize
NexSTAR Select
(balsa construction)
After you got it down, go oldschool glow fuel like the big boys, and try this one. This plane can easily handle 12 mph winds. This one includes an Futaba 72mHz transmitter receiver radio, servos, OS engine, computer simulator... all excellent choices. If you are learning with a club instructor, they give free replacements in case of a crash.
...but you'll need support materials such as a glow starter, fuel, pump, starter motor, flight box etc. ( ask an instructor for recommendations)
Going Heli?
Try this first:
FHX
Heli this micro heli will teach you how to maneuver a heli and is
a ton of fun. (indoor only) Fly this in your living room or basement!
A step up from there is the
Blade CX3 MD 520N RTF Micro Helicopter
Fly this in a large auditorium, golf dome or gym. During the winter months
join us for indoor flying at the Bethany Church gym on Tuesday evenings.
