Park Flier RTF Plane Advice.

[Classic Finn]

Hey folks, If I remember correctly there are a few RC Hobbyists here on the forum so thought to ask as my oldest son as well as my 5 year old want us to purchase an electric RTF RC Parkflier. Does anyone here have any advice as what plane would be good to start with?

I myself like the Classic Piper Cub. But is it too fast of a plane to start with?

[Arne]

park fliers rarely go too fast.. I'd talk to a hobby store, and also see if you can find a local club..

One concern of park fliers is the transmitters may interfere with other r/c fields nearby... just be sure you are at least a mile away.. once others are in the air, they may pick up your signal if too close.

Park fliers are great. They are small, usually battery powered so they do not annoy people... get an extra battery or two and you are good to go.

But, watch out for the propellers.. they can slice your fingers just like a gas engine can.

And look for one made from foam.. they usually don't break when you crash (and you will crash without lessons).. and if they do, they are usually easy to repair.

[Classic Finn]

Anyone else into the RC Plane Hobby? Especially electric?

[TPMcGinty]

I started with one of these Super Cubs:

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/HZ/index/index_park_flyers_rtf/HBZ7300.html

[D.J.]

Trainers come in all sizes . This is my Elecristar trainer . It has a 63" wingspan .



I currently have a FOAM park flier for sale . It is not a beginners model and the shipping to you would be nuts .
http://winnipeg.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sel ... Z202485013

I would take advantage of the new technology out and buy a package that you can always expand upon (2.4GHz Radio system) . The best way might be to look at models you see on eBay and go to a RC forum and look at the reviews . They are very thorough . This is the review for my PT-17 .
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/arti ... cle_id=254

Happy flying . ..... D.J.

[Sam I am]

Finn, I have flown electric R/C planes since 1975. I haven't flown gas planes since 1996. Some of the little park flyers are slow and easy enough for beginners, and can be flown indoors in places like school gymnasiums. They use the new 2.4 Ghz radios which work like cell phones and do not interfere with each other, so you can fly them anywhere. Check this site for good info on electrics http://www.ezonemag.com/, and maybe look at the Tower Hobbies site.
Sam

[Corwin C]

+1 on Tower Hobbies.

It has been years since I've done any building/flying. I enjoyed building them from kits as much or more than flying them. I'm a big fan of "Great Planes" kits (they make everything from beginner to expert).

Something to expect ... your first airplane will get crashed. I wouldn't worry how the first one looks because it will be pretty scarred up by the time the takeoffs and landings are consistent at all.

I think the best advice is to contact someone local (there are clubs everywhere) who could help answer questions and help with those first few flights. The club that I learned from actually had a plane with dual controls that they used to give students their first taste of R/C without risking their own plane. It makes all the difference in the world to have someone knowledgeable standing behind you to coach and answer questions.

Good luck, be safe, and ENJOY!

[Sam I am]

Every modern radio control transmitter has a "buddy box" connector on it. You buy a cable and connect two transmitters together. The instructor can take the plane off and get it to a relatively safe altitude (two mistakes high!), then he simply flips a switch and control goes over to the student's transmitter. If the student goofs up, the instructor switches control back to himself. No trying to grab the transmitter from the student's hands to save the plane! It works really well. Find a local R/C club for help. Their members can be your instructors.
Sam

[Carter]

Electric gliders might be a good way to start. They fly slowly, are stable and let a beginner learn how their thumbs work. A tough foam one with only rudder and elevator controls would be ideal

Jim

[asianflava]

+1 on the 2.4 Ghz! When I was looking into getting an R/C heli, Steve H on this board convinced me to get a Specktrum radio. There is no need for impound at organized fields, and there is no chance of "shooting" somebody down by turning your transmitter on or getting shot down.

Some of the newer park flyers are available with 2.4Ghz technology.

[Classic Finn]

Thank You for all your replies, suggestions and advice. Well the boys ordered planes. Electric and with 2.4 Radios. All in a one box setup.
Plane Radio and all gear. RTF.

of course the little man of the family will fly with his older brother since he is only 5. But a pilot at heart.

Hobbyzone Super Cub 2 RTF Electric Mode 1 & J3 Cub BL RTF Electric


These were ordered from Germany which is the closest for availability.

[Spadinator]

THe Hobby Zone Cub is pretty good. I bought Slo-Stik and it is very easy to fly but you need almost dead calm days to fly it. I have friends who have the cub and enjoy it but it needs calm winds as well. it is just the characteristic of small foam electrics that are easy to fly. I have gone away from glow fuel planes to elctrics and am now trying a heli.

If you find one get an instructor to help you get started. Many are willing to help for free and make your flying experience enjoyable.