ATIS
01-05-2010, 02:37 PM
BEGINNER PROGRESSION:
Every beginner see's that warbird that draws them into the hobby. There is something special about those old World War I bi-planes or those slick World War II fighters with their sexy nose art and enemy flags onthe fuse under the side of the canopy. Or maybe its that aggressive looking A-10 with the screaming twin fans and the bombs hung under the wings that causes your heart to race and blood pressure to climb. Which ever it is, take a step back away from the plane if you really love her.
Many companies claim their version is a "beginner" plane. Sadly, many beginners have trusted the writing on the box only to watch the love of their life turn into a pile of foam chunks in 10 seconds and walked away from the hobby discouraged believing they lack what it takes to learn to fly RC. No one lacks the skills, they just havent learned the skills they need and to learn them they need the correct tools. No football player walked into Pro try outs without playing at least highschool football. As such, no beginner should expect to start off with a high performance or sporty plane as their first.
High wing trainers exsist for a reason. They usually have dehiedral in the wings to help it level itself during flight and have low wing loading so it can fly at a slower speed and land slower. Most are tryc gear as they are easier to taxi then a tail dragger (usually, as nothing in this hobby is ever a absolute).
The best way to success to advance in stages. Remember, this is a life long hobby that will continue to challange you from the day you start till the day you quit as there is always something to learn, something to improve upon, and a new plane to try as no two planes fly the same. Planes are like people, they all have different personalities. Some are calm and gentle like your grandmother, others are mean and tempermental like your 6th grade camp counseler. But by following the progession listed below you improve your chances of success by building upon the skills you develop at each level.
After 5 yrs of flying anything with wings I could get my hands on I still get bit on occassion, but my expereince and the lessons I learned at each step allow me to stay calm and react correctly and in most cases save the plane. (If you need proof watch my Habu maiden flight video in the Habu review...saved only a few feet off the deck)
My recommended progression (and that of many other experienced pilots) is listed below. I am a self taught pilot. I learned via trial and error and deep pockets that set up a college fund for my LHS owners daughter. :opto:
1st Plane:
Your first plane needs to be a high wing trainer. Look for something with deihedral in the wings (the outer wing tips sit higher then the fuse) and made of durable foam.
If your teaching your a 3 channel plane is a good choice (rudder, elevator, motor) as these planes normal are hard to roll inverted so you wont end up upside down. The HZ Super Cub is a great plane to teach yourself on. If you have an instructor pilot available and they fly with a Spektrum radio then the EFlite Apprentice is a great choice. She is big but stable and with the RTF package you will have a radio that will allow you to buddy box with the instructor.
2nd Plane:
Your second plane should be a low wing trainer or a high wing with aelirons and be made of durable foam. I prefer the second plane to be able to fly slowly but also be able to step it out a little so you can learn to react to a faster moving plane. The faster the plane flys, the earlier you have to move the sticks.
Second plane choices are numberous as ParkZone really has a good line of quality parkflyers that fit this bill. The T-28, Corsair, or P-51D are great planes that fly very well. All slow down nicely and all will teach you basic aerobatics.
3rd Plane:
Your third plane should be be something to hlpe you advance in the direction you are interested in going.
EDF's: if jets are your thing, start with the PZ Stryker C so you can learn to track a narrow profile at higher speeds. Its agile and until your brain learns to recognize the grey streak in the air, you will be on your toes. Then its on to the Habu for some serious fun.
Warbirds: if reenacting the Battle of Britian or the Pacific Theater is your calling (or just larger airplanes in general) I would suggest the EFlite T-34. Leave the droops on the wings till you get comfortable. Another option is the EFlite PT-19.
General Aviation: You cant go wrong with the RV-9. The RV-9 is a great flyer and simply is a joy to fly. She is docile and relaxing to fly or you can crank up the throws and go to WOT and she becomes agile and sporty.
4th Plane:
This is where you need to decide on your own. Everyone is different and if you like me, at this point your choices will be more about what looks cool rather then what is more adavnced. Even with my colletion of planes I cant help but buy anything ParkZone releases simply because I have never had a PZ plane that didnt fly well. If you want to get into a little more building, EFlite has a ton of nice planes that require alittle more time to assemble but fly well and are worth the effort.
Check out the Articles for ideas on what will make your flying session exciting.
Every beginner see's that warbird that draws them into the hobby. There is something special about those old World War I bi-planes or those slick World War II fighters with their sexy nose art and enemy flags onthe fuse under the side of the canopy. Or maybe its that aggressive looking A-10 with the screaming twin fans and the bombs hung under the wings that causes your heart to race and blood pressure to climb. Which ever it is, take a step back away from the plane if you really love her.
Many companies claim their version is a "beginner" plane. Sadly, many beginners have trusted the writing on the box only to watch the love of their life turn into a pile of foam chunks in 10 seconds and walked away from the hobby discouraged believing they lack what it takes to learn to fly RC. No one lacks the skills, they just havent learned the skills they need and to learn them they need the correct tools. No football player walked into Pro try outs without playing at least highschool football. As such, no beginner should expect to start off with a high performance or sporty plane as their first.
High wing trainers exsist for a reason. They usually have dehiedral in the wings to help it level itself during flight and have low wing loading so it can fly at a slower speed and land slower. Most are tryc gear as they are easier to taxi then a tail dragger (usually, as nothing in this hobby is ever a absolute).
The best way to success to advance in stages. Remember, this is a life long hobby that will continue to challange you from the day you start till the day you quit as there is always something to learn, something to improve upon, and a new plane to try as no two planes fly the same. Planes are like people, they all have different personalities. Some are calm and gentle like your grandmother, others are mean and tempermental like your 6th grade camp counseler. But by following the progession listed below you improve your chances of success by building upon the skills you develop at each level.
After 5 yrs of flying anything with wings I could get my hands on I still get bit on occassion, but my expereince and the lessons I learned at each step allow me to stay calm and react correctly and in most cases save the plane. (If you need proof watch my Habu maiden flight video in the Habu review...saved only a few feet off the deck)
My recommended progression (and that of many other experienced pilots) is listed below. I am a self taught pilot. I learned via trial and error and deep pockets that set up a college fund for my LHS owners daughter. :opto:
1st Plane:
Your first plane needs to be a high wing trainer. Look for something with deihedral in the wings (the outer wing tips sit higher then the fuse) and made of durable foam.
If your teaching your a 3 channel plane is a good choice (rudder, elevator, motor) as these planes normal are hard to roll inverted so you wont end up upside down. The HZ Super Cub is a great plane to teach yourself on. If you have an instructor pilot available and they fly with a Spektrum radio then the EFlite Apprentice is a great choice. She is big but stable and with the RTF package you will have a radio that will allow you to buddy box with the instructor.
2nd Plane:
Your second plane should be a low wing trainer or a high wing with aelirons and be made of durable foam. I prefer the second plane to be able to fly slowly but also be able to step it out a little so you can learn to react to a faster moving plane. The faster the plane flys, the earlier you have to move the sticks.
Second plane choices are numberous as ParkZone really has a good line of quality parkflyers that fit this bill. The T-28, Corsair, or P-51D are great planes that fly very well. All slow down nicely and all will teach you basic aerobatics.
3rd Plane:
Your third plane should be be something to hlpe you advance in the direction you are interested in going.
EDF's: if jets are your thing, start with the PZ Stryker C so you can learn to track a narrow profile at higher speeds. Its agile and until your brain learns to recognize the grey streak in the air, you will be on your toes. Then its on to the Habu for some serious fun.
Warbirds: if reenacting the Battle of Britian or the Pacific Theater is your calling (or just larger airplanes in general) I would suggest the EFlite T-34. Leave the droops on the wings till you get comfortable. Another option is the EFlite PT-19.
General Aviation: You cant go wrong with the RV-9. The RV-9 is a great flyer and simply is a joy to fly. She is docile and relaxing to fly or you can crank up the throws and go to WOT and she becomes agile and sporty.
4th Plane:
This is where you need to decide on your own. Everyone is different and if you like me, at this point your choices will be more about what looks cool rather then what is more adavnced. Even with my colletion of planes I cant help but buy anything ParkZone releases simply because I have never had a PZ plane that didnt fly well. If you want to get into a little more building, EFlite has a ton of nice planes that require alittle more time to assemble but fly well and are worth the effort.
Check out the Articles for ideas on what will make your flying session exciting.