Pointed in the right direction

[stairs]

Hi Guys:

A couple of weeks ago I was flying on business. After a few delayed flights, I picked up a magazine laying on a seat next to me. It was called "Backyard Flyer". It was interesting and I went to the bookstore and bought some more mags.

I was wondering what sort of airplane I should look at getting started with? Electric or glow? What do the Flying Tigers recommend?

Thanks,
David

[robweiss]

Hi Dave. Most (if not all) of the new fliers are using glow engines to learn on.This does not mean you can't use electric, but glow is the most popular at this time. As far as radio equipment is concerned the majority of the new guys are using Futaba but there are also a few JR and Hitec radios as well and try to get a buddie box and cord if you can afford it. One of the best ways of finding out if you will like the hobbie is to try out a RC flight simulator first and this will improve your flying skills a lot. We are having a meeting at the flying field this Wed. so come out and see what its all about and meet a bunch of the guys.

Rob

[stairs]

Thanks for the reply Rob.

Is there a good time to stop by the field to have a look around and see what is happening?

I was looking at the NexStar Select RTF Combo. Great Hobbies had it listed for $449. It looks like it comes with everything but a field box. Any comments on this plane for a beginner?

Thanks,
David

[robweiss]

Dave , there are many good choices for a first plane and the Nexstar is as good as any. You may also be able to find a good deal on the RC Canada web site ( rccanada.com ). there are always people selling used stuff but you do have to be careful that it in good shape. Most of the guys on that site are pretty good but sometimes you get a scammer. Flight training is every Saturday morning from 9:00 till Noon. That is probably the best time to drop by.There will definitely be someone there to help out. You can also contact Terry Tupper (look in the members list in this forum) he is the chief flight instructor for our club and he will be able to help as well. There is more information about our club on the main web site www.flyingtigers.ca

Hope this helps


Rob

[terry]

Hi David

To start with I would suggest glow over electric . Start with a trainer type airplane and progress from there . The electrics in Backyard Flyer are small , and most don't handle the wind to well at the beginner level . Electrics are great I have a couple myself ,It would be easier to explain the diffs in person as my tung wags faster than my fingers .

An airplane I would recommend would be the Arrow by Hanger 9
It sells for about 350 complete . This plane does not get bumped
about by the wind as much as the Nexstar and when you get your wings you can fly the snot out if it till the wings are ready to rip off . ;D
.
Then you move to the next level of airplane .
I recommended this plane to some of the guys that had nexstars and they like the handling of this plane better. If you get a chance to come out this Sat . I can show you the diff.
Also I find the Nexstar to be a little tail heavy (sorry Rob ) it tends to stall easily at slow flight .

Terry

[stairs]

Thanks for the invite, Terry. Is there a good time in the morning to stop by?

David

[Keede]

HI DAVID
WE ARE AT THE FIELD FROM 9-1 PM
ANY TIME SATURDAY WILL BE GOOD
YOU WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH THE STUDENTS FLY
AFTER 1 THE INSTRUCTORS GET IN SOME FLYING TIME, YOU CAN WATCH THEM (MAKE MISTAKES!) I MEAN FLY !! ;D

[terry]

Yes any time is good as Keede says

Ok who is Keede My guess is the first and last mixed but
I didn't think you were older than I ;D . Unless my guess is wrong

Terry

[Keede]

YEP THATS ME
AND I AM AN OOOOOLD DUDE TERRY ;D
KEN

[robweiss]

No problem Terry. ;D Thats why I asked him to talk to you.

[stairs]

Went out Saturday and spent longer than I had planned (or rather than my wife had planned) taking in the scene and asked a lot of questions. My thanks to Terry and the guys for taking the time to walk me through the field and answer my questions.

Spent Sunday searching the web for planes and other items. Want to stop by Skycraft first and check prices before slapping down the cash. I think I'll order an Arrow RTF. The complete kit costs $70 less than the sum of the individual prices.

I was looking at the membership forms, to sign up, would I pay $25 for new member plus $85 for open member? Also, it looks like I can send in my MAAC application and fee to the Flying Tigers at the same time, is this so?

Thanks,
David

[terry]

hi David

Just a quick reply , need to go to bed .
Glad we could be of help
Yes you would pay the new member fee plus the open member fee and we send through your Maac fee . All done in one shot .
Looking forward to seeing you at the field soon . Any other questions just holler . Come oput this Sat for a bite at noon and see some flying
Terry