There are many trainer planes for those new to the RC flying world, and it is tough to choose, hence this thread.
First off, I will dismiss balsa wood aircraft, as these are typically more expensive much harder to repair. Scratch-building is also a good way of getting into the hobby, with help from sites like Flite Test, but it will not be covered in this thread either.
Characteristics a trainer should have:
Easy-going flight: The aircraft should be self-righting and stable in the air, allowing for the more than occasional "dumb thumb" of the user. Technology like SAFE is also a plus, since it can right the plane for you.
Durability: When you are in the beginner stages of your RC life, you will crash, and when you do, you don't want to have to go home to repair because of a hard landing. A good trainer can take a hit and keep on flying. This is where foams like EPO and Depron really come into play, as they can take a hit.
Repair-ability: As a beginner, you need something that can not only take a hit from the occasional rough landing, but can also be repaired when you have the inevitable crash. Foam, again, excels in this area, as all you need is a hot glue gun and some packing tape.
Ease of assembly and setup: For a newbie, there is only one thing that drives them. Their first flight. Usually, a new RC hobbyist just wants to fly, and so a trainer should definitely come in a PNF or RTF package.
Price: Let's face it. The RC hobby is expensive, and buying a trainer worth a lot of money can be intimidating. The price should be reasonably inexpensive, unless the aircraft has anti-crash technology like SAFE.
With that said, lets take a look at popular trainers on the market:
1. E-flite Apprentice RTF *$279.99
With SAFE technology, the Apprentice protects your purchase with gyros and 3 flight modes, and a button that rights the plane for you, crucial to a nervous pilot without an instructor.
2. Hobbyzone Sportsman S+ RTF $349.99
Similar to the Apprentice, the Sportsman has flight modes and a panic button, but it also has return to home and geo fencing, keeping your plane in your line of sight at all times.
3. Hobbyzone Champ RTF $99.99
A cheap 3 channel airplane, letting you learn without risk, as the plane isn't heavy enough to hurt itself.
4. Hobbyzone Delta Ray RTF $179.99
SAFE technology protects your purchase, the only drawback is the brushed motors, as they tend to have a shorter life than their brushless counterparts
5. Freewing Pandora PNF $199.00
An easy flying plane, but without gyros to assist in flight.
6. Dynam Cub RTF $159.99
An easy flier.
7. Tiger Moth (All variations)
An easy biplane to learn on that can introduce aerobatics later on.
Take into account how much you are willing to spend on the hobby before beginning. Don't give up even if you crash. Good Luck to any beginners that read this thread!
Post your favorite trainer, along with thoughts and questions.
First off, I will dismiss balsa wood aircraft, as these are typically more expensive much harder to repair. Scratch-building is also a good way of getting into the hobby, with help from sites like Flite Test, but it will not be covered in this thread either.
Characteristics a trainer should have:
Easy-going flight: The aircraft should be self-righting and stable in the air, allowing for the more than occasional "dumb thumb" of the user. Technology like SAFE is also a plus, since it can right the plane for you.
Durability: When you are in the beginner stages of your RC life, you will crash, and when you do, you don't want to have to go home to repair because of a hard landing. A good trainer can take a hit and keep on flying. This is where foams like EPO and Depron really come into play, as they can take a hit.
Repair-ability: As a beginner, you need something that can not only take a hit from the occasional rough landing, but can also be repaired when you have the inevitable crash. Foam, again, excels in this area, as all you need is a hot glue gun and some packing tape.
Ease of assembly and setup: For a newbie, there is only one thing that drives them. Their first flight. Usually, a new RC hobbyist just wants to fly, and so a trainer should definitely come in a PNF or RTF package.
Price: Let's face it. The RC hobby is expensive, and buying a trainer worth a lot of money can be intimidating. The price should be reasonably inexpensive, unless the aircraft has anti-crash technology like SAFE.
With that said, lets take a look at popular trainers on the market:
1. E-flite Apprentice RTF *$279.99
With SAFE technology, the Apprentice protects your purchase with gyros and 3 flight modes, and a button that rights the plane for you, crucial to a nervous pilot without an instructor.
2. Hobbyzone Sportsman S+ RTF $349.99
Similar to the Apprentice, the Sportsman has flight modes and a panic button, but it also has return to home and geo fencing, keeping your plane in your line of sight at all times.
3. Hobbyzone Champ RTF $99.99
A cheap 3 channel airplane, letting you learn without risk, as the plane isn't heavy enough to hurt itself.
4. Hobbyzone Delta Ray RTF $179.99
SAFE technology protects your purchase, the only drawback is the brushed motors, as they tend to have a shorter life than their brushless counterparts
5. Freewing Pandora PNF $199.00
An easy flying plane, but without gyros to assist in flight.
6. Dynam Cub RTF $159.99
An easy flier.
7. Tiger Moth (All variations)
An easy biplane to learn on that can introduce aerobatics later on.
Take into account how much you are willing to spend on the hobby before beginning. Don't give up even if you crash. Good Luck to any beginners that read this thread!
Post your favorite trainer, along with thoughts and questions.
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