Hard Lessons I learned as Beginner

[chipset35]

Hope this helps others:

1) Discounted products usually mean lack of spare parts.
Even if not a discounted plane, If you are prone to crashing or getting ready to go from trainer planes to something more advanced, check parts availability.
Otherwise you might be grounded waiting for yet another propeller etc.

2) Not all online stores are created equal.
Stick with large well known online stores, especially MotionRC.
Otherwise, you will see items in smaller online shops that say "In-Stock" only to find out it is not in stock and even worse, the store will admit they get their products from a well know, name will not be mentioned here online store anyway.
Meaning you just wasted all this time searching for a product that is out of stock everywhere except one store, and that store does not update their online inventory and gets their product from the site you already visited that said out of stock.

3) Read the forums...read the forums, read reviews, ask questions.
I cannot tell you how many times I was about to make a purchase and then after doing research realized I should not be purchasing a particular plane.
For example, just because a manufacturer says GREAT FOR BEGINNERS does not mean it is.
Find out from people who own that plane first, the real deal with it.
Also, the forums are a great place to get help when things go wrong.
This forum has been VERY helpful to me and I learned a TON!

4) Price is not everything.
Some product makers are higher quality than others....the old adage of "You get what you pay for" is accurate.

5) Beware of older models as a beginner.
Some of these older models have older technology, which for a experienced pilot might be no big deal, but for a beginner is a big deal.
For example, as a beginner you will probably have more difficulty with construction, troubleshooting and flying after being spoiled by newer technology.

6) A Jet that is stated as being a "Great First EDF" does not mean it makes a great first EDF for a beginner.
Most "great first EDF's" are more of a challenge than even the most advanced propeller driven aircraft....make sure you are ready for EDF's before you make the plunge.
Thus, until you are comfortable with more challenging prop driven planes, it might be wiser to wait for that first EDF.

7) RC simulators help but are not a 100% solution.
I own the RF simulator and it was great to a degree for me as a beginner.
But, I will say that actually getting my hands on a true trainer aircraft was much much better.

[MikeT]

Great post and I hope others learn from your experience.

Mike

[chipset35]

Here is one more:

8) Out of stock and in stock parts can tell you a lot about a particular model, especially if out of stock at the vendor who supplies the other stores.
For example, the 2nd model I purchased as a beginner was the E-Flite F4F WildCat which is a very good introduction to warplanes.
Unfortunately, it is a belly lander...and guess what part is out of stock since day one, everywhere?
THE COWL, which is the most thin, flimsy, delicate plastic cowl you might ever experience, obviously is also the most vulnerable, because the plane is a belly lander.
Thus, both the cowl and propeller for this model are always out of stock everywhere.
Another example, both the Park Zone and E-Flite T-28 1.1 and 1.2 cowls have been out of stock everywhere, and even though these are not belly lander's , the cowl is taking punishment.
This is LOST profits for the sellers and makers of these models, when people like myself who are diligent see the pattern of out of stock spare parts and know there is a good chance as a beginner or even intermediate flyer will be grounded "when" these delicate parts break.
Another plug for MotionRC....I just checked the primary aircraft sold by MotionRC and the models I am interested in, and the parts are in stock!
Thus, when I purchase my next model, there is a 99.9% chance it will be a primary brand of Motion RC's.

[rifleman_btx]

When bringing in the wildcat, just pull that nose up just a bit before she touches down, ive had the mustang for years as a belly lander and haven't had a problem with the nose or prop cracking up. I did add rudder to my mustang because it didnt come stock with it.

[chipset35]

I added #9:
Not all versions of a plane are the same (THIS IS A BIGGIE):
For example, there are 2 versions of the FMS YAK-130 70mm.
The biggest difference is Version 2 has upgraded landing gears, eliminating one of the few issues with the first version.
Only FMS sells this 2nd version.
Can't tell you how many times I almost pulled the trigger on the older version.
The older verision V1 is FMS088PRED.
The newer one is V2 FMS108P,