Freewing F-16 Falcon 64mm EDF Gyro?

[Flah_Trxx]

Hello,

I’m very new to flying and recently orders myself a 64mm Freewing F16. What would be the best gyro to
use as a beginner? And relatively simple to set up?

Thanks

[xviper]

How new are we talking? Other's opinions may differ from mine but this is my take on it. Any RC F-16 may not prove to be a "beginner" RC pilot's best start. I and several of my flying buddies have gone through many F-16s - 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, 105mm. The smaller they are, the more of a challenge they are to fly, not saying the big ones are "easy". You've got one of the smallest. Even with a really good, complex gyro, you may find it to be a handful, so a simple gyro (as an example, a HobbyEagle A3 Lite, 3-axis gyro) may not be enough to make your flying experience a positive one. Going to the next level, a 6-axis gyro, may still not be enough to combat beginner's "dumb thumbs". Set up can be simple but only if you read and understand the manual and more importantly, know how to check the plane's responses. Get one axis wrong and you're looking at a 5 second (or less) flight. A more complex gyro system might be one of the latest Spektrum "smart" receivers with AS3X and SAFE (this is assuming you are flying Spektrum). But here again, you need to know how to set it up meaning, what numbers to program in and also to know exactly how to test those settings. This said, it would be best to find someone at a club who understands these things and do the initial flight test for you before handing it over to you. Keep in mind that no gyro in the world will prevent a crash, especially in the hands of a "new" RC pilot. Most of what a gyro does, is to help stabilize the plane in difficult wind conditions like cross winds. An "auto balance" or SAFE system may help you save the plane but only if it doesn't defy the laws of physics. You might consider getting a trainer plane and perfecting your skills on it first.

[Flah_Trxx]

Hello, I’ve only done a few flights with beginners stuff! Taking on board what you said I’m going to order myself a beginner plane for learning and leave the F16 sitting pretty on a shelf for now. Is there any suggestions on a good starting plane to learn the basics?

thanks

[xviper]

A popular recommendation has been the Apprentice with SAFE or their Aeroscout with SAFE, both from Horizon Hobby, available at your local hobby shop. These will help you get more familiar with the Spektrum "smart" tech, assuming you are going with Spektrum. Another good option is to start with a gentle sailplane with simple controls (eg, Radian).

[Evan D]

I really like the Apprentice as a first plane. A full house plane that looks like a plane. Price is higher than the other choices Xviper lists but worth it in my opinion. And it's more than just a trainer, it's a great flying plane and they sell floats for it. We also put FPV and ribbons on them for FPV combat. Good for this as so many members have them and keeps the competition even.
.