Beginner Foam Plane

[thebbqguy]

Is there a good foam trainer that is not held together by rubber bands?

[RRHandy]

Delta-ray https://www.motionrc.com/collections...-delta-ray-bnf,

[RRHandy]

https://www.motionrc.com/collections/beginner-and-trainer-airplanes/products/hobbyzone-super-cub-s-bnf

[RRHandy]

https://www.motionrc.com/collections/beginner-and-trainer-airplanes/products/hobbyzone-carbon-cub-s-bnf

[RRHandy]

Welcome to the squawk.. R.

[RRHandy]

https://www.motionrc.com/collections/seaplanes/products/e-flite-timber-with-floats-bnf-efl5250

[yorkiepap]

https://www.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEXZM&P=ML

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzPZIaiVyNE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdjpMJ4dj4s

[Hippie 64]

Please look into the Pandora by Freewing . It is one of the best built and toughest planes for training on the market . There are quite a few of us that have flown this plane and still continue to fly it . It can be changed to different setups for your learning stages , like low and high wing , tricycle style gear or tail dragger . Watch the videos and read the reviews .

Keep us posted and don't forget to ask questions . The only stupid question is the one that is never asked



Bryan

[OV10]

Please look into the Pandora by Freewing . It is one of the best built and toughest planes for training on the market . There are quite a few of us that have flown this plane and still continue to fly it . It can be changed to different setups for your learning stages , like low and high wing , tricycle style gear or tail dragger . Watch the videos and read the reviews .

Keep us posted and don't forget to ask questions . The only stupid question is the one that is never asked



Bryan

Sound advice Bryan ;)

Blue version https://www.motionrc.com/collections...ndora-blue-pnp

Red version https://www.motionrc.com/collections...andora-red-pnp

[crankestein]

The Bixler 2, glides much better than the Bix 3, if possible buy it ARF, and add your own electronics.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/h-king-b...lider-arf.html




Its a chill "boring" airplane, can be flown much slower than Bix 3.

Mine, flew it on 15mph winds and the humble 2800 1400kv motor held its own on such conditions. Can do slow rolls and loops, comes with flaps, servos are optional.

But if I would do it all over again I think I would go with the Stratosurfer

https://www.readymaderc.com/products...ratosurfer-pnp

Its almost twice the price of many others, but its an excellent package out of the box.

• StratoSurfer Wings and Fuselage
• Installed 9g Servos (Except Flaps)
• Installed 2212 2200Kv Motor
• Installed Cobra 2-4s 40A ESC with 2A BEC and XT60 connector
• Decal Sheet
• Gemfan 6x4 APC Style Propeller

*******************
I dont have the Moa, but many have given positive reviews about it

https://www.motionrc.com/products/fm...wE#reviews-tab

[thebbqguy]

Please look into the Pandora by Freewing . It is one of the best built and toughest planes for training on the market . There are quite a few of us that have flown this plane and still continue to fly it . It can be changed to different setups for your learning stages , like low and high wing , tricycle style gear or tail dragger . Watch the videos and read the reviews .

Keep us posted and don't forget to ask questions . The only stupid question is the one that is never asked.

Bryan

I have been looking at planes with SAFE.

Can the Pandora be flown with a Spektrum radio?

Do I need the DX6 with receiver? $229 I think.

I was getting the Valiant 1.3 but it's not a trainer although the instructor said it could work with his help.

I decided to get a Radian UMX also so I can fly more when I can't fly with the instructor.

I do plan to get a Valiant 10cc eventually. But that's probably a better 3rd plane.

[OV10]

I have been looking at planes with SAFE.

Can the Pandora be flown with a Spektrum radio?

Do I need the DX6 with receiver? $229 I think.

I was getting the Valiant 1.3 but it's not a trainer although the instructor said it could work with his help.

I decided to get a Radian UMX so I can fly more when I can't fly with the instructor.

I do plan to get a Valiant 10cc eventually. But that's probably a better 3rd plane.

All these bird that Motion sells can use any Tx/Rx that you desire unless of course you buy a RTF(Ready To Fly) that comes with a particular radio system.
The nice thing about the various products that Motion sells is that on each and every product page there is an overview page that describes how many channel radio, battery, etc that is required.
The Pandora requires a 4 channel radio or five if you do the optional flaps.
It has been said by other contributors to other new members that have asked similar questions as yours and when it comes to radio's it has been unanimously stated to at least get a good 6 channel.
The DX6 is a great radio but I would only go the $199 version because you don't need at this point in the game a telemetry Rx.
I would spend the $30 not spent on the AR6600T and go the route of the Admiral 6chan Rx w/Gyro
Hope this has shed some light on your new and exciting venture.
Best regards,

[crankestein]

I would not buy the Radian, its too small. IMO a trainer must be around 1400mm wingspan.

Try as much as possible if you can get a plane 2nd hand from someone at the field for a good price, probably check in CL and verify the purchase from someone at the field (ask a second opinion before you do so).

You are going to crash, is just part of it, am trying to say is dont shell out too much cash, because those airplanes wont be looking that pretty in a few days, and possibly after its first flight.

Are you testing waters, if so get a basic radio system, DSM2, or something similar.

Be watchful with SAFE technology may do more harm than good. A gyro system can be installed in any pusher, glider, trainer and set it with low and high rates, your instructor can help you set it up.

You have someone helping you out, if he/she knows how to teach how to fly at each student's pace, then there is no need to have SAFE at all.

I recommend that at least you watch the Youtube video from Flite Test of the Stratosurfer, it has a nice molded fuselage, with very good electronics. Can be the perfect trainer for the first few months, and do some basic tricks once you have more confidence. It will take at least half a year to out-grow it, and later can be the perfect fvp.

Its not about how much you fly at the beginning, its about the quality of those sessions. The instructor needs to make sure you dont carry bad habits with you, safety been number one on the list.

When I first started it was about 7 minutes of flying, and after that it was worthless. I went, flew one or two times, sit back and let it sink in. Many times I was confident enough and the club members would tell me to take it easy. It was the best thing I did, or I would have burned out. At home in the sim, would fly and still do, the fastest wings I could find, crank the weather wind, turbulence, fly it as far as possible and try to bring it back as a little dot, stay easy with one trick or two at a time, and if possible treat the simulator as if it was at the field, if I take off, I needed to land it, none of that close the program half way...

Good luck on whatever you choose to buy

[thebbqguy]

I would not buy the Radian, its too small. IMO a trainer must be around 1400mm wingspan.

Try as much as possible if you can get a plane 2nd hand from someone at the field for a good price, probably check in CL and verify the purchase from someone at the field (ask a second opinion before you do so).

You are going to crash, is just part of it, am trying to say is dont shell out too much cash, because those airplanes wont be looking that pretty in a few days, and possibly after its first flight.

Are you testing waters, if so get a basic radio system, DSM2, or something similar.

Be watchful with SAFE technology may do more harm than good. A gyro system can be installed in any pusher, glider, trainer and set it with low and high rates, your instructor can help you set it up.

You have someone helping you out, if he/she knows how to teach how to fly at each student's pace, then there is no need to have SAFE at all.

I recommend that at least you watch the Youtube video from Flite Test of the Stratosurfer, it has a nice molded fuselage, with very good electronics. Can be the perfect trainer for the first few months, and do some basic tricks once you have more confidence. It will take at least half a year to out-grow it, and later can be the perfect fvp.

Its not about how much you fly at the beginning, its about the quality of those sessions. The instructor needs to make sure you dont carry bad habits with you, safety been number one on the list.

When I first started it was about 7 minutes of flying, and after that it was worthless. I went, flew one or two times, sit back and let it sink in. Many times I was confident enough and the club members would tell me to take it easy. It was the best thing I did, or I would have burned out. At home in the sim, would fly and still do, the fastest wings I could find, crank the weather wind, turbulence, fly it as far as possible and try to bring it back as a little dot, stay easy with one trick or two at a time, and if possible treat the simulator as if it was at the field, if I take off, I needed to land it, none of that close the program half way...

Good luck on whatever you choose to buy

I like the idea of the Stratosurfer. Originally I wanted to fly the Radian 2.0 meter but at the closest field to my house there is a 400 feet ceiling.

No one ever seems too positive about the Bixler type planes.

I like the idea of the Pandora with the gyro. I really need a trainer type plane.

[thebbqguy]

I went back and looked at several Stratosurfer videos and site. I'm not really interested in FPV at this point but it seems very well built and a couple videos demonstrated some slow flying characteristics.

Maybe I need to find a sale plane club to get through the learning phase.

[wrongroad2]

G'day BBQ,
Do not be put off by a four hundred foot limit as most [ I said most] fields world wide have this limit on their height allowed. And if you are in controlled airspace it is enforced strongly regardless if you are in a club or flying on another place.
I am not sure if most people are even aware at to why it is there.
In Australia, and I believe it is the same all over the world, general aviation can fly as low as five hundred feet, unless taking off and landing or on search and rescue and fire fighting duties. This give us our separation between us and them.
Four hundred feet is a long way up and the metric conversion is 122 metres.
A lot of blokes in my club whinge about the 400, until one points out that not many pilots fly above 100 feet.
I learned a heck of a lot with the Radian and never took her over 300.
If you are learning, one of the worst things you can do is go too high and too far away.
Only today at my field, a new pilot put himself way over the trees at the northern end of our runway and those trees are 300 metres away from the runway. He then started to descend until I shouted to him that he was still over the trees. Funny enough, it was a Bixler.
If I were to advise you on a model the following applies....
How good is your eyesight
Depth perception
Field of vision
Colour blindness
And reaction time
Everyone's reaction time are slow, relatively speaking, when we first start to fly. Buy a model that is not too fast and can slow down to a 'crawl' if need be.
Pick a model that can fly quicker as your skill level improves [ I found the Radian to be a very good model for this] can be mildly aerobatic, [again the Radian can do] land slow enough to allow you to gain confidence in making an approach to land and, be big enough to see in the sky. And you can pull her down and have her ready to fly in just a few minutes.
The Radian is also very tough and can handle the punishment a new pilot can dish out both in the air and in general hanger movements and transport to and from the field.
I find some of the similar styled models are too quick for a raw beginner and wind up in the trash very quickly.
Regards and respect
Daryl

[rifleman_btx]

The funny part about people who complain about 400 ft is when I fly my fpv plane (a 79" wing) at 300 ft indicated they have a hard time seeing my plane, then don't believe me on how high I was until I show them the dvr video. I honestly don't get the fascination with going as high as it can go if your feet are still planted on the ground. The risk of loosing control of a high dollar investment is much higher and not worth it. I actually enjoy low level flying way more than high level both on the sticks and as an observer.

[thebbqguy]

I only noticed the flight ceiling because I went to a Sailplanes Club locally (55 minute drive) and a guy demonstrated the 2.0 Radian. He had it up 800 feet in no time. He actually had to put considerable effort into keeping it down around 500 feet.

I was ready to purchase one.

I went back to my local club (10 minute drive) and told them I wanted to learn with a Radian and they said I need to find a sailplane club with a higher flight ceiling. The local club is near an airport.

That conversation was a big disappointment. They are primarily a traditional RC plane style club. Their are a few DeltaRays and small flying wings too.

That experience has compounded my research.

It would be so much easier if I had a friend to help me learn but I don't. I think that is an obstacle to new people.

The weather is turning around, so I need to pull the trigger on something.

I'd be flying already if I bought the Apprentice last fall as suggested. I just don't like the rubberbands. It's a hangup I have I guess.

[thebbqguy]

I may go it alone and try to teach myself.

I started a separate thread for that discussion.

https://www.hobbysquawk.com/forum/rc-airplanes/beginner-q-a/118689-teaching-myself-to-fly

[crankestein]

No one ever seems too positive about the Bixler type planes.

I like the idea of the Pandora with the gyro. I really need a trainer type plane.

Its unfortunate how they view pusher planes at the club. At the one I go to pilots who have top end quads and helos, also have Volantex and similar pusher planes.

The only good and bad thing about the Stratosurfer is the fuselage is made out of molded plastic. Yes its nice, but will be very difficult to fix in a crash. With a foamie, have a battery powered glue gun and can be up and flying in no time after a crash (dont ask me how I know, lol). As you get the hang of take off and approach, me, a Bixler 2 or similar, no landing gear. I just got back from flying the Bixler 2 v2 on 16mph winds on high rates with some gusts every now and then. Almost 20 minute flight (I get mostly 25, but had to give throttle more than usual do to the wind) on a lipo 3S 2200mah 30C (and yes the higher C makes a difference on that little 2800 1400kv motor).

Was doing loops and rolls, climb it as high as I could see it into the wind, shut the motor and let it glide. If it drops a wing, it recovers very quick, the airplane is very difficult to roll over on its own even on 16+ gusts, unless I push it when on high rates. Aileron and rudder mix, set on servo epa, expo and speed. Am using a JR X9303 bought second hand from a friend, and a 6-channel eight dollar Lemonrx receiver. The airplane is in stock trim, balanced the prop (makes a great difference when climbing and less noise), and swapped the ESC to a 30A just because I had one laying around, nothing wrong with the stock one. I brought to the field a Dynam Sbach, but could not fly it, way unstable with too much wind. So what I am trying to say is, pusher planes are still fun to fly on high winds when others decide not to with their "cool" planes because its no fun and a mental workout to do so. With a regular park flyer is constant correction, with a glider, the airplane levels itself, and am not even using gyro on mine. Its very durable, after climbing it up high, crank the throttle, full aileron and let it bank left or right kamikaze style, then level it as close as possible before it reaches the ground, it held in one piece, wings didnt not come off. I got a balsa Horizon Hobby P51w a O.S. .46, the same trainer version reviewed by Flite Test, its an awesome plane, a Gee Bee with a O.S. four stroke, a glow powered .46 Cherokee low wing (still considered a trainer because of the rubber bands to hold the wing), but I cannot fly them, such conditions does not let me, well I can but its a struggle.

I also enjoy flying it low when the weather is better. Do like a pendulum pattern back and forth, mixed with a roll, loop, some inverted and then back again. Have not tried yet belly touch and goes, the grass is too high at the field during this time. Its a floater, one must give elevator to bring the nose down, let it bleed some speed and land it, else it will glide parallel to the field.