next plane

[donaldfrench]

I am new to RC planes and have been flying the Wild Hawk and the Piper 3.  What is the next step up to get me to 4 channels.  I ordered the A10 based on the review from Nitro that it was a good beginner plane . is there a better one to learn on?

[Tony A.]

The A-10 (or any ducted fan plane) is probably not a good choice for a first 4 Channel plane. I almost made the same mistake but got some really good advice from some other memebers of this forum. The A-10 is going to be alot faster than the planes you are used to flying and because it is a low wing plane it will be much more unstable. I would suggest you find a good 4 channel high wing "trainer" type plane. The addition of ailerons will give much much more manuverablitity but with the high wings the plane will still be pretty stable. Once you have that down then you can move to a low wing "trainer". The low wing plane will be a little less stable and a little faster. After you master that then you may be ready for a ducted fan.

[donaldfrench]

Thanks for the info.  I was beginning to wonder if anyone was reading my plea.  Did you have a suggestion of the high wing trainer?

[Tony A.]

Actually, with a little modification, the J3 you already have would be good. It would require an investment in a 4 to 6 channel Tx/rx, a servo or two, and some basic supplies (tape, control horns, etc.). If I am not mistaken the ailerons are outlined in the wigs of the J3. You just need to carefully cut them out, bevel the bottom side, add some tape and a servo or two and thats pretty much it. Probably would want to move up to a brushless motor. If you buy nice Tx (Spektrum DX6i or DX7) it will last for years and you can keep changing the receiver to new planes.

[donaldfrench]

Thanks for the advice.  Actually I am having such a good time on the trainers I am wondering why I would want to change at least in the immediate future.  PS...  I did my first roll on the Wild Hawk today..  I did 3 of them and did not crash.    YEA!!!  Do you have any comment on the Su-27  It says it is good jet for a beginner too.  Flies slow and easy to control...  I just like the looks of it.

[Tony A.]

None of the EDF planes that I know of have very good handling a low speed. Most will tip stall and fall out of the sky if you let the airspeed get too low (i.e. trying to land). I have not flown one myself but I have been told that the F-18 was probably the best of the lot for slower speed handling and stability.

Check out RCPowers for some cool mods for the WildHawk. He put a brushless motor and added ailerons and it will take off from the grass without the wheels. Just sliding on the bottom.

[Tony A.]

BTW, you will probably get more responses if you post you questions in the RC Airplane Beginners Forum. I actaully stumbled across your post by accident.