trainer planes

imran1042 · October 30, 2012, 04:10:25 PM

Hi everyone, i just have a question.

It is my friends birthday in 2 days and i want to get him a plane. What are the minimum requirements for a trainer plane that he can get his wings on?
(size, speed, weight)

Thanks

Papa · October 30, 2012, 05:22:58 PM

A Sensei would do fine.

jack.

imran1042 · October 30, 2012, 05:32:54 PM

i will think about that but i am looking for something under $200 for him.... Can i get him a 3 channel plane but upgrade it to 4 channel, will that work? if so what is the required wingspan?

flying saucer · October 30, 2012, 07:16:05 PM

If you can wait a while this looks like a good choice:

http://www.bananahobby.com/flight-design-rc-trainer-airplane-rtf-81676-prd1.html#navImages

or the Sensei is a great flying model as well.

imran1042 · October 30, 2012, 08:28:02 PM

lol thats a funny looking plane..

.... Thats another thing, is banana hobby a good website to buy from, i have heard bad things about it like they ship the wrong products and that the products or defective?

imran1042 · October 30, 2012, 08:29:47 PM

I have decided to get him this and buy 2 servos to upgrade it to 4 channel...Any thoughts?
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/HBZ2600

Ededge2002 · October 30, 2012, 09:35:18 PM

I've seen a version of the firebird fly and adding ailerons would be tough. It flew well though as it was.

flying saucer · October 30, 2012, 11:01:21 PM

Quote from: imran1042 on October 30, 2012, 08:29:47 PM
I have decided to get him this and buy 2 servos to upgrade it to 4 channel...Any thoughts?
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/HBZ2600

I'm pretty sure that would not qualify for a wings test, but good choice for a beginner to learn flight basics with.

Or you go with the tried and tested Supercub. My very first ever RC flight I had it up for several minutes (mostly in control

) By my 4'th flight it had taught me enough to get my solo flying privileges.

thehaze · October 31, 2012, 12:21:05 AM

Last time I checked the commander 2 was a two channel plane. Rudder and throttle only. I wouldn't bother adding ailerons to it, if the plane doesn't have elevator then it's not really that helpful. Plus it uses a nimh battery, pretty old school.

A wings capable aircraft needs 4 channels of control and should be able to taxi on the field. The sensei and the apprentice are the minimum in my books.

Why not get him a firebird stratos? Or go with the micro champ? Both are good starter planes, both wouldn't get you your MAAC Pilot Wings but are certainly better than the commander 2.

imran1042 · October 31, 2012, 07:49:18 AM

OK thank for the advise Mike, i did not realize it did not have elevators.

...... I will probably end up getting him the firebird but i am not giving up, still look for 4 channel planes

sihinch · October 31, 2012, 04:44:19 PM

How about a Multiplex Mini Mag?

Gregor77 · October 31, 2012, 05:24:42 PM

I don't think that plane is still on the market?

Wingnutz · October 31, 2012, 06:27:06 PM

Imran,
There's a bunch of Apprentices flying around ROGO. Perhaps someone wants to sell one that's still in fair shape. If the condition is good, it'd probably represent better value than anything new. Why not place a WTB (want to buy) post for a used Apprentice (or something similar) on TEMAC's website and see what happens. You never know!

bfeist · October 31, 2012, 08:26:19 PM

I'd say forget trying to get something he can get is wings on and go for a fun park flyer.

Candu · November 03, 2012, 03:43:28 PM

Wondering if that minimum is based on MAAC guidelines or is it a local club/field/instructor based minimum. Also, are non-fixed wing crafts - heli/quad/tri/etc meet that minimum? Confused.