Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / July 2004

Why don't you buy him a flight sim??

Sure.  Although the suggestion of a Flight Simulator is good, it could be as
much or more than a used plane.  
Ask for the location of local clubs at your hobby shop.  Go out and ask about
used equipment and instruction programs.  Most clubs have instructors who will
teach you to fly at no charge, although membership is usually required.  You
can also buy a cheap, little "park flyer", but that might be more frustration
than it's worth.

Dr.1 Driver
"There's a Hun in the sun!"

You're right about helicopters probably getting pricey. They're more
complex machines and they are harder to fly.

It appears that the quickest and perhaps least expensive way to get your
friend started would be to look at electric park flyers. Not all of them
are junk.

GWS has an interesting starter airplane in the Slow Stick. It looks
awkward and ungainly, but it has taught a lot of people to fly RC, and
then has also become a platform for such activities as aerial photography
and aerial video.

A starter set built around the Slow Stick can be had for under $ 200. In
fact, GWS Expert has a package offered online for $ 108 with a 730 mAh
NiMH battery pack. It has everything except the battery charger. If you
stick with NiCad or NiMH batteries, there's a charger for those available
at $ 40. That has the package at $ 148.00 An extra battery pack or two is
a good idea, each pack is about $ 16.00. So, with two extra battery packs
it adds up to about $ 190.00 in new stuff.

http://www.gwsexpert.com

The basic kit, airplane and motor, sells for $ 35. If you're willing to do
the rounds of swap meets, you'll need two small servos, a receiver, an
electronic speed controller ( ESC), battery pack(s) (probably not less
than 750 mAh), a battery charger, and a transmitter. Ask questions and
tell folks what you're looking to put together and you'll find lots of
help.

GWS has a starter transmitter with 4 channels that is quite affordable. At
swap meets you should be able to find something like a JR Quattro or a JR
421 EX at a moderate price. Be sure to match the transmitter channel and
the receiver crystal channel.

The advantage to electric is that if there is an open area nearby where a
plane can be flown safely, and where there is no prohibition in place,
there's no need to drive to a club field. A Slow Stick is quite
manageable, even for a beginner, on a softball field.

It's a good idea to take membership in the AMA and to observe the AMA
Safety Code. Member flyers who operate within the Code can be covered by
liability insurance.

It's also a good idea to find someone who can help your friend learn to
fly and avoid the frustrations of breaking the plane and either having to
go home to make repairs or to the hobby shop or computer looking for
spares.

Hope this has helped.

Cheers!!!

BobbyG

Sure thing. I mailed you $20 today.

On 6/29/2004 8:59 AM Ted shuffled out of his cave and grunted these
great (and sometimes not so great) words of knowledge:

Someone mentioned a flight simulator.  There is a free D/L available.
It is called FMS.  You will need to supply the transmitter (usually your
own) and an interface cable (about $20 on EBay).  It is a pretty decent
simulator with loads of different type planes (and helicopters)
available for free - just D/L.

Best bet is to get with the local club.  The local hobby shop should know
who and where.  Failing that, hit the AMA web site:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/

More specific would be:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/clubsearch.aspx?sid=05E7A0BB9ECE4C688
57C42F32529A989

Enter your zip code and see what shows up.

Chuck