Ryanb741 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2002, 3207 posts, RR: 22 Posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 4369 times:
I am thinking of getting into this hobby but need some advice;
1 - How easy are the planes to fly?
2 - What sort of plane should I start on - will an acrobatic plane be much harder to fly than a 'trainer'. Why?
3 - Where is the best place to fly them - I live in a built up area of London!
Many thanks in advance
Ryan
I used to think the brain is the most fascinating part of my body. But, hey, who is telling me that?
Continental From United States, joined Jun 2000, 5060 posts, RR: 25 Reply 1, posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 4259 times:
1. Depends, a new trainer will be very easy, they usually consist of rudder, elevator, and variable speed control.
2. Start on an electric plane. 1st, all you do is charge a battery rather than buying special gas. 2nd, they are easier to fly, and are not noisy. I have a few electric a/c, they are wonderful.
3. Actually, if you get skilled enough you can fly an electronic a/c on your street! But to start off, head to a park of a big open area free of obstructions, because if it's not, you will learn the hard way. Also, if you get an electric kit which I highly recommend you do, get an ARF kit meaning "Almost Ready To Fly" http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXWG00&P=7 I'd suggest that plane, Great Planes Escapade, it's durable, flies for 30 min on a 600 mAh battery, and looks good too. You can build this kit straight from the box and ready to fly in about 12 hours, which isn't bad at all! Also, this plane, if you gain enough altitude, can do aerobatics such as flips. You need an aileron equipped aircraft to do barrell rolls, trust me, don't get an a/c aileron equipped right away, it's tough. Hope that helps, the hobby is extremely fun!
NormalSpeed From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 2, posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 23 hours ago) and read 4237 times:
That's some interesting stuff. I'd like to get into flying RC sailplanes. Believe it or not, I never did that when I was younger. It's sort of ironic -- I'll have my real-life CFI before I've ever flown RC airplanes.
Ryanb741 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2002, 3207 posts, RR: 22 Reply 3, posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 4234 times:
Okay - I went the full hog. I bought a Graupner Hotspot F18 with retractable wings (and gear) and - get this - a Jetcat P120 JET ENGINE(!!!!) which apparently allows it to travel at 400 MPH + ! Damn thing cost a f-o-r-t-u-n-e and it's gonna take ages to assemble, but how cool is that? The guy in the shop thought I was insane - trying to learn on that so he insisted I bought a simulator program (that alone was more than £100!!!). Also, due to noise regulations the nearest I can fly it is 50 miles from my house. However, just to own my own JET fighter - man, that's priceless!!!
So I go and spend waaay into 4 figures when I could have just gone and got a trainer a/c with 2 stroke engine and radios etc for under £200. That is sooo me. Man, my wife's gonna kill me!!!
I used to think the brain is the most fascinating part of my body. But, hey, who is telling me that?
Jwenting From Netherlands, joined Apr 2001, 10017 posts, RR: 26 Reply 4, posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 4246 times:
Be sure to check out aviation law!
At least in this country (and that's right across the North Sea from you) you need an official license to operate an R/C aircraft and they can only be operated from specially licensed airstrips (or with special permission elsewhere for example for demonstrations).
Ryanb741 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2002, 3207 posts, RR: 22 Reply 6, posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 4224 times:
No law per se in the UK, but as my a/c has a jet turbine blasting out around 150 decibels of sound, due to noise abatement regulations I need to be away from built up areas. For a normal petrol engine a/c, there are no regulations, other than keep away from houses!
I used to think the brain is the most fascinating part of my body. But, hey, who is telling me that?
Zrb2 From United States, joined May 2000, 886 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (6 years 5 months 3 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 4200 times:
Man, you are nuts buying a jet as a starter! I would keep that thing on the ground if I were you until you know you can get more than 1 expensive flight out of it! Anyway, a good R/C discussion forum is at http://www.flightlines.com/ or http://www.rcwatch.com . They have a separate discussion on there just for Jet aircraft.
I consider myself a pretty competent flyer and I had about 8 successful flights in an Airvista trainer w/ .40 glow engine. On my 9th flight I had a deadstick and it nosedived from about 100ft. into the ground. Gone for good! Now I am going to buy an electric so I can fly with less restrictions near my house and without all the hassles and mess of gas powered planes.
Ryanb741 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2002, 3207 posts, RR: 22 Reply 9, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 4183 times:
Oh come on man - it won't be that hard. Granted, on the simulator program I'm having a bit of difficulty with the ailerons - and it gets quite confusing when the a/c is flying towards you because the controls feel reversed, but I'm a quick learner.
I used to think the brain is the most fascinating part of my body. But, hey, who is telling me that?
Doug_Or From United States, joined Mar 2000, 2648 posts, RR: 4 Reply 10, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 4170 times:
the simulaters just a simulater. even if you master it, you still really need to start flying on a trainer. I know you probably won'y listen, but anyone whos learned to fly R/C a/c is going to say the same thoing. Don't know if the gruapner kit is one of their ARFs or if it requires lots of ocnstruction. if the latter is the case it will probablt take a long time.... during whihc you can build and fly a good trainer. at least find a local club or sometihng, where they can help you out. there may be someone with a buddy cord who'll let you try one of their planes out at altitude.
Jwenting From Netherlands, joined Apr 2001, 10017 posts, RR: 26 Reply 11, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 4175 times:
Just like people who complain they can't fly the 747 in MSFS when they've never used a simulator before...
Be smart, listen and get a cheaper easier model to train in first.
3 advantages:
- cheaper to operate so you can fly more
- cheaper to replace if you crash it (which will most likely happen)
- easier to learn to fly
USAFHummer From United States, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 60 Reply 12, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 4165 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
My neighbor got a really cheap prop r/c plane as a starter...first flight he crashed it and wrecked it totally...Ive read a fair bit about r/c flying since its something I hope to get into eventually...I strongly recommend you get a prop to start out...starting with a jet is tantamount to taking your first solo in a Gulfstream...its just not done and its crazy...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
NormalSpeed From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 13, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 4156 times:
Ryanb741,
I've got to agree with the other guys. Even though I've never flown R/C before, I know that there is a skill to it, and that flying a jet your first time out will turn out to be a very expensive mistake.
You will fly the jet in time. Make sure that you can enjoy it. Besides, you get the consolation that you get to buy another airplane!
Jwenting From Netherlands, joined Apr 2001, 10017 posts, RR: 26 Reply 14, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 4149 times:
I've never flown them either but I too have done research (and decided not to because of the crazy restrictions here).
I did watch several jets perform during demonstrations, and I saw them crash. Not a pretty site, and those were people with years if not decades of experience seeing their babies (usually designed and built from scratch) go up in smoke.
$20000+ gone in a few seconds...
USAFHummer From United States, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 60 Reply 15, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 4132 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
Let us know how the first flight goes, Im curious to know...good luck...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
Vafi88 From United States, joined Apr 2001, 3116 posts, RR: 24 Reply 16, posted (6 years 5 months 2 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 4107 times:
I've always wanted to get into it also, I would start from some 50$ crap plane with simple controls. First, I would only take off and land in a straight line to get the feel, then do it again with a bit of turning, and the I'd practice it. I don't think one's eyes are going to be accostomed to following an abject close to 400mph or even 100 at that fact. I'd say put it away for now, get som crap, and then build up, you'll say yourself a LOT of money...
Cheers c(__)
I'd like to elect a president that has a Higher IQ than a retarted ant.
USAFHummer From United States, joined May 2000, 10685 posts, RR: 60 Reply 17, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 23 hours ago) and read 4091 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CHAT OPERATOR
I think means a scale speed of 400 mph...meaning that if the aircraft were full sized it could go 400 mph, but as the scale of the aircraft is less, the speed is less...
Greg
Chief A.net college football stadium self-pic guru
Ryanb741 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2002, 3207 posts, RR: 22 Reply 18, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 4101 times:
No the ACTUAL speed is up to 400MPH. According to the manufacturer. That is NOT the scale speed.
I used to think the brain is the most fascinating part of my body. But, hey, who is telling me that?
Portcolumbus From United States, joined Nov 2000, 1582 posts, RR: 5 Reply 19, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 18 hours ago) and read 4089 times:
Yeah, good luck. How quickly do you lose track of an r/c plane doing 400mph?
Ryanb741 From United Kingdom (England), joined Mar 2002, 3207 posts, RR: 22 Reply 20, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 4083 times:
Once I've finished building the plane I'll let you know!
I used to think the brain is the most fascinating part of my body. But, hey, who is telling me that?
Beefmoney From United States, joined Oct 2000, 1109 posts, RR: 5 Reply 21, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 4079 times:
Oh my. I just started flying RC a few months ago with an electric that I can fly in my local park. Now, Ive flown the RC simulator for almost a year, and I was able to do world championship type aerobatics on there, but once I flew my tiny electric the first few times, I ran it into a few bushes and bent the wing.
Now, I have just read what you have just bought for your first RC plane and........*faints*
YOU ARE INSANE!!!! I am 100% sure you will dig a nice smoking hole within 5 seconds of the first flight (possibly within 5 seconds of taking it out of the box).
You are horribly mistaken. It will be that hard. If your having trouble on the sim, i will be 80X harder in real life. I REALLY dont want you to fly that sucker into a car/person/house/apartment on the first flight and kill someone.
Buy a small electric and crash that first. Because you will crash it.
Vafi88 From United States, joined Apr 2001, 3116 posts, RR: 24 Reply 22, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 4066 times:
Actually, Seeing a person get hit by one of those is pretty funny, but not something that is rocketshaped going 400mph....
Final Advice-Build the aircraft, put it somewhere where you can see it and be proud of it, while learning on some cheap piece of crap so you can get the feeling of it.
I'd like to elect a president that has a Higher IQ than a retarted ant.
Manzoori From Christmas Island, joined Sep 2002, 1499 posts, RR: 43 Reply 23, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 4062 times:
Ryanb741,
Dude... Seriously, unless you've got money to burn I would VERY seriously recommend you get yourself a cheaper and more resilient aircraft to practice on.... and Join a club!
First off, you want to get BMFA membership as that will cover your insurance as well just in case on you first flight you do spear a child or a sheep!
Next, I would subscribe to JET, and RC mag dedicated to flying gas turbine and ducted fan models. Plenty of hints and tips there!
coming back to the resilient and cheap model, I can wholeheartedly recommend a Multiplex Twinjet. It's made of Elapor Foam, looks very much like your Hotspot, and is powered by a pair of 480 motors. It's not as fast as the Hot spot is going to be but it's a taster for flying an aircraft with the planform of the HotSpot. And above all it's resilient! Trust me on this... the voice of experience speaks!
I'll be honest I've not tried using one of the RC simulators, but do they model wind gusts? Turbulent air? Bad Light conditions?
At the end of the day it's your model and you will do with what you will but I hope you take some of the advice given in this and the other posts. I'd hate to have that HotSpot crash on the first flight due to the Pilot's lack of experience.
Cheers!
Rez
Flightlineimages DOT Com Photographer & Web Editor. RR Turbines Specialist
Tadex From Vatican City State (Holy See), joined Sep 2002, 91 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (6 years 5 months 1 week 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 4053 times:
NormalSpeed:
"That's Europe for you. There's a damn law about everything." Don´t even start with this... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lapa_saab340 From United States, joined Aug 2001, 370 posts, RR: 6 Reply 25, posted (6 years 5 months 3 days 14 hours ago) and read 4012 times:
Hey Ryan
I had a chance to read through all these posts, and please don't take this the wrong way, but the best thing you can do right now is keep that thing on the ground and learn to fly on something more tame. The simulator can be pretty useful, and it will really help you out (especially with that reverse-control situation when the plane heads towards you) but it really is no substitute for the real thing.
Although learning to fly r/c does not require superhuman qualities, it does have a learning curve, and the best way to go about it is with an instructor and a trainer. You can manage to teach yourself on your own, but only if you have an VERY forgiving airplane and if you planned things out very carefully, but it's still bound to cost you a few crashes and repairing (more likely rebuilding) time before you are proficient.
I'm not familiar with this airplane, but from your description is way too much of a beast to handle for a beginner, and a downright dangerous thing to do (a typical trainer will pack enough wallop to kill a person, never mind this model).
I would very strongly advice that you put this model aside for now and buy yourself a trainer. Better yet, ask around at your hobby shop and try to find a local flying field. You might find somebody willing to teach you how to fly and get a lot of advice on what options you have as far as models. If you have an instructor, you can even get away with buying something a little 'hotter' than your regular trainer.
Please don't feel discouraged, r/c flying is lots of fun and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Once you build up some experience you can start moving up to more complex models, and you'll be able to enjoy your jet. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!
Cheers
Fernando
26 Toner: Pick up a copy of Model Airplane News. http://www.modelairplanenews.com/ Lot's of good stuff, particularly the pod and boom electric pusher types, und
27 Kappa13: Hey, If your gonna get into this hobby do it right. I've been flying R/C for around 2.5 years. The best thing way to start is to visit your local R/C
28 Ryanb741: Right - finally built the kit, installed the engine and had my first flight. First thing - BLIMEY it's fast! I've kind of got the hang of controls in
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