I get e-mails from first time flyers looking for help starting R/C flight. I'm putting together this section for those looking for something quick and easy to start with. I am applying my own ideas in this area so my idea may not work for someone else. The links below were good in November 2002. I'll try to check these from time to time to keep them current.
The following are some websites and pages full of information on electric flight.
Check out the Kelly at: http://www.hobby-lobby.com/elsailb.htm I have this beautiful easy to fly sailplane. Some contruction. I took 12 hours to complete mine. I love this little plane. Thermals excellently. Its small size can be taxing on the old eyes. It comes in a very small box and fits back into it when your done, for easy storage. The Skimmer 400 may also be good.
I have had my DragonFly for more than five years - http://www.nesail.com/dragonfly.html - very easy to fly, easy to build, I took two days because I painted mine. I have a Buddy Box and have given many a flyer thier first flight on my DragonFly.
My friend had a Miss2 and it is a high wing all built up with rudder and elevator. It will use full size servos and is like an old free flight design. Very little contruction. Will take fullsize servos.
The Terry from Graupner is a very good flyer made of foam. More contruction than most. Very fast but very stable, good control response. Thermals good though it does not look like it would. May be a good starter.
On this page - http://www.hobby-lobby.com/parkflyers.htm - the Tipsy and Wingo would be good choices.
The Skywave is a very simple easy to fly design - http://remotecontrolvehicles.com/hotbodies/51003.html - I found this plane a bit wierd to fly. It only has motor control and rudder. I kept trying to pull back on the elevator. It was built by someone who visits our field. He wanted someone to check fly it first. So I did. It flew out of my hand and I had a nice long flight.
The Skyvector is about the same as the Skywave - http://www.rcwave.com/categoryDetails.asp?mainCategory=Aircraft
I have seen 5 youngsters learn to fly, on there own, with the Pico Stick - http://www.greatmodeldeals.com/products/pico_stick.htm - I like this plane though it is very light and should be flown only in very calm conditions. Easy to put together and takes a lot of abuse. You can learn to fly with this plane.
http://www.slowflyers.com/airplanes/airplanes.html - this site is full of possible first planes.
http://srbatteries.com/kits.htm - This site has some very good planes. Both the Cutie and Bantam would be good first picks. Visit the rest of thier site for battery information.
http://store.yahoo.com/ehobbies-com/rc-mtc-9910.html
http://www.hobbypeople.net/rcsource/hsjack/introrca.asp
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/index2.htm
http://www.newcreations-rc.com/
http://loke.as.arizona.edu/~ckulesa/flight.html - Questions and answers.
There is always some building to any plane, though recently manufacturers have tried some complete planes. There will be some learning to use the rechargeable batteries. The good thing is that the smaller batteries are easier to handle and charge quickly. With electric flight the plane the motor the prop and gearbox combine to make a great plane. There are many different combinations that can be used. Designers take away most of the guesswork needed when choosing the airplane components.
I hope this page helps someone and if you have an idea that has helped you or may help someone else please e-mail me and pass on the help.
Thanks Glenn Sparks
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