Electric plane details

[BIGmansM]

Heres what i am looking for:
Something that will allow me to practice my take offs and landings. Not something to wimpy, i like the front propeller planes.I have a radio but if there is a rtf kit that comes with one i dont mind. One thing I know i dont want is, the throttle to be a little lever on the top or back of the radio, I want dual joysticks so that it will be as realistic as a gas plane that i am getting ready to buy.

Price should be less then $200, but the less the better. i dont think i will keep this long

[aeropal]

Post removed

[BIGmansM]

Megatech Freedom Flyer Trainer RTF Review (http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4753&skey=ab3e32) - Hungates (https://www.hungates.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=100753132&Category_Code=planes) - Extra Flight Batteries (http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=850)

Comment: Megatech has a reputation for selling "garbage" products, so "Buyer Beware"!

why would u show me this product and then say that the comany is known for selling crap? i am little confused???

[aeropal]

Sorry . . I have removed the post . . please disregard.

[BIGmansM]

Sorry . . I have removed the post . . please disregard.

so are there any other planes out there that would be good for me?

[nathanflyer]

Here's what i am looking for:
Something that will allow me to practice my take offs and landings. Not something too wimpy

I'm a private pilot and I've had a Megatech Freedom Flyer for three months now and I think that the bad press it gets is because the stock battery and charger it ships with is weak - not the plane. Also, it is not for novices (although it can take quite a beating during crashes). I recommend the Freedom Flyer from Hungates but only with the Megatech $39 charger (use only the one amp rate) and the 1100mah hi-performance batteries. If you want even better batteries that really kick this plane into the clouds, see my post in Batteries, drives, chargers called "Better batteries." I like the plane because it is closer to the real thing than the lighter models and the controller is similiar to the gas models. The landing gear isn't suitable for grass fields. I took mine off and do hand launches for take offs and belly landings in the grass for landings (this actually works quite well).

Nathan

[BIGmansM]

Here's what i am looking for:
Something that will allow me to practice my take offs and landings. Not something too wimpy

I'm a private pilot and I've had a Megatech Freedom Flyer for three months now and I think that the bad press it gets is because the stock battery and charger it ships with is weak - not the plane. Also, it is not for novices (although it can take quite a beating during crashes). I recommend the Freedom Flyer from Hungates but only with the Megatech $39 charger (use only the one amp rate) and the 1100mah hi-performance batteries. If you want even better batteries that really kick this plane into the clouds, see my post in Batteries, drives, chargers called "Better batteries." I like the plane because it is closer to the real thing than the lighter models and the controller is similiar to the gas models. The landing gear isn't suitable for grass fields. I took mine off and do hand launches for take offs and belly landings in the grass for landings (this actually works quite well).

Nathan

All my landing is goign to be done on a smooth concrete empty parking lot, the lot is over 150 steps longs, so there is plenty of room to land.
ill check out that plane u mentioned and see what i can find out about it. i would eventually want to do some tricks with the plane, because gliding around is fun for only so long.

[nathanflyer]

As you are probably well aware, concrete is very unforgiving for misshaps. I would recommend (if possible) a grass field at first, and trying the no gear belly landings (and the less wind the better) than attach the landing gear later and go for the concrete. Also, the nose wheel doesn't hold up well in bad landings (the tire comes off) perhaps you can get a better wheel at an RC shop but I'm not sure. Do you have access to an RC plane simulator? That was very helpful for me. For tricks, since this is only a 3 channel plane (rudder, elevator, and throttle only - no ailerons) it doesn't do too many tricks - just loops and spins as far as I know, but it does fly great once you replace the stock battery.

[BIGmansM]

whast so bad about the battery that comes with the plane?

[nathanflyer]

whast so bad about the battery that comes with the plane?

The battery that comes with the plane has 20% less wattage and is heavier than the lighter hi-performance batteries that are available as an option from hungates.com I recommend the better ($39) charger too because it automatically charges the battery in less than half the time (50 minutes) you can also automatically top the batteries off if they have been sitting for more than four or five days. The best part is that it doesn't risk damaging the battery like the stock charger can (if left on too long). (Note with the better charger: use the ONE amp mode only because the higher amp modes two and four will fry the battery - personal experience)

[bigedmustafa]

The Parkzone Super Decathalon RTF kit or J-3 Cub RTF kit should also suit your needs for about the same price:

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1400

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ1100

I recently read a favorable review of the Parkzone Super Decathalon that you might find interesting:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=492

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/ParkZone_Super_Decathlon_Review/m_2501632/tm.htm

More information about the J-3 Cub kit can be found here:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=387

Just a couple of additional choices to consider. Both of these RTF kits have been described as being slightly underpowered, much like the Freedom Flyer kit.

[BIGmansM]

What does underpowered mean? Battery wise? or motor wise?

[bigedmustafa]

"Underpowered" means, to paraphrase comments that I've read elsewhere, that the stock battery and engine are fine for general purpose flying on a calm, warm day. If it's a bit windy, if it's a cool day (55' or less), or for touch-and-go landing practice and whatnot, most pilots want more power.

Batteries give off less power if they're cold. Flying an electric plane in cold weather, you'll notice a drop in maximum throttle speed because of this.

Fighting a decent head wind with a lightweight electric park flyer can also be a challenge. If flying conditions aren't fairly calm, it sounds like most Freedom Flyer, J-3 Cub, or Super Decathalon pilots prefer stepped-up batteries and/or motors to combat the wind.

Take-off and landing practice isn't usually the preferred activity of RTF electric park flyers. These planes are often hand-launched. Taking off and landing on hard surfaces is a challenge, and extra power helps pilots maintain control of the plane while landing or doing a touch-and-go.

These planes should all be fine to fly out of the box, but most pilots run into circumstances where a more powerful battery or motor would be helpful. That's what "underpowered" means.

[BIGmansM]

So the battery listed above is a good choice?
What are the restriction about buying a new motor then?

[starcad]

Wow Bigmans, your almost better off getting a quality 4ch radio and going that way. There are quit a few on the market today that will fit you budget however the model you wish is a little more. You may want to look into a trainer type model as I love doing touch and go's all day long with one. A show stick will do the same or a Slo -V however the second stick is not availible on those transmitters. You could change out the radio in those models and then have what you want. This is what I did with my Parkzone Cub and Slo - V as I wanted to save weight and add a camera.

Good luck and hope you find what your looking for.

[aeajr]

Have not seen any dual stick RTF that I would recommend.

FOUR CHANNEL AILERON TRAINERS
These planes introduce the full set of flight controls consisting of
ailerons/elevator/rudder/throttle. They are a logical next step for the
pilot who wants to take their flying skills to full 4 channel control. All of
these planes can perform aerobatics, but are primarily designed as 4 channel
trainers with high wing designs . This makes them easier to fly but less
aerobatic than the mid or low wing planes. RTF, ARF & Kits

Magpie - with both wing kits - $55
Easy to build Foam kit -
Has trainer wing AND and aileron sport wing
Master the first, then advance to the second.
They offer a complete package with both wings and all the electroncis for $160
http://www.mountainmodels.com/magpie.php
discussion threads
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3502851#post3502851
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306795&highlight=SmoothE+build
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3502851#post3502851
Video - slow fly wing
http://www.mountainmodels.com/Magpie.wmv
Sport wing
http://www.mountainmodels.com/MagpieSP.wmv

SmoothE - $50
Easy to build Balsa and foam
4 channel aileron trainer
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
Discussion Threads
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234349&highlight=SmoothE+build
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205796&page=19&pp=15
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276761
Funny video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/SmoothEsmall.WMV

Models Dandy Sport - $45
http://www.mountainmodels.com/dandysport.php
Complete Package $155
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/ds1.wmv

GWS E-starter 400 - Simple Foam Kit - $50
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?products_id=551
Available as a ARF complete package kit with radio - $150
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=611

GWS Tiger Moth 400 - Simple Foam Kit - $70
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_54&products_id=203
Complete kit including Radio - $175
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=658
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=345
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/345/TM400m.wmv

Multiplex Magister ARF - $110
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZV2&P=ML
Multiplex Magister - RTF - $299
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZV3&P=ML
This plane is much larger than the others
Close to a .40 glow trainer in size
Review
http://www.smoothair.ca/reviews/Magister/magister.htm
Discussion
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309397
Video - This is not with the standard motor
this plane has an upgraded brushless motor
http://plawner.net/video/magister_funday.wmv

[Devin1]

I did the slow V. It came with a 3channel radio (not good for anything else unless you put servos in other plane (5 wire servos vs standard 3 wire)). You don't get the separate throttle stick. The throttle is more of a trim tab where the throttle should be. It realy doesn't matter, and it wont make transition to a 4 channel difficult. Just think of one less stick on the transmitter as one less thing to break off when it sits in the back of the car. I say that because It hasn't left the back seat since I got it (except for repairs). It is wonderful to pull this thing out virtually any where and just fly.

[aeajr]

Slo-V is a fun plane. Glad you are enjoying it.

As for moving the electroncis to another plane. Some think that is important. I don't. I have two Aerobirds that have hundreds of flights and plan to keep them flying forever. I have many other planes too, but my RTFs continue to be flown one a regular basis.

You can't beat the box to air quick time and the fun factor.

Try the bomb drop module for your Slo-V and if you can get a friend in the air, get the combat modules too.