"Mastered" the Flight Commander 2, what now?

[Adam G]

I have really enjoyed all of the detailed information I have found on these threads, and the general positive attitudes of the writers. i have a question for you experienced pilots.

I tried to get into gas RC planes several years ago, and gave up as I watched balsa splinter and scatter across the field after just a couple of flights. I was excited to hear that you could get an electric RTF for $100, and decided to give it a try again. I purchased the Flight Commander 2 recently, and have been flying it non stop for about 30 flights now. Recently I have been getting quite comfortable with it even in a 10 to 15 mile an hour wind. I have also been flying it in tighter and tighter areas with much success in lower wind conditions. I think I am ready to move up to a faster more manueverable plane.

My question for you is this, do I dare take the leap to the park zone P-51 Mustang, or would the Aerobird Extreme be the wiser way to go first? After rading the thread about the plane pulling hard left on take off, it makes me wonder if I don't want a little more experience on something slower. I am afraid the wife will most likely only allow me 1 more plane this year?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Adam

[Leo L]

There is a very good article for beginner flyers on the horizonhobby.com website. The article is titled: The Runway: Getting started in RC Flight Blog. The writer uses Horizon Hobby's products (HobbyZone), but the information is very good and should be applicable to all beginners. His experience is very similar to mine. I started flying this past April using a 2-channel RTF (Firebird Commander). After numerous crashes and encounters with trees, I finally got pretty good with it, so I decided to move up to 3-channel. I bought a ParkZone Cub, but that didn't last too long. On the maiden flight, an experienced flyer was helping to adjust the trim, but by the time that he was finished playing with the controls over my shoulder, the plane was more than a 1/2 mile away and ended up crashing. We searched, but never found it. I then bought the Megatech Airstrike and decided to do all of the trimming myself. The first two flights resulted in nose first crashes, so I set that plane aside, figuring that I will return to it when I get a lot better at flying. I then bought an Aerobird Challenger, and have had a blast with it. It is a very natural progression from the 2-channel Firebird, and is very forgiving. I recently bought a used Cub and have had a ball flying it, although my landings are still a little rough.

The biggest lessons that I learned: 1) You cann't beat the wind with a beginner's plane. I prefer flying early in the morning, just after sunrise when the wind is at a minimum and there are no people around. 2) In a contest between your plane and a tree, the tree will win every time! Stay away from them, or stay well above them.

Have fun. Flying is a great time.

[Adam G]

I have considered the Challenger as well. I think this would definately be the safest. The parts are by far the most reasonable to replace, and it would be a great introduction to a 3 channel. I figure I am only going to be able to talk my way into getting one more plane this year. I am a little concerned that I may outgrow the Challenger in 30 or 40 flights. The way I have been flying lately, that would take less than a month. I guess that is why I am leaning towards the Extreme. Sounds like the Cub is a lot of fun as well! I know I want to stick with park zone at this point.

[Leo L]

You will definitely outgrow the Challenger. I find the Cub a lot more fun to fly; although I must admit that I never tried the Challenger with the seven cell, which would boost its performance. You might also consider the Decathlon, which is similar to the Cub, but has larger control surfaces and is therfore more aerobatic. Keep us updated on your decission. (Think about selling your first plane on e-bay and maybe your wife will agree to a third?)

[aeajr]

Are you refering to the HobbyZone Commander 2? I don't know a plane by the name Flight Commander.

If it is the HZ,then stepping up to the Challenger or the Xtreme would be a logical next step. The challenger adds elevator control an some aerobatics. The Xtreme is a bigger, faster Challenger that can handle more wind.

I would not go to a low wing warbird from a two channel Commander.

Other planes to consider as next steps in RTF electics are:

The Multiplex Easy Star or the T-Hawk. Both excellent 3 channel planes that are RTF.

If you are ready to buy your own radio and commit to the hobby, then an ARF or simple kit might be a good next step.

Get a Futaba 6EXA Super 6 channel computer radio. About $170 with micro servos and receiver. Then consider:

GWS Slow Stick, GWS e-starter
www.mountainmodels.com Magpie

these are easy to build kits that you will love!

[Adam G]

Since originally posting this question, I have been doing a lot of reading of threads on this site and others. There have been guys that have jumped up to the P-51 from a trainer and had success, and thise who have either crashed and burned, or have decided not to fly it until they get more experience once they try it. I have to sayit is a cool plane, but I am going to go with another high wing trainer.

In regards to getting a reciever, that seems like good advice. It seems a lot of people complain of radio "glitches" that cause them problems. I suppose it is dificult to put a real high quality receiver togethor when the whole RFT airplanes is 159.99. Thanks for the reply.

Adam

[HottsOne]

If you want to get the Aerobird Challenger to move up into, once you have gotten it mastered. See these videos on the tail I am selling for the ABC. www.putfile.com/hottsone Email me if you want one. shane@dealerpartstrader.com