Planning the perfect maiden flight????

[kcm918]

Just bought a Firebird Commander 2 to use with my 4 year old son, who even at his age, could watch and be thrilled by R/C planes for hours (local area bike path goes through open fields frequented by enthusiasts). We have a few months before Mother Nature would likely allow a successful first flight, so I'd like to plan and prep and just plain do it right.
I've read the manual, watched the video and have a freind who has a freind (yeah, I know) that is in a local club. All of these I'm sure are steps in the right direction, but what about what they don't tell you in the manuals? What are say, the top things to consider, based on experience (granted, everyone's is different) when venturing into this sport for the first time. Do I need to have a spare parts kit? If so, what should be in it? What time of day is best? Does humidity make a difference? Do I need a permit? Why is the sky blue?
You get the idea. Any help or advice on what would help make the perfect maiden voyage woould be most appreciated.

[aeropal]

If you have a 2-stick gamepad controller, download the Flying Model Simulator (http://mpx.speedkom.net/cms/vorschau/upload/d_software/fms2alpha85me2.exe) freeware - tutorial (http://www.tti-us.com/sim/FMSop.html#op-map). Then download the FighterBird model file (http://www.rc-sim.de/dl_engine/files/FighterBird.zip).

http://tinypic.com/j7z43k.jpg

During mapping enter a 0 for the elevator and aileron, so the control functions will be similar to the actual 2-channel transmitter . . left stick forward is full throttle . . right stick left-right rudder . . similar to this (your controller may be different):

http://tinypic.com/j7z47s.jpg

R key is reset with hand launch . . I key is reset on runway. This will help develop hand-eye coordination skills.

[kingsnake93]

I just bought a firebird commander2 4 or 5 weeks ago it is pretty to fly after a few flights.
I am geting a Slow-V today and it is a three channel and really slow (DUH!)
And to improve your flights dont fly in any wind at all

[Leo L]

If you have the computer time, go to RCGroups and RCUniverse. Both have extensive Beginner sections in the electric flight threads where you can get a lot of good advice from previous threads regarding the things that you need to know for your first flights. I will summarize some of the key points for you.

1) As a beginner, particularly with a 2-channel plane, you need to fly when there is virtually no wind. The best times are usually the first two hours after sunrise and the last hour before sunset.
2) If there is no wind, you can obviously take off in any direction; if there is a slight breeze, you must take off directly into the wind. You should also land into the wind if at all possible.
3) Most flyers, and the manual, recommend hand launches initially. I tried handlaunching and hated it, so I have done almost all of my take-offs from the ground. If you decide to take off from the ground, be aware that the plane will likely turn somewhat from the direction you selected as it accelerates. DON'T TRY TO CORRECT IT WITH YOUR STEERING CONTROL. If it stays within an acceptable direction, let it continue and turn it once it is well in the air. If it turns too far, turn off the power and restart. My Firebird Commander used to turn 90 degrees clockwise as it accelerated. I learned to point the plane 90 degrees to the left of the direction that I wanted it to take off in. It would make its inevitable turn and take off exactly in the direction that I wanted. If you try to steer the plane as it rolls along the ground, you will not get a significant amount of control, so you will probably give it a considerable amount of steer. Once it takes off, it will immediately bank in the direction that you are steering, stall and cartwheel into the ground (speaking from experience).
4) Select a large open area for your flying. 600 ft. x 600 ft. is the minimum you need to take off and gain enough altitude before needing to turn, and to gently reduce altitude for your landing.
5) The higher you fly the better. Most beginners are nervous flying high and try to keep the plane close to the ground. BIG MISTAKE. The ground and trees are the enemies of your flight. Fly at least three times the hight of any nearby obstacles, including trees.
6) Make very wide, gentle turns. You should not need to move the control stick more than 1/4 of its throw. Make a slight turning input and give the plane a moment to respond. One of the biggest mistakes that new flyers make is overcontrolling and overcorrecting. (Think of a kid learning to ride a bicycle or a teen learning to drive a car. They steer all over the place until they get used to the controls.)
7) Most of your flying will be done at approximately 1/2 throttle. Charge the barrery and run the plane at 1/2 throttle on the ground and time how long you get. It should run about 12 minutes. Try this at 3/4 throttle. When you actually fly the plane, time your flight and begin landing when you still have 2 minutes of power left. Landing with no power is not fun.
8) When you take-off, whether hand launching or ground take-off, you must start at full throttle and then almost immediately reduce the throttle to 60% or so, so that the plane does not stall. As the pane levels out, gradually increase the throttle until you achieve a slight steady climb. Try not to make any turns until you are at least 50 ft. up, and then only very gentle turns until you are at least 100 ft. up. Don't be afraid to take it up to 200-300 ft. or more.
9) When the plane is flying toward you, the controls will seem to be reversed. If you move the control stick to the right, the plane will turn to your left. This takes some time to get used to.

Consider going to Toy-R-Us and buying an AirHogs Aeroace for $30. Its a very small plane but is terrific for learning on. (Dont buy any other planes at Toys-R-Us. They make look fancier and better than the AeroAce, but are not.) Check out the various threads regarding the AeroAce. Several people have called it the best beginner plane ever. I'm not sure whether your 4 year old will be able to fly it, but by next year he will certainly be able to do so. Good luck and have fun!