Getting started again after many years

[Dougf]

Hello folks
I would like advice on what a good entry level RC airplane trainer might be, plus entry level radio, and best place to buy(on-line, local store, etc.). I still have my Senior Falcon, built about 50 yrs ago(OMG), which was set up for a CRC 4 channel radio. The plane needs a few repairs, and I figured I would get a damage resistant trainer as a first step before fixing and flying my old bird. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks..Doug

[Sempai-mj]

Hello,

Are you planning on electric or glow / Gas ?

[briankizner]

If you want glow power and an easy, inexpensive, instant way to get started, look at the latest post in classified ads on this site. The Nexstar is a pretty good, easy to fly trainer. It is not the greatest plane- what drives me crazy about it is that the nose wheel is weak and can be occasionally difficult on takeoff. Other than that, it is durable and easy to fly. The included engine is excellent. You won’t do better for less than $300 for a complete package.

[Michael O'Bree]

As a recent learner, I can highly recommend the Apprentice S 15e ($250US) assuming you want to go electric rather than mess with smelly, oily, noisy, temperamental, deadstick prone, maintenance heavy gas/glow (I do recognize that gassers love these attributes, for some strange reason :)). The Apprentice batteries give at least 10 minutes flight time.

Instead of investing in expensive gas/glow engines, for electric you will need a decent charger. I am very happy with the the Hitec X4 that I bought - the updated version is now the X4 AC Pro AC/DC Four Port Multicharger ($200US).

For your Transmitter, you will need to update. A Spektrum DX6 or DX8 would do the job to start, but I invested in a DX9 ($450 US) which will almost certainly meet all my potential needs until I can no longer fly - no regrets.

Make sure you order at least one extra battery when you order your electric plane. Then you should be all set.

You can buy all these things online, or support your local hobby shop (eg Teds Hobby shop in Pointe Claire). You might pay a little more at Ted’s than online but you get excellent advice. As suggested by Brian, to really save money buy second hand (eg classifieds on WIMAC’s or other club/forum websites) otherwise online from the US eg Horizon Hobby or Canada eg Great Hobbies.

Happy Flying.

[Sempai-mj]

Great advice guys.

[Dougf]

Thanks for the great comments, very helpful. I was thinking to go with electric to start off, just less hassle, even though I love the noise and smell etc of gas. I think I need to work first on flying skills then I can think more about the plane and engine combos. Thanks again, look forward to meeting you at the field. Doug

[Philip Greenberg]

Hi Doug,
Do I remember you as the late Gerry Finn's son?
Philip
514 995 3370

[Sempai-mj]

Thanks for the great comments, very helpful. I was thinking to go with electric to start off, just less hassle, even though I love the noise and smell etc of gas. I think I need to work first on flying skills then I can think more about the plane and engine combos. Thanks again, look forward to meeting you at the field. Doug

At lot of guys used the E-flite Apprentice, it's a good flyer & trainer even in the wind.

Here's copy & paste from a website.

"The E-flite Apprentice S 15e airplane is an exceptional trainer featuring groundbreaking SAFE technology for fearless flying. It’s a blast to fly even for the intermediate pilot who will love its maneuverability and float plane conversion option."

I'm sure Pete @ Ted's can get you one.

[Dougf]

As a recent learner, I can highly recommend the Apprentice S 15e ($250US) assuming you want to go electric rather than mess with smelly, oily, noisy, temperamental, deadstick prone, maintenance heavy gas/glow (I do recognize that gassers love these attributes, for some strange reason :)). The Apprentice batteries give at least 10 minutes flight time.

Instead of investing in expensive gas/glow engines, for electric you will need a decent charger. I am very happy with the the Hitec X4 that I bought - the updated version is now the X4 AC Pro AC/DC Four Port Multicharger ($200US).

For your Transmitter, you will need to update. A Spektrum DX6 or DX8 would do the job to start, but I invested in a DX9 ($450 US) which will almost certainly meet all my potential needs until I can no longer fly - no regrets.

Make sure you order at least one extra battery when you order your electric plane. Then you should be all set.

You can buy all these things online, or support your local hobby shop (eg Teds Hobby shop in Pointe Claire). You might pay a little more at Ted’s than online but you get excellent advice. As suggested by Brian, to really save money buy second hand (eg classifieds on WIMAC’s or other club/forum websites) otherwise online from the US eg Horizon Hobby or Canada eg Great Hobbies.

Happy Flying.
Michael,
Thanks for your advice about the Apprentice and DX6. Got the plane and radio, flew with Raymond last 2 weekends, went great. Perfect airplane to get started and Pete at Teds has been very helpful. See you at the field. Doug

[Michael O'Bree]

Michael,
Thanks for your advice about the Apprentice and DX6. Got the plane and radio, flew with Raymond last 2 weekends, went great. Perfect airplane to get started and Pete at Teds has been very helpful. See you at the field. Doug

Congrats on your Wings.

Glad to hear things are going well. Just don’t get tempted to fly in too much wind with the Apprentice like me. I lost my first Apprentice because I underestimated the wind strength above the tree line :eek:

[Richard Piché]

Just for your info HH is discontinued they APPRENTICE,
already parts are very hard toget

[Michael O'Bree]

Just for your info HH is discontinued they APPRENTICE,
already parts are very hard toget

Not discontinued - just on Backorder:

https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/airplanes/safe-technology--1/trainer/apprentice-s-15e-bnf-with-safe-reg%3B-technology-efl3180

I guess they are getting too many orders ;)

[Richard Piché]

I regard to they Apprentice 'my source is AMR in longueil

[Sempai-mj]

Snap them up!
https://www.amazon.ca/EFL-EFL3100E-Flite-Apprentice-15e/dp/B01J93ANPU/ref=asc_df_B01J93ANPU/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293005105585&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3994626968770313699&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000462&hvtargid=pla-523719188558&psc=1

[Michael O'Bree]

Snap them up!
https://www.amazon.ca/EFL-EFL3100E-Flite-Apprentice-15e/dp/B01J93ANPU/ref=asc_df_B01J93ANPU/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=293005105585&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3994626968770313699&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000462&hvtargid=pla-523719188558&psc=1

You’d have to be in a hurry to pay a US/CAD FX rate of 1.45 !