How to Buy a Trainer Model Airplane

Radio-controlled (R/C) scale-model airplanes bring the thrill of flying to your fingertips. Just like beginning pilots, most R/C fliers begin with trainer aircraft - but in scale, of course.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• R/C Modeling Construction & Operating Publications
• Internet Access
• R/C Model Engines - EHobby Inventory
• EHobbies Top Flite Cessna 182 Airplane Kits
• How-to Video On R/C Airplanes
• model engine supplies and accessories - radio system, glow plugs, servos, batteries, fuel

1. Enjoy your enthusiasm for your new hobby, but realize you must work to improve your skills in achievable short steps to avoid becoming discouraged.

2. Join an R/C modelers club.

3. Attend a club flying session and watch the performance of various replicas.

4. Develop friendships with knowledgeable hobbyists within the club. Ask for recommendations on purchasing a scale-model trainer.

5. Visit local hobby shops. Get to know the store owners and clerks.

6. Ask for literature.

7. Subscribe to hobby publications.

8. Do research on the Internet.

9. Join a modelers e-mail discussion list or read submissions to hobbyists electronic bulletin boards.

10. Check your budget.

11. Remember that there will be expenses other than for the trainer replica. You'll also need to buy a radio-control transmitter and may need to buy an engine.

Tips & Warnings

• Trainer scale models, like their full-size brothers, are designed to be slow, smooth, stable and forgiving of pilot errors.
• Training to fly a radio-controlled model airplane can teach a youngster hand-eye coordination, mechanical skills and the laws of aerodynamics.
• Scale-model engine fuel is volatile. Handle with care.
• Propellers spinning at high speeds can cause serious injury. Watch your fingers.
• Youngsters operating radio-controlled aircraft should have adult supervision.

on 3/28/2006 With model airplanes, you get what you pay for, in all meanings of the phrase. There's a reason the built-up balsa planes cost more than the balsa-covered foam ones. If you're looking for a trainer, don't spend less than $300 for a RTF package. .60-size ARFs should be in the $200-350 range, give or take. Any less than that, and you're taking a serious gamble. Also, only buy from reputable companies. Hangar 9, Great Planes, Kangke, SIG, and Seagull, to name a few. Buying from cheap and unknown sellers often means you're stuck with a lemon. Even if it looks good on the outside, the cheapos often have weak construction, sub-structural damage, and are made of the wrong materials. Bottom line, spend a little more and you get a model you can trust.

The same applies to engines and radios. While the prices of the good ones can be a bit steep, the cheap ones often don't work outright or break within days of use.

on 11/22/2005 Gigantic propellers may cost $5 at the hobby store. The motor may cost up to $250, depending on the model.

on 11/22/2005 Here are some guidelines on motor speed:

100 speed motor = slow
200 speed motor = slow
250 speed motor = not bad
300 speed motor = fast
440 speed motor = real fast
500 speed motor = very fast
600 speed motor = incredible speed
700 speed motor = like the real plane