Flying Planks - what to go for?

[James A]

I know it's not a done thing to talk about RC planes on here but my sons (8 and 9) are showing interest in them. I wanted to know if anyone had recommendations for a cheep beginners plane that can be flown in a small area or in a small corner of a public park. I was looking at the Hobbyzone Champ, only problem is nowhere appears to have one in stock.

All comments welcome.

[tiddler]

The Parkzone micro Mustang is a great little flier for those smaller areas.

Here's mine

[James A]

Would it be easy enough for a complete child novice or is it a bit quick?

[tiddler]

The Mustang is probably one of the easiest little planks to fly that you can get. It has a concave wing section which allows it to fly much slower than some of its counterparts. And they bounce quite well

[frenchie1000]

Hi
The champ is great fun and incredibly easy to fly, shows as instock at Inwoods, might be worth a call.
Inwood Models : HOBBYZONE MINI AERONCA CHAMP INDOOR BNF [KIPKZ4900B] - £44.99
Regards

[josh h]

when you say complete novice, has he used the sim how well can he fly on there if he has??

[maderdog_1024]

Wot 4e would be best bet.

Light, floats and is forgiving! It also uses standard 3s lipos and has good flight times.

[Disc]

another vote for the wot4e

[James A]

when you say complete novice, has he used the sim how well can he fly on there if he has??

By complete novice I mean they have had a go on Phoenix but treat it as more of an arcade game than a serious practice tool (lots of crashing and laughing). The main thing is the age (just 8 and 9), with the youngest always keen to throw the planes around rather than simply learning to fly at this stage so in part something that he can't get into to much trouble with would be best suited, even if it's just a stepping stone to something better.

[James A]

Wot 4e would be best bet.

Light, floats and is forgiving! It also uses standard 3s lipos and has good flight times.

Thanks for the recommendation, my only concern is the size as it's sounding like it really needs a good deal of space where I was hoping they might be able to fly in the garden (18m by 50m) when they get the hang of it. Also, since I think they will crash lots I was looking to the lighter / cheaper end so crashes wouldn't hurt so much. Maybe this would be a good second step if they decide they like it.

[Cagey]

Definitely NOT a Wot4, this is not a childs machine by any stretch of the imagination. The Parkzone Mustang, whilst a great little machine is not a beginners toy either. Pop into your LMS and if they are any good they should have the right kit and advice you need for your boys. Any of the high wing Cessna type of foamie would be ideal, there are literally hundreds of options for learners, so follow your wallet my friend.

[James A]

Thanks all for your advice.

I took Frenchie1000's link and bought the Parkzone Champ which will hopefully be good enough for the boys to have fun with and get a taste for the hobby on. I'll let you know how they get on.

[Lynx.1677]

I was going to day any of the Parkzone planes are pretty good. When you want to go bigger the Trojan is a great plane.

[josh h]

yes a wot 4 will be way to big, i have 1 and its suprising how much space it needs to fly!
1 of my boys is also 9 and on the sim (phoenix) he can take off, land, loops and rolls, but if i say keep it close and just do a figure of 8 he nearly always crashes so hes not quite ready, but when he is, he will get membership at the club and fly the wot 4.

[maderdog_1024]

Definitely NOT a Wot4, this is not a childs machine by any stretch of the imagination. The Parkzone Mustang, whilst a great little machine is not a beginners toy either. Pop into your LMS and if they are any good they should have the right kit and advice you need for your boys. Any of the high wing Cessna type of foamie would be ideal, there are literally hundreds of options for learners, so follow your wallet my friend.

wot4e is a high wing foamie !!