What would a good beginner non-expensive ARF be. I'm looking into the Cessna-172 from Hobby Lobby. I would like to keep the kit itself below $100. I also would like to keep it electric, but gas would be okay. I know components will be extra, but it would be nice if it came with some components i.e. motor, esc, ... . In addition, what is a good, midlevel (not to expensive or top of the line) transmitter I could pair the ARF with. I would like something with 6-9 channels, so if I ever need them with later models. A programmable transmitter would be nice. Thanks, Tom
Both are easy to fly beginner's planes with more "bounce" than most, so they survive the occasional mishap. If I were starting now, I'd get a Spektrum radio, which right now limits you to the DX6 or DX7. The DX6 will only handle ParkFlyer sized models, costs about $200. The DX7 full range radio will do all models is about $350. The Spektrum radios do not depend on crystals for channel selection, so conflicts are not a problem. On the other hand, many people are switching to DSS (the 2.4Mhz Spektrum type radios) so there are some really good deals on Ebay for used traditional 72Mhz radios.
It is not actually a first time beginner plane. My brother has the EasyStar and a slope-soarer, so I can train on those. I was looking into the Cessna 172 because it is an aileron trainer, to be used after I mastered the other two.
If you're interested in an electric-powered Cessna, why not look at the new Hobbico Flyzone ready-to-fly Cessna 182 airplane package?
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**&P=0 You can buy it right now for $125 with Tower's $25 promotional discount. It includes a 72Mhz FM radio system as part of the package.
There are some good, inexpensive glow models available as well. Hangar 9 has a nice .40-sized Cessna ARF in their value series:
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If you add a good .40 to .46 sized ball-bearing two stroke and a good sport radio to this $79.99 airframe, you'd have a nice scale-looking sport plane to train on and later to learn aerobatics with. A Super Tigre GS-40 costs $49.99 and should fly this model easily enough. Add an Airtronics VG6000 or Futaba 6EXA radio system and flight pack to your shopping cart for around $169 or so, and you'll have a good 6-channel computer radio that you'll be able to learn and grow with. In fact, if you bought your engine and
6-channel computer radio both from Tower Hobbies, you could use the $25 discount on your order to pick up both a ST GS-40 and an Airtronics VG6000 computer radio both for less than $200.
There's certainly nothing wrong with electric aircraft, but by the time you get done paying for LiPo batteries, LiPo chargers, brushless motors, and brushless speed controllers they're just not the most cost effective planes to fly if you're on a budget. Glow planes are inexpensive, sturdy, reliable, and easy to operate.
Whatever you decide on, good shopping and good luck!
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