Help, where do I start? Noob time

[daboy3000]

Hi all

I am looking to buy my first plane, I have flown electric planes before but want more than 10 mins worth of flying time.

I don't really know what I need, ie controller, starter, fuel etc.

I have been pointed in the direction of something like an Irvine Tutor 40, but would prefurably like to buy something secondhand to save some money.

So if someone could point me in the direction of a noob thread or site, listing everything I need to get the plane in the air and if anyone is selling a complete setup I would be very interested as I don't really want to spend more than £200ish

I'm guessing there are lots of clubs about, might be nice to meet up with some people who are keen to teach me the ways. I'm in Oxted which is just below the M25 so if anyones local to me, get in touch.

Thanks in advance

[Alan H]

I would recommend paying a visit to your nearest club. I'm not sure if it is the nearest but the Leatherhead club is just down the M25 from you.

[daboy3000]

(10-05-2011 14:00)Alan H Wrote:  I would recommend paying a visit to your nearest club. I'm not sure if it is the nearest but the Leatherhead club is just down the M25 from you.

Ok thanks

[Richard]

Nothing wrong with electric! Landing and taking off is part of flying too, you can always change the flight pack and take off again.

Lets see if I can remember the differences in gear

Fuel (10-20% will be fine, anything cheap really)
Fuel pump (hand version is fine)
Glow stick and charger (to power the glow plug)
Chicken Stick (don't bother with a starter and 12v battery)
Plug spanner
4.8v flight battery and charger
Rags (roll of kitchen towel will do)
Cleaning fluid (in spray bottle)

Spares:
Prop
Glow Plug (or two)
More fuel

Oh and a bin bag might be handy, you just know that if you forget to bring it you will need it

[YOUNG GUN]

(10-05-2011 15:28)Richard Wrote:  you just know that if you forget to bring it you will need it

Ohhhhhhhhhh how that saying goes in this hobby!

Forget anything...and you WILL end up needing it!



Best one was when i went for a quick fly of the Hyperion Sniper... looked at my mini tool kit and thought "nah won't need that for a quick fly".



...Prop Popped off on very 1st pre-flight check!!!!!!




Couldnt get it back on without a set of pliers...which were in my mini tool kit, 6 miles away at home.

YG

[solentlife]

mmmm lets see if I can remember - I flew ONLY glow for many years ...

Richard said :

Lets see if I can remember the differences in gear

Fuel (10-20% will be fine, anything cheap really)
I would advise for general use ... maximum 10% nitro and best is Model Technics with synthetic castor ...

Fuel pump (hand version is fine)
I used a converted windscreen washer pump .... but for easy and cheap use - a Fairy Liquid bottle with metal tube fitted to the top is a brill way.

Glow stick and charger (to power the glow plug)
A single cell NiMH AA will power that ... don't buy those awful dry-cell block batterys that shops foist of ... but best is the little McCoy or Sullivan NiMH glow battery packs. I have one that's 30yrs old and STILL works !

Chicken Stick (don't bother with a starter and 12v battery)
This I don't like and prefer the rubber stall that you push finger into ...

Plug spanner
Yep

4.8v flight battery and charger
Biggest your model can accommodate ... but not less than AA cell size

Rags (roll of kitchen towel will do)
Cleaning fluid (in spray bottle)

Spares:
Prop
Glow Plug (or two)
More fuel

Add general tools like screwdrivers small ... pliers .... grips ....

A flight box is nice ... B&Q do a nice range of tool boxes that can be adapted to this ... later you will want to have a box with cut-outs for fuselage to sit in ...

---

Don't forget there's no reason why you cannot convert an electric to glow ! Just seal up wing seat !! and make sure engine mount has stiffeners deep into the foam.

But if you can fly already .... then a Wot4 - proper job with an 40 engine up front will do everything you want ...

Easy to build .... flies slow or fast ... amazing machines.

[daboy3000]

Oh god, you really need some kit don't you. Then I need to work out how to use all the chargers and pumps and chickens, if anyone wants to earn £250 I recommend filming my adventures, I'll probably fill a whole YBF episode.

Where are you meant to learn how to use this stuff, are there instructors? Don't get me wrong, i'm not stupid but there is a lot to it.

[giskard]

Most clubs will have designated instructors. They'll also want you to join the BMFA (usually) which is good as you'll get insurance

[daboy3000]

Is that insurance for when you crash your plane into the ground or for when you damage someones property?

[Richard]

Clubs are great for getting you going, you get to talk to experience people and you also get to see how others have tackled various builds.

The BMFA are a must really for what you get, check them out at http://www.bmfa.org

The insurance is 3rd party, its in case you seriously damage property or someone... its only £29.