My Pitts Bi-Plane
Pitts Model 12 15e ARF Bi Plane

Preparing for and selecting your 2nd RC Airplane represents an important rite of passage, a transition from flying a plane that is designed to teach you the basics of responsible RC flight, to choosing a plane that will allow you to push the envelope, expand your horizons and begin to master the art of RC flight. I hope you will take time to savor the experience as I have.

While I don't think you ever actually outgrow the need to review and refine the basics of controlled flight and improve your foundational skills, there comes a time in every new pilot's life when he or she is ready to take the next step...

When are you ready to progress to a more advanced plane?

Any or all of the following may signal you are ready for the next step...
  1. Flying your trainer is no longer a challenge. It seems too easy and you are doing all the maneuvers and aerobatics your plane is capable of, routinely.
  2. To really experience the "thrill" and challenge of flying, you have to resort to selecting another plane on your flight simulator.
  3. You find yourself spending more and more of your time at the field, admiring other peoples planes and flying sessions (grin).
  4. You find that you can fly many of the more advanced planes on the simulator and land them without issue. The same planes you used to crash shortly after taking off (the simulator saves you money again.. grin).
Anyway, I think you get the idea. It's not that flying my Apprentice is boring, it's just that it feels like I'm ready for the next step. Like there are other possibilities waiting for me that my plane can't deliver. Enough said.

Choosing Your 2nd Plane

What is the best plane to choose for my 2nd plane? Well it really depends on my objective. As I've mentioned before, the world of RC aircraft is vast. There are so many directions you can take this hobby. For me, I'm interested in any or all of the following..
  • Building and customizing planes.
  • Aerial Photography for personal and commercial purposes.
  • Mastering RC Flight
    (aerobatics, precision 3D flight etc).
  • The fun and friendship of the hobby.
  • Attending and participating in RC Aircraft events.

Well, never let it be said I don't listen to the voice of experience and take advice from the experts. After considering many planes, I decided on the Pitts Model 12 15e Biplane (shown below). Isn't she a beauty?

Pitts Bi-Plane

Actually I had a list of possibilities with photos. However, Mike of Skyshark RC Hobbies chuckled when he saw my selections and I know him well enough to realize that he isn't condescending to his customers. When I asked what was so funny he said something about me being ambitious