My first Radio controlled airplane
Click The Image Above to View my Planes Maiden Flight
The E-flite Apprentice is a great trainer to learn the basics and some acrobatics. The Apprentice is a 15-size high-wing trainer. It has a wing span of 58 inches (see image to right) which means it is large enough to handle some wind and also be clearly visible from a distance, but small enough to fly in parks and parking lots.
It is powered with a 15-size electric brushless motor for excellent power and performance. This plane has a flat-bottom wing which produces gentle flight characteristics and eliminates much of the twichiness that tends to get new pilots in trouble.
Every beginner pilot experiences their share of bumps and bruises, so the Apprentices’ durable build and easily repairable construction ensures more opportunities for success. This is a high quality trainer with an excellent reputation for taking the pilot from beginner to basic aerobatics.
Another reason for chosing this electric plane and the 2.4 Ghz transmitter/receiver is it can be flown in more places than the gas models without noise complaints or radio interference. Watch the video below to get an idea of how quiet and smooth this plane flys. I paid $300 for the ready to fly kit with everything included including a 2nd 2.4 Ghz transmitter.
E-Flite Apprentice Specifications
Wing
Span: 58 in (1475mm)- Overall Length: 37 in (940mm)
- Wing Area: 525 sq in (33.7 sq dm)
- Flying Weight:
40 - 45 oz (1135 - 1275 g)
"My plane weighs 3lbs with battery installed" - Motor Size: 15-size brushless outrunner
- Servos: E-flite sub-micro servos
- Colors: White with red,black and silver decals
- Prop Size: 11 x 8 electric
- Speed Control: 30A Brushless Pro SBC (EFLA1030)
- Battery: 3200mAh 3S 11.1V 15C Li-Po (EFLB1040)
- Approx. Flying Duration: 15 minutes
- Approx. Assembly Time: 30 minutes
- Charger: 3S Balancing Li-Po charger (EFLC3010)
- Experience Level: Beginner
Click the play button
on the video screen below to see this plane fly.
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How I learned to fly
The first thing I acquired
was the RealFlight G3.5 flight simulator training
system.
This
product cost me about $125.00. For those who think this is expensive I
can
only say it's alot cheaper than training on a real plane because when
you first start learning to fly an RC plane, you will
crash a few times!You can either crash your real plane or crash a plane on the simulator. I could have gotten version 4.5 but didn't see enough reason to spend the additional $80. As far as I'm concerned, this software is is an invaluable flight training aid.
I've noticed that each plane in the simulator has it's own unique flying characteristics. They don't all feel or act the same. This software will save you money and planes. It's a very realistic RC flight simulator and I was able to fly Jim's (real) plane as mentioned in my story only because of the few hours practice I had on the simulator. In fact, I have since flown his plane again and done figure eights successfully due to the simulator time I've put in.
The bottom line: If you want to accelerate your learning curve and prevent mishaps which translates into "saving money", then GET A FLIGHT SIMULATOR. Besides, it's alot of fun and will fill in on those days when you can't fly due to weather or other constraints.
The second thing I acquired was a Futaba T7CA 2.4Ghz 7-Channel Radio System
I
reviewed alot of different options for transmitters and got a good deal
on
this one. I got this quality brand, 7 channel, spread spectrum, 2.4 Ghz
radio and two 7 channel receivers with it, for $249.95.The reason I went for the 2.4 Ghz as opposed to the FM radio is because apparently, if you are using an FM and anyone in the near vicinity is using the same channel you can lose control of your plane and crash. The 2.4 Ghz eliminates that problem, plus the 7 channels are more than enough to grow into.
This unit will pilot everything from park models to large elaborate aircraft with flaps and retractable landing gear, as well as heliocopters. You can program 10 aircraft into it so with a flip of a switch, you're set to fly any one of 10 different aircraft and the two receivers I got with this radio mean I'm all set for my first two planes. This is apparently a radio brand with an excellent reputation. You can read a review on it here.
Another great thing about it and the reason I purchased this before my plane is I can actually plug this radio into my RealFlight G3 training system and use my actual radio to practice flying and train myself.
Then I purchased my Plane
CLICK
HERE to View My First Solo Flight
CLICK
HERE to View My First 5 good Landings in a Row
Click
Here to Watch My First Plane Crash
October 2009 - Time to Evolve
Well, what a sweet plane!
The Apprentice is still flying true and I haven't had any other mishaps
since my picket fence issue. Again, I strongly recommend this as a
first plane for anyone just starting in this amazing hobby. You won't
be sorry. You can get the entire kit and kabootle (everything you need
including 2.4 Gz Radio) in a box for around $300. Although you might
want to buy an extra lipo battery or two because one flight will not be
enough to satisfy you.
However, like any hobby or profession, there comes a time when you are ready to progress and evolve to the next level. So lately I've been thinking about my 2nd plane. The apprentice is a nice flyer, and she will do some basic areobatics as well, but she does have her limitations when it comes to power and performance, which are the two elements and cause beginners to crash and burn in the initial stages.
Another thing I'd like to mention is the Ariel Photography QUALITY issue. If you have followed my story you will know that one of the things that interested me from a more pragmatic point of view about this hobby was the ariel photography aspect. Since I build web sites, I figure some web site owners would like to have some ariel photographs or video of their establishments from the sky. Like for instance, an RV Park located Lakeside. Or a golf course, etc.
The FlyCam One2 will not do the job guys. It's great for fun and something to show your friends or give as a novelty gift (the photos that is) but the video and images are NOT commercial quality and not something you can sell to make money. So, I'm looking at new sky cams as well. Fortunately there are a couple that may suffice. Since I only want to add the ariel photography as a value added service and do not intend to change professions, I just need something that will suffice. But that's another story.
Anyway, for those of you who are interested, I will let you in on my thoughts regarding great 2nd RC Planes or intermediate planes.
However, like any hobby or profession, there comes a time when you are ready to progress and evolve to the next level. So lately I've been thinking about my 2nd plane. The apprentice is a nice flyer, and she will do some basic areobatics as well, but she does have her limitations when it comes to power and performance, which are the two elements and cause beginners to crash and burn in the initial stages.
Another thing I'd like to mention is the Ariel Photography QUALITY issue. If you have followed my story you will know that one of the things that interested me from a more pragmatic point of view about this hobby was the ariel photography aspect. Since I build web sites, I figure some web site owners would like to have some ariel photographs or video of their establishments from the sky. Like for instance, an RV Park located Lakeside. Or a golf course, etc.
The FlyCam One2 will not do the job guys. It's great for fun and something to show your friends or give as a novelty gift (the photos that is) but the video and images are NOT commercial quality and not something you can sell to make money. So, I'm looking at new sky cams as well. Fortunately there are a couple that may suffice. Since I only want to add the ariel photography as a value added service and do not intend to change professions, I just need something that will suffice. But that's another story.
Anyway, for those of you who are interested, I will let you in on my thoughts regarding great 2nd RC Planes or intermediate planes.