RC aircraft newbie...I have some questions?

[Daniel]

Okay, so I live on a farm, but my father recently turned 60, and we started another home business that's starting to take a lot of time, so we sold off all the cows a few weeks ago. Well, the thing is, we have 45 acres of unused farmland(albeit rough) just sitting there and I recently saw an ad for rc planes.

I'm basically looking for what kind to buy.

Most websites I look at recommend buying "trainer" planes or fixed pitch helicopters.

Well, I know that's really ideal, but I don't want to spend 100$ on something and then once I get the hang of it a week or so later, not be able to do much with it other than fly around, and have to spend another 150-200 dollars on a more advanced one.

So basically what I'm asking is, will it be okay if I start out with a 4 channel helicopter or jet rc plane? Should I get a plane or a helicopter?

I've played flight simulators before, so I know basic flight physics, but I know I'll inevitably crash a few dozen times while I'm learning(and probably a few more after that).

My other questions are, what are the capabilities of these things, and what kind of runways do they need?

Can they take off on grass/gravel? How much(average) runway space do they need? How many feet does the remote control reach(average)? How durable are they(and what material is good to sustain a beginner's inevitable crashes?).

Finally, what are some fun things to do once I get the hang of it? How much weight can the helicopters/planes carry(average)?

Thanks! I know I asked a lot, so even if you can just answer 1/4th of them, I'll be very appreciative!

 

[JoelKatz]

I don't agree that airplanes are easier to fly. You can also fly an RC helicopter in your backyard or living room, and they'll remain fun for a long time. They're also a good way to get other people involved in the hobby.

There are, however, some really bad choices out there. The really small fixed pitch helicopters (like the Blade MCX) are great as are the larger 450-sized CCPM helicopters (like the Align T-Rex 450). The middle tends to not be so good -- stay away from small CCPM helicopters.

You can get a simulator for around $20, and it will do planes and helicopters.

 

[Charles B]

First I'd suggest you find a hobby shop and find a club with some one to help you. The learning curve can really be shortened. The simulators are good to a point. Flying the airplane isn't hard, orienting it and determining it's airspeed takes practice. The foam trainers bounce and are easy to repair when they don't bounce.

The little co-axial helicopters are easiest to fly. After you learn how to balance the things on that little bubble of air, you can move up to more advanced and expensive helis.

RC is a great sport/hobby. You can stay as simple as you want or go into $10,000 scale birds, if you want. It requires practice, some skill, and dedication. It's quite rewarding to learn to fly well. Usually expensive too.