OT: Remote Control Airplane ??

[TEK224]

Does anybody have any experience with remote control airplanes?
Each year, I kind of "adopt" a family in my area for the holiday. A friend works in social service and helps me get a family.

This year the son is 13 years old and put the airplane on his wish list. I'd like to get something nice that won't break the first time it crashes. But I'd also like to keep the cost under $100. I'll be getting him a few other things so I don't want to spend all my money I have allotted on just one item.

I don't know anything about these planes. I've gone to some sites and read reviews, but they seem mixed. Does anyone have any first hand experience and can recommend a model type?

Thanks for any help.

 

[Johnfish]

This is a question with no easy answer. There are a lot of RC planes out there and you can spend anywhere from 20 dollars to 20000 dollars on one. If this boy has no experience and just wants to get his feet wet in the hobby I would try some of the 30 to 80 dollars ones you might find at walmart. They are fairly durable and are supposed to be fairly easy to fly. If he is really really intereseted in starting this as a hobby there are better choice but they would cost 150 dollars or more. I would also recommend that he find a local club that could help him learn to fly (if he goes the more serious route)....

There is a really great web site call the Ezone that has a great beginners forum. You might want to post your question over there. the addy is ezonemag. com. The people that post in that forum could point you in the right direction on which of the inxpensive models (30 to 80 dollars) are the easiest to fly.

If you have any further questions please feel free to send me a PM. There is so much to this hobby and it can be great fun!! In any case let me know how you make out.

John

 

[TeresaMc]

I agree, there are many, many options in RC. I also would suggest finding a club to help you out. You might be able to locate someone in your area by using the AMA site. www.modelaircraft.org

 

[ceecee]

DH must have at least 15 in our "hanger"" garage. He bought DD an Air Hog last year, it was inexpensive and easy for her to use. She crashed it quite a few times so it doesn't look great but it still works and she loves to fly with dad.