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  • R.L. Dane :Debian: :FreeBSD: :OpenBSD: :NetBSD:🍵 :MiraLovesYou:rl_dane@polymaths.social
    Oct 16, 2026, 11:06 PM

    Hey #RC plane folks,

    I'm getting back into the #hobby. I've renewed/resurrected my long-dormant US [AMA] membership, and joined a local flying club/field, and a friend is generously giving me his Spektrum transmitter.

    I just need to pick a plane.

    The HobbyZone Aeroscout S2 BNF looks really good to me, but it's currently out of stock.

    My criteria in order of descending importance are:

    • Solid landing gear for taking off and landing from an RC air strip
    • Largeish (~1m wingspan)
    • Floaty / Glidery (not interested in a model Piper/Cessna/Warbird, etc.)
    • Pusher prop would be nice

    I had a Dynam Hawk Sky (EasyStar/Bixler-style plane) from around 2011-2015, and loved it. I want a larger trainer that's naturally stable (with or without SAFE-style gyro/avionics), and I enjoy graceful soaring, not so much zipping around in a smaller scale model.

    Any suggestions? In case you don't already know (or can't automatically tell by the continual existential angst 🤣), I'm located in the USA.

    I know some of the Bixler models are still being sold, but I'd prefer to go with something newer if possible.

    Also, recommendations for a cheap, light camera that I can stick on with velcro to have videos of my flight (not FPV, just recorded video).

    Thanks!!

    Update: Had an amazing day flying this past Saturday, and got a couple solid beginner/trainer recommendations. I'm still tempted to get a motorglider (instead of a cessna/cub-style trainer), just because I love the look of them. 😄
    Folks at the club were super friendly!

    #RCPlane #RadioControl #HiveMind #AskFedi

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Replies

  • Norwegian Nicknlarson830@techhub.social
    Oct 17, 2026, 3:43 AM

    @rl_dane

    That was the first RC plane I bought about 5 years ago.

    I crashed it 7 or 8 times, bought a brand new fuselage, reassembled it, and sold it.

    It is touted as a beginner plane.... IMO that's hogwash.
    It flies too fast.
    This is corroborated by lots of experienced pilots really liking it. If it were a true beginner plane they'd be bored to tears by it.

    I bought a UMX Radian and it was brilliant.

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  • Graeme Sharpgsharp@mastodon.scot
    Oct 17, 2026, 9:18 AM

    @rl_dane I'd check with the folk at your local flying club and see if anyone is looking to sell a beginner plane. There is always someone looking to move to something different. I'm in the UK and used to recommend Hobbyking Bixler or Tundra planes. This was a few years ago, not sure how Hobbykings spares stock is these days.

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  • fedops 💙💛fedops@fosstodon.org
    Oct 17, 2026, 9:26 AM

    @rl_dane I think the Multiplex Funcub would suit your requirements very well. It can be flown stupid slow but can also be a good aerobatics trainer with the proper motor/ESC/battery setup. It's also a great camera platform.

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