Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sumner Swaner on June 12, 2012 at 5:49pm

Monroe

I got great reply's to this, all very consistent, except for the parachute which is perhaps the best advise I received on life safety issues.  Thanks for your help.

S

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on June 10, 2012 at 7:47pm

I assume you've already seen the Getting Started guide above. I'd suggest buying a RTF Bixler, and learning to fly with that. Then add an APM 2 autopilot, and you've got a drone! Adding a video camera and wireless transmitter is an easy upgrade. One step at a time...

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Permalink Reply by Sumner Swaner on June 12, 2012 at 5:50pm

Chris,

I got great  reply's to the Newbie, thanks for your start up help.

Sumner

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Permalink Reply by Sumner Swaner on June 12, 2012 at 5:53pm

Duck tape I know and the foamie concept sounds good, thanks for your help.

Sumner

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Permalink Reply by Michael Pursifull on June 10, 2012 at 7:58pm

If you keep in mind that you are actually starting many new things all at once - airplane or multicopter piloting, rc, scale modeling, a tiny bit of DIY electronics (if only to solder some of the connectors, and connect your FPV gear together) then you'll be better off. There is a lot to learn. You can do much of it right here. but some of the hands on .... well... takes hands on. You'll move along faster if you have people around you who can spot the mistakes you're making, but it isn't strictly needed. Just remember to have fun, ask questions, post photos to help others help you. 

I'd recommend not buying an expensive plane. Plan to crash it a lot. If you want to keep the cost down, learn to repair it too. Most anything on a foamy can be repaired, you can fix, glue, smooth, expand, and repair just about anything. Or you can fabricate parts even for a few dollars in parts and some basic tools (some of which you can make). Just don't spend too much on your first planes. Maybe a Bixler and a cheapish TX. See Getting Started, it really is a good place to start. 

You don't need the APM2 to start with, you can buy it right now (since there may be a long lead time) but I also recommend getting X-Plane 9 or FlightGear and practice some. Or just get a plane and fly it. There are several "how to fly an RC plane" webpages to help you get started. Expect to crash it a lot. Or find an AMA club and see if someone will help you learn how to fly. Lots of friendly, helpful people around, online and in person. 

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Permalink Reply by Sumner Swaner on June 12, 2012 at 5:51pm

Mike,

Thanks for the in depth information on the start up.  Very consistent with the other reply's and a great leg up on the first baby steps. 

Sumner

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Permalink Reply by Sumner Swaner on June 12, 2012 at 5:54pm

I'll check with the locals in Salt Lake, great advise, thank you.

Sumner

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Permalink Reply by Todd Hill on June 10, 2012 at 9:37pm

What's your preference, fixed wing or multirotor?  You can learn to fly RC planes and multirotors pretty cheap.  How much are you initially wanting to spend?  Many options out there to suit the tightest of budgets.  Any hobby shops close to where you live? If so, talk to someone there and start making connections.  It is possible to learn how to fly on your own, but you will crash a good bit starting off, but you will get better.  

Flight simulators are great, but the best training is hands on in a real world environment.  There are several aircraft that can be purchased RTF for cheap, and can be easily repaired.  I suggest you put your money towards your first aircraft.  Find a free simulator that you can connect a transmitter to, just to learn aircraft orientation and stick controls.  Once you have got those two basics down get out and try to fly.  There are many ready to fly (RTF) aircraft that are very forgiving with beginners.  

 Once you can fly on your own setting up an APM on your aircraft will be so much easier.  You can learn a great deal from what you can find on this site, you just need to ask questions and start reading.  Check out the Getting Started link.  Just let the community know what you are wanting to learn first, plane or copter, and the suggestions will start pouring in.  

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Permalink Reply by Sumner Swaner on June 12, 2012 at 5:54pm

Gona be a fixed wing and simulator time for sure.

Thanks

Sumner

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Permalink Reply by Richard Unwin on June 21, 2012 at 5:12am

Sumner, i agree with the others comments and feel the best one is to find someone local that flies and hang outwith them for awhile and they will soon help you to start flying, it makes it alot easier if for your first flights you have someone standing besides you to takeover the comtrols if you get int trouble (even better is to have a buddy box setup ) even something as simple as flying too far away of losing sight of the plane can be recovered from if you have a second set of eyes to help relocate your plane before it crashes.

Good luck in your adventures of flying.

Richie

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