I fly mostly gliders, electric gliders and electric airplanes. I have a few micro helis too. My comments come from that background and part of the hobby.
I have found that RTF packages that include EVERYTHING the pilot needs to get started is a great way to bring new people into the hobby. The cost is typically low, compared to buying the pieces separately and every thing is matched and built.
Naturally there are "good" and "bad" RTF packages but I find the good ones to be a great path to success. My criteria is to recommend the package that will get that pilot into the air and successful as quickly and as easily as possible.
Whether foam or wood or whatever, the plane is nearly ready for the sky. You still have to read the instructions and check a few things to make sure the plane is ready, but for the most part that should be fairly easy.
So many are coming into the hobby and learning on their own. Many use simulators and that is a great tool, but I find it is always best to work with an instructor, coach, advisor to help the new pilot with things they don't understand. Even someone on the forums can make a huge difference to a new pilot.
After the new pilot gets good with flying and fixing that RTF, and is committed to the hobby, then they can move foward with "investment" grade purchses for radios, chargers or whatever is needed to grow in the hobby.
So, that is my view. What is yours?
If you like RTFs? Which ones do you recommend?
If you don't like RTFs, why? What is your preferred way to bring people into the wonderful world of flying?
Inquiring minds want to know.
I have found that RTF packages that include EVERYTHING the pilot needs to get started is a great way to bring new people into the hobby. The cost is typically low, compared to buying the pieces separately and every thing is matched and built.
Naturally there are "good" and "bad" RTF packages but I find the good ones to be a great path to success. My criteria is to recommend the package that will get that pilot into the air and successful as quickly and as easily as possible.
Whether foam or wood or whatever, the plane is nearly ready for the sky. You still have to read the instructions and check a few things to make sure the plane is ready, but for the most part that should be fairly easy.
So many are coming into the hobby and learning on their own. Many use simulators and that is a great tool, but I find it is always best to work with an instructor, coach, advisor to help the new pilot with things they don't understand. Even someone on the forums can make a huge difference to a new pilot.
After the new pilot gets good with flying and fixing that RTF, and is committed to the hobby, then they can move foward with "investment" grade purchses for radios, chargers or whatever is needed to grow in the hobby.
So, that is my view. What is yours?
If you like RTFs? Which ones do you recommend?
If you don't like RTFs, why? What is your preferred way to bring people into the wonderful world of flying?
Inquiring minds want to know.
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