Foam kits for a beginner.

[Beech/run24]

I understand that Flite Test's foam board kits are designed to be easy constructions, provided with the recommended flight packs, controllers and batteries.
How easy are they to do for a first-timer? Are they as simple as they seem? What basic skills or knowledge must one have?
I have a respect for Flite Test, and would really like to take a hand at one of their DIY products.
Any advice or opinions would be great. Thank you!

 

[nightm0de]

The kits vary in difficulty. For example, the simple scout is very easy compared to the X29, which is advanced. The video instructions are very easy to follow. There are essentially three different folds to learn and (A,B and C folds) and they are all very simple. Kits typically take 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the model. I can highly recommend the simple scout. I have built two of them. I learned to fly on the first one I built and eventually crashed it beyond repair. This was after sustaining atleast 10 solid crashes. They are great for beginner pilots and advanced pilots alike. I have yet to crash my second one. I have also built the X29, I would not recommend it for a first build.

 

[Grifflyer]

As @nightm0de said the difficulty in building will vary depending on what kit you choose the easiest being something like the mini scout which is very beginner friendly.

If you get a simpler kit like the mini scout, then yes the kits are about as simple as they appear.

The basic skills you need to build are really just basic motor skills, I find it extremely helpful to know a bit about aerodynamics which will help you understand what each part of the plane is doing.

Here are some articles on basic aerodynamics.
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/rc-aircraft-aerodynamics-simplified-acting-forces
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/essencial-rc-airplane-aerodynamics-the-basics
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/aerodynamics-simplified-mean-aerodynamic-chord
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/aerodynamics-simplified-scary-stalls
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/what-is-wing-loading

 

[FDS]

Honestly, most of the basic kits like the TT, the Minis, the Scout and the Simple series are really easy to build. I made 12 Long EZ's with kids for work, 3 at a time, kids were 9-12 YO.
Pick a kit, buy it and get building. You can skip radio gear on the Tiny Trainer or Simple Soarer, both make as gliders, or if you want RC then buy a Servo Tester to centre your servos, run the servo tool off 4AA batteries, then you can build the whole lot without motors or radio, you can add that after, it all fits through the front. You need 9g servos for the bigger kits and 5g or 3.8g for the minis, there plenty of those on Ebay/Hobbyking for under $3 each.
Watch the build videos and don't try to second guess the Bixmeister!

 

[jack10525]

You just got to try one!!! Start small so your investment is less. Take you time and follow the video. They really have laid it all out. My problem is I always get in a rush. I want it done yesterday. Take you time and go slow. There are plenty of easier to build FT kits. Building is the easy part. Flying is a little harder.

 

[mayan]

They are as simple as they seem even the more complex models, and the build videos that the FT crew puts out makes it even easier. All you have to do is follow the videos carefully . I personally recommend the TT as a starter FT build. Why?! Because (1) It has all the basic folds on the build so you'll get to know them. (2) It's a great and easy trainer plane to fly.

Last thing no matter what build you plan on doing you always have the members of the forum to help you out if you get lost...

 

[kilroy07]

This article might help;
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/top-5-beginner-ft-planes

If you are going to go small, then I second the recommendation for the tiny trainer (I've had my original for two+ years now, although it is on it's third nose!) It's a solid platform to learn.

I have found however that the bigger planes are easier to fly. (The saying is "You can't scale lift") and smaller frames are more sensitive to weight (OR too much of it!). So I lean towards recommending something like the Simple scout (built as 3 channel).
https://www.flitetest.com/articles/ft-simple-scout-build
The Cub is a second, but if you don't get a few key areas right on the cub it can be frustrating...

You can also get some dollar tree foamboard and trace out your kit (use the empty frame as a template) so you can try making that one first (set your FT foamboard pieces aside) then come back to the nicer FT stuff once you've crashed the first one beyond repair (and you will, we all do!)

You might also see if there is an RC club in your area (a good hobbyshop will be able to help).

And welcome to the community!!