Help with what to order

[Phrank308]

I’m want to order my first self built rc plane and am confused about what I need to get. The goal is to build and learn to fly with my 7 year old son this Christmas. We tried a HobbyZone mini AeroScout and found the light wind here meant we did a lot more crashing than flying but had a great time. As far as electronics I’d like to be well positioned to use what I get as a jumping off point for other rc projects (robots, quadcopter, etc) and to work with the Spectrum rc helicopters and BNF airplanes I already have. I think that means I should buy a 4in1 transmitter now.

Below is what all I think I need but please let me know if I’m forgetting something or if there is anything else I should pick up while ordering.

Airframe

• FT Explorer MKR2
  • Is all the hardware needed included in the kit or do I buy that seperate?
  • Are the plans available for download, I’d love to be able to print out replacement parts at home but I can’t find the MKR2 version

Power

• Power Pack C
  • Looks like this comes with 4 servos, should I order more servos so I can build both wings?
• 3S battery, Gens Ace 2200mAh
• Charger

Radio

• TX16S Mk2 with Batteries (4in1 version)
  • I’m only looking at this vs the pocket to support other RCs I have and future stuff I want to do. Open to guidance on this.
• Receiver - Not sure which one to order??
  • Lots of telemetry would be nice (battery power, altitude, etc)
• RID Module - I won’t be flying in an FRIA and I’m in controlled airspace
• Flight Computer - Not sure I need this but might help with the wind?

Misc Tools

• Servo centering tool
• Glue gun
• Razor knife
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Squares
• Screwdrivers

Other Stuff

• Anything worth ordering while I’m getting free shipping?
  • Extra servos
  • Power pod firewalls
  • Linkage stoppers
  • Control horns and rods

 

[Piotrsko]

Forgot batteries and maybe a mobile charger. You're correct, can never have too many servos, or ready to go planes. Wife disagreed

 

[tomlogan1]

I’m want to order my first self built rc plane and am confused about what I need to get. The goal is to build and learn to fly with my 7 year old son this Christmas. We tried a HobbyZone mini AeroScout and found the light wind here meant we did a lot more crashing than flying but had a great time. As far as electronics I’d like to be well positioned to use what I get as a jumping off point for other rc projects (robots, quadcopter, etc) and to work with the Spectrum rc helicopters and BNF airplanes I already have. I think that means I should buy a 4in1 transmitter now.

Below is what all I think I need but please let me know if I’m forgetting something or if there is anything else I should pick up while ordering.

Airframe

• FT Explorer MKR2
  • Is all the hardware needed included in the kit or do I buy that seperate?
  • Are the plans available for download, I’d love to be able to print out replacement parts at home but I can’t find the MKR2 version

Power

• Power Pack C
  • Looks like this comes with 4 servos, should I order more servos so I can build both wings?
• 3S battery, Gens Ace 2200mAh
• Charger

Radio

• TX16S Mk2 with Batteries (4in1 version)
  • I’m only looking at this vs the pocket to support other RCs I have and future stuff I want to do. Open to guidance on this.
• Receiver - Not sure which one to order??
  • Lots of telemetry would be nice (battery power, altitude, etc)
• RID Module - I won’t be flying in an FRIA and I’m in controlled airspace
• Flight Computer - Not sure I need this but might help with the wind?

Misc Tools

• Servo centering tool
• Glue gun
• Razor knife
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Squares
• Screwdrivers

Other Stuff

• Anything worth ordering while I’m getting free shipping?
  • Extra servos
  • Power pod firewalls
  • Linkage stoppers
  • Control horns and rods

Linkage stoppers are a must have. Also hardware stores sell flags for marking areas on your lawn. These mage great connecting rods.

 

[alan0043]

Here is an idea for you. Everything in a bundle. Good luck. Have fun with your son.

FT Mighty Mini Explorer Complete Starter Bundle

The Flite Test store is the perfect place to find RC plane kits, DIY quadcopters and Flite Test apparel.

store.flitetest.com

 

[AIRFORGE]

Free plans - SP0NZ - Plans Index (Scroll down to Swappable section for Explorer)
FT Explorer Build Video

 

[Mr NCT]

I'm a big fan of the Explorer, though I haven't done the Mk2 and don't know what comes in the standard kit. Since the planes aren't available get some poster board, Dollar Tree stocks it, and once you break out the parts trace each one on the poster board before you assemble. Now you have your own set of plans. Make sure you don't go larger than a 9" prop or you'll be slicing the tail boom.

 

[JDSnavely]

I’m want to order my first self built rc plane and am confused about what I need to get. The goal is to build and learn to fly with my 7 year old son this Christmas. We tried a HobbyZone mini AeroScout and found the light wind here meant we did a lot more crashing than flying but had a great time. As far as electronics I’d like to be well positioned to use what I get as a jumping off point for other rc projects (robots, quadcopter, etc) and to work with the Spectrum rc helicopters and BNF airplanes I already have. I think that means I should buy a 4in1 transmitter now.

Below is what all I think I need but please let me know if I’m forgetting something or if there is anything else I should pick up while ordering.

Airframe

• FT Explorer MKR2
  • Is all the hardware needed included in the kit or do I buy that seperate?
  • Are the plans available for download, I’d love to be able to print out replacement parts at home but I can’t find the MKR2 version

Power

• Power Pack C
  • Looks like this comes with 4 servos, should I order more servos so I can build both wings?
• 3S battery, Gens Ace 2200mAh
• Charger

Radio

• TX16S Mk2 with Batteries (4in1 version)
  • I’m only looking at this vs the pocket to support other RCs I have and future stuff I want to do. Open to guidance on this.
• Receiver - Not sure which one to order??
  • Lots of telemetry would be nice (battery power, altitude, etc)
• RID Module - I won’t be flying in an FRIA and I’m in controlled airspace
• Flight Computer - Not sure I need this but might help with the wind?

Misc Tools

• Servo centering tool
• Glue gun
• Razor knife
• Cutting mat
• Ruler
• Squares
• Screwdrivers

Other Stuff

• Anything worth ordering while I’m getting free shipping?
  • Extra servos
  • Power pod firewalls
  • Linkage stoppers
  • Control horns and rods

I received the mini AeroScout as a gift and it is (surprisingly) a difficult-flying RC Plane. I flew it without crashing, but it was surprisingly difficult. I even saw some experienced Youtube RC pilots that failed to get it to fly!! I recommend the FT mini-scout and the FT mini-explorer. These both fly like they have stabilization. And both can be fixed very easily. Just focus on keeping the plane level. Get the plane in trim and it practically flies hands free. If it doesn't, keep working on getting it in trim.

 

[bisco]

that is very odd, since the aeroscout is such a sweet flyer

 

[alan0043]

The mini aeroscout is a plane that I would not recommend for someones first plane.

 

[bisco]

it's strange, all the 'professional reviews' call it easy to fly for beginners. but when you read beginner experiences, not so much.

 

[Mr Man]

Yeah, I’ve got the mini Aeroscout somewhere, and it really does fly terrible.

 

[JDSnavely]

that is very odd, since the aeroscout is such a sweet flyer

I was surprised too. I have my theories but torque, thrust, wind, 3 channel, pusher prop all make this a strange flight experience. I like it because it is a challenge. But, my boys won't try it because I have crashed a couple times. No damage.

 

[JDSnavely]

Sport Cub S is a good beginner plane if you can fly when there is no wind (only early morning and late afternoon where I live) . Plus the sport cub is 4 channel. What's nice about the FT Mini Scout, FT Mini Explorer and Tiny Trainer is that one can fly when there is a little wind.

 

[randyrls]

that is very odd, since the aeroscout is such a sweet flyer

It is, but has an unfortunate tendency to tip stall on landing approach.

 

[randyrls]

Airframe
FT Explorer MKR2
Buy a Kit, get some Adams Ready board and use the kit as a template. All these foamies tend to have a weak point in the center of the wing. A small piece of 1/8" craft plywood with the proper dihederal strengthens the center joint.

Power
Charger: look for one that can be powered from your car battery for charging.

Radio
Flight Computer: I like the Aura 5 Lite for one reason. It has "Launch Assist". You engage it, hit full throttle and the plane will climb at a 30 degree angle and keep wings level until you touch a control, then you have full control. It also has a "Safe Mode" Find a local flying club via the AMA web site.

 

[bisco]

yes, i have tipped stalled the aeroscout. my first time, i had no idea what happened. i fly low and slow, which just exacerbates the problem.
i've learned to speed up a little before turns

 

[Shurik-1960]

https://aliexpress.ru/item/32900801...&traffic_source=recommendation&type_rcmd=core - Parents of schoolchildren from my daughter's class bought 5 such sets. All summer, the children flew at the school stadium.All models are safe and sound. This model can fly even in strong winds.By purchasing a lightweight camera transmitter and placing it on the keel panel, you get a full-fledged FPV model. After learning how to fly, you can start making and flying Flite Test models.