I've been building FT planes for about 5 years now, figured it was time to jump in to the forums. I have the distinct privilege of having access to Flite Test planes as part of the college degree I teach at LeTourneau University in Longview, TX. I've been working in UAS for about 10 years, teaching at the collegiate level for 5. We've tried the Tiny Trainer before, but this past spring the "Intro to UAS" class built Explorers - 100% of them had successful maiden flights and all eventually passed an AMA-style practical test flight. That experience builds into flying professional fixed-wing UAS via autopilot, but everyone starts with the raw ability to hand fly a fixed-wing airplane, and what better way to learn about RC than through assembling it yourself!
Personally I've really only built from kits. My favorite to fly so far have been the Storch, the Scout, and the P40. I've modified a couple FT kits to be more "scale" - I built a more scale-looking FT Bronco after the Bronco Demo Team and I'm currently tweaking the FT P40 kit just a bit. HobbyKing rotating retracts are on the way, I have limited experience with retractable gear so this is a great way to learn. I'm now getting into some plan airplanes - the rcFoamFighters F-117 and MiniacRC P-40 are on the build table right now.
Personally I've really only built from kits. My favorite to fly so far have been the Storch, the Scout, and the P40. I've modified a couple FT kits to be more "scale" - I built a more scale-looking FT Bronco after the Bronco Demo Team and I'm currently tweaking the FT P40 kit just a bit. HobbyKing rotating retracts are on the way, I have limited experience with retractable gear so this is a great way to learn. I'm now getting into some plan airplanes - the rcFoamFighters F-117 and MiniacRC P-40 are on the build table right now.
