Jump to content

Best Trainer for an old biker.


Terry Plumridge 1
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hi all. Looking for some advice on the best electric trainer for me.

About me. I am 73 years old, I live in Austria out in the sticks, flat countryside everywhere. Back in 2000 I was flying a Heli, but didn't get much further than hovering and simple maneuvers. Kit building is not so easy with my limited resources, and transport on a motorbike is also an issue. At the moment I am considering a Multiplex Easy Star, or a Xeno, both will go on my bike boxed. I am aware of the basics, join a club, get the model trimmed by an experienced flyer etc. I would be grateful for any suggestions regarding model choice.

Cheers, Terry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't forget insurance. Maybe a powered glider rudder/elevator/power. Later use it for slope soaring, then add aileron wing, then when you can fly the socks off that progress onto something bigger. What bike you got?

Larger models are easier to see and fly.

It's better to make the plane your self, you know how it's made so will be better at fixing it.

Build it light, so no aerobatics until next model .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Terry, yes Viagra!!

Crawl, walk, run then marathon.

Similar with biking, I bet you didn't start with a z1 eh.

As a biker you will have good observation, scanning and hand skills not to mention a 6th sense.

Your 1/4 way to flying a fixed wing as you have help skills.

Don't know the models mentioned but you need a model that will break down to fit in a box that t

fits the bike, so a 2 piece wing?

Go for a flat bottom wing to start, research Clarke y section, easy to make from balsa or even veneered foam. May be a veneered foam model kit for a quicker start.

Say out loud ( then in your head ) "when the plane is coming towards me, prop the dipping wing with the stick" until you think it automatically.

What is the longest 2piece wing you can safely have on your bike, don't forget fuselage lenght.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted by Peter Miller on 17/12/2020 13:51:12:

You know, reading your post and the answers, I am reminded that Goodyear actually made an inflatable aircraft.

Now that would be great from some manufacturer. Easy to transport and almost crash proof.

SORRY, Only having a bit of fun!!laugh

Peter, That is a really good idea. Along the coast these days, Stand up paddle boards,like windsurfers minus the sail, are everywhere. They are inflatable, but you wouldn't know it when you see one. A honeycomb structure inside holds the shape.

Don't go giving the Americans the credit for everything. Dan Perkins at RAE Cardington was one of the first with an inflatable aeroplane, and he also made the Reluctant Phoenix, an inflatable man powered aeroplane.

Dan Perkins' Inflatable Aeroplanes

Dan Perkins Inflatable Aeroplane / ML Utility Aircraft Mk1 inflatable wing aircraft
Image by Mary Evans - National Aerospace Library

Edited By Robin Colbourne on 17/12/2020 14:37:49

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Terry, I have a Hobby King Bixler which is very similar to the Easy Star. I found attaching the wings was a real pain, so I now leave the wings permanently attached. I'm not sure the method of fixing the wings would have taken too much assembly and disassembly anyway.

The Easy Star may be better in this regard, but I would check it out if you're hoping to pack it in a box strapped to your bike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I started with Sky Surfer8 (similar to Bixler). It ahs been a great plane. I crashed maybe 10 times or more.. It now has a lot of scars and hot glue on it now as well as some tape .. But still flies great. I strongly recommend it... It is also reasonably priced as a PNP..

See https://uk.banggood.com/HSDJETS-D1400-1400mm-Wingspan-Sky-Surfer-RC-Glider-EPO-RC-Airplane-PNP-p-1755547.html?cur_warehouse=CN&ID=6287842&rmmds=search

I bought a second as spare..

One of my friends who is a new starter too is using an Aero Scout: https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/aeroscout-s-1.1m-rtf/HBZ3800.html ..

This is also a very nice plane with undercarriage.. Not having undercarriage in Sky Surfer is great for a new starter in my view.

Edited By Murat Kece 1 on 22/12/2020 17:05:41

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...