Expense of flying RC planes?

by Judi
(Cape Coral, FL)

I am looking into getting my boys gas powered rc planes... nothing too fancy, just starter stuff.

But what I want to know is this going to become an "expensive" hobby...

I don't want to end up hanging them in the garage to sit for a year cause we can't afford to fix them.

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Expense of flying RC planes?

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Things to Consider
by: rcdude07

First, let's differentiate between gas and glow models. Sure, people use the term gas to mean any fuel that goes into a fuel tank. But in the R/C world, gas and glow are different animals. Main difference is the cost and size. Gas planes are at least 8 foot wingspans while glow planes are as small as a .25cc AT-6 pylon racer to as big as you want. Gas planes are thousands of dollars without the electronics.

I'm thinking you are truly looking for a good .40 sized trainer. This is going to be glow or electric.

Look at www.towerhobbies.com for a trainer RTF or ARF combo pack.

Things that will affect the cost:
1. Airplane
2. Radio gear (TX, RX, servos, buddy box)
3. Battery (batteries if going electric)
4. Fuel tank
5. Fuel tubing
6. Pushrods
7. Fuel
8. Field Box
9. Support tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc...)
10. Glow plugs
11. Glow plug heat
12. Engine starter
13. Tachometer
14. Fuel pump
15. Battery charger

I highly suggest a good simulator like Phoenix from Horizon Hobby or Real Flight from KnifeEdge (Hobbico family). Spend the 200-300 bucks on the simulator. This will save more money in the long run from crashes and if the kids end up not being interested, it'll be less to get rid of.

Flying RC planes can get expensive without self control!
by: Matt

Getting a sim is a great suggestion.

I'm gonna shoot straight with you, this hobby can get expensive.

But, once you're hooked you always some how manage to justify the money you spend, lol. Convincing your wife it's not a waste of money can some times be tricky...

I highly recommend you and your sons joining a club and learning to fly on a buddy box. That will greatly decrease your chances of crashing. Paying the club dues and AMA membership is well worth keeping your airplane in one piece. Plus you will meet lot's of great people to fly with.

Say you do demolish your airplane, 9 times out of 10 you will be able to salvage the engine and electronics. So you're only out the cost of the ARF or the Cost of a kit and your time.

I think what makes this hobby expensive is that it's almost like drugs. You will always want a new or different plane to keep the adrenaline going. Once you get comfortable flying the trainer, you'll want a second more aerobatic plane, then a third, fourth, by the time you realize it you're garage is full of planes!

If you have some self control and stay with one plane and don't crash it then it's not too expensive.

Thanks
by: Judi

Thank you for your responses... The planes I was thinking about buying are on Craigslist, and are $200 for two planes 1 ready to fly 1 needs tuning, an extra engine, one remote, and it says comes with gas... I don't think it really means what you get at the gas station.

But My boys are 12 and 8.

But I think based on the info that buying the simulator first is a better option, and a deal like that will always be around, so I think I will probably wait on buying them.

Thanks
Judi

airboss
by: Mike

Get a used good airplane. A lot of the hobby stores have them that other modelers want to get rid of and move up to a bigger plane and radio system. I bought both of my trainers complete for $100.00 and still enjoy flying them even afer 4 years. Good Luck!!!

Save your money and time
by: Charles S.

Dont do it! I just hung it up after deciding that spending hundreds of dollars is a waste. Even with the park flyers, they just do not last.

I was a pretty good flier, but it is just not worth it over time. Choose a hobby that has more durable equip.

I just got home from trying to fly a non fuctional t28, and threw everything associated with this hobby in the trash! Flight & durability will never mix.

Maybe Archery, or going back to Airsoft combat...

The only RC flying I will be doing is on my Simulator!

lol
by: Alec

I've had those days and feel your pain. Yes, flying RC can be expensive.

I tried to hang up all up before, but I keep coming back for more! Once you got the bug it's hard to get rid of it. Nothing beats flying RC!

My problem hasn't been unreliable equipment, it's been my thumbs!

Expense of flying RC planes?
by: Anonymous

Charles S. that just say something about you. This is a great hobby for the right person. So it didn't suit you, you don't have too put other people off like that.

Yes you could crash but then you learn to fix them and hopefully learn from it.

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