What Firebird is a good beginner plane?

I want to give RC flying a try with my 9 year old for this Christmas.

What Firebird model(s) would you recommend for a 45 and a 9 year old to eventually
add some of the x-port features for some air fights (can you have 3 planes in a
fight?).

Or, is this too advanced for the 9 year old (he plays a lot of video
games so I figure he should adapt to the plane's contoler pretty fast).

It will be the first time for both of us flying a RC plane.

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What Firebird is a good beginner plane?

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Sweet, some potential addicts here!
by: Matt

Hey,

It's awesome you're thinking of getting into RC flying with your son.

Before I respond to your question, I'd like for you to take a second and check this link out of the 4 year old RC pilot. Then ask me if you think 9 is too young to fly RC!

My son just turned 4 and I can't wait until he is able to fly RC. He loves to "crash" on the simulator, lol. I think Justin Chi is definitely the exception, but 9 years old is definitely old enough to fly RC!

If you are truly serious about sticking with this hobby, you will want to get at least a 3 channel airplane. Two channel airplanes rely on throttle to control the pitch, which is pretty lame if you ask me, and it not all that much fun.

Take a look at the chart labelled "Summary of Features" at the bottom of this page

Based on what you've asked in your question, I'd recommend the Firebird Freedom. It has three channels and has an X-port.

The Aerobird swift is another good choice. It has three channels, but uses ailerons to roll/turning as the others use the rudder (via the v-tail mix) for yaw/turning. This allows it to roll, unlike the other choices.

The Aerobird swift has an X-port but no ACT. I've personally never used ACT, but I've heard it can be more of a hindrance than anything.

That chart summarizes all the options so you can make the best choice based on your budget and needs.

I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to use as many Sonic Combat Modules together as you'd like. But I'd focus more on learning to fly them first!

I'm interesting is hearing what you pick and how the flying goes. If you need any help be sure to ask here!

Good luck,

Matt

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Hey, It's awesome you're thinking of getting into RC flying with your son. Before I respond to your question, I'd like for you to take a second and <a href="http://www.justinchi.com" target="_blank">check this link out of the 4 year old RC pilot</a>. Then ask me if you think 9 is too young to fly RC! My son just turned 4 and I can't wait until he is able to fly RC. He loves to "crash" on the simulator, lol. I think Justin Chi is definitely the exception, but 9 years old is definitely old enough to fly RC! If you are truly serious about sticking with this hobby, you will want to get at least a 3 channel airplane. Two channel airplanes rely on throttle to control the pitch, which is pretty lame if you ask me, and it not all that much fun. <a href="http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/hobby-zone-rc.html">Take a look at the chart labelled "Summary of Features" at the bottom of this page</a> Based on what you've asked in your question, I'd recommend the Firebird Freedom. It has three channels and has an X-port. The Aerobird swift is another good choice. It has three channels, but uses ailerons to roll/turning as the others use the rudder (via the v-tail mix) for yaw/turning. This allows it to roll, unlike the other choices. The Aerobird swift has an X-port but no ACT. I've personally never used ACT, but I've heard it can be more of a hindrance than anything. That chart summarizes all the options so you can make the best choice based on your budget and needs. I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to use as many <a href="http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com/x-port-accessories.html">Sonic Combat Modules</a> together as you'd like. But I'd focus more on learning to fly them first! I'm interesting is hearing what you pick and how the flying goes. If you need any help be sure to ask here! Good luck, Matt

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