Birthday gift for 11 year old

[BrokenSpoke]

My sons 11th birthday is coming up and I'd like to get him something to fly around at the local park. He is fairly proficient with the Apprentice I have though he still struggles with the landings.

Any suggestions? A couple of planes I am considering are:

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Def...rodID=PKZU1580

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Def...ProdID=PKZ3680

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Def...rodID=PKZU1680

and finally:

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Def...rodID=PKZU2280

I realize the last one is a bit of a stretch but it never hurts to ask. The plane needs to be fairly easy to fly, pretty rugged, and have available replacement parts. If I missed one, I am certainly open to suggestions.

Thanks.

[rcers]

The UM Trojan is best IMHO. The Stryker is NOT for the faint of heart. I have flown a LONG time and it can still kick my rear end a bit. But it sure is fun!

Mike

[Chucksolo69]

Ditto on the UM T-28 Trojan. She flies really well and comes in deadstick no problem!

[xmech2k]

Yeah, that Stryker can turn on you, quick! And you need at least a Dx6i to fly it. Maybe a Dx5e could do it, but not very well. (Assuming you have a 5e from the Apprentice RTF?) I wouldn't recommend it for a 2nd plane, especially if he hasn't mastered all aspects of flying.

I've read plenty of people having trouble with the micro Corsair. I would assume there's a risk of a challenge coming with that one for an experienced RC'er.

I would agree with the T-28 being the best choice of the bunch, perhaps the P-51 isn't far behind, but keep in mind, I've only flown someone's micro T-28 once, and never even seen that P-51. I'd look for the opinions of those who've flown both.

[mclarkson]

Ultra micros are actually a little harder to fly than you might think. Generally, the bigger the plane, the more slowly it reacts and the easier it is to fly, so ultra micros can actually be pretty twitchy.

I would recommend the HobbyZone Champ if you live in an area with frequent windless days.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/champ-rtf-HBZ4900

If you like in an area with a bit more wind, then the Mini Super Cub is a great choice.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...ub-rtf-HBZ4800

The MSC is a good vehicle for upgrades and mods down the road, as well.

Both of these planes are <$100 and the parts are readily available from the LHS.

I know high wing trainers aren't as exciting and cool but, as others will point out, there's a reason people learn to fly in them as opposed to low wing fighter planes.

[rcers]

Mark - the boy is currently flying an Apprentice - so I don't think another trainer is the best option.

I think he will be fine with the UM stuff if the Apprentice is doing fine. They land at walking pace or less - so they will help him sure up his landings too!

Mike

[CHELLIE]

Everyone needs a Glider in their Fleet Pick up a Easystar II with ailerons, they are a fun plane to fly, and it will teach him to land and how to thermal, Take care and have fun, Chellie

http://www.rchobbyexplosion.com/Prod...FSXZQgodLAkA-Q

[mclarkson]

Oops. I missed the part about the apprentice.

[BrokenSpoke]

I threw the Stryker in only because he thinks "it's looks cool" and I was fairly sure that it would be beyond his ability at this point. Several posts on this thread confirmed that so thank you.

I did find it interesting that the T-28 garnered so much support. It will be the next plane I get to replace the Apprentice due to the overwhelming positive comments as far as a second plane. It's great to know that those same flying traits have been passed on down to the UM T-28.

[rcers]

They definitely look cool - and fly wonderfully. But they are not forgiving - at all.

Big smiles once he is more comfy.

Mike