In case everyone doesn't know,I am a self-taught pilot. When I started everything I read said to start out with a 3 channel set-up. I did this and failed miserably. The next time I went with a 4 channel plane and sucessfully learned to fly.I felt that it was easier to turn using ailerons as the plane didn't tend to lose altitude as quickly as when I used the rudder.

So what I am asking is really for beginners to this hobby. What set-up would you experienced flyers recommend, a 3 channel or a 4 channel plane?

i agree that 4 channels to start is the way to go
you need all the help you can get when the adrenilin kicks in
and you knees are bonkin

:D

I've been crashing a 3 channel Butterfly lately (as I get back into the hobby and try and get my thumbs working again) and after playing with them on some sims, I've discovered that I like the 4 channel style planes MUCH more than the 3 channel glidey style. Gonna finish up my Sweet stick now and try flying it instead

Get a 4 channel for learning on period! There is a huge learning curve if you are going to stay in this hobby and not stop at just 1 plane! Why waste money on a 3 channel radio when you will immediatly need to upgrade to a 4 channel to fly anything else? 4 channels aren't any harder to learn than 3 channels for flying. A lot of new pilots that go to their 2nd plane are schocked when they see the speed difference and quick response times compared to their 4 channel trainer, never mind a slow moving 3 channel plane. You basically work with just elevator and aileron to start and then start adding in throttle and then rudder. The 4 channel planes are easier to handle in windy conditions and reduce your learning curve down the road. If you just learn on a 3 channel and go to a faster plane that has 4 channels then you will be back on the buddy box again. Most instructors have limited time due to the number of new pilots and don't time to retrain you! Get a good 4 channel and have fun! Fast! :D

FOUR

4

IV

QUATRO


"4" answers.....coincidence? ;)

Gary

OK I'll be the odd man out here. I learned on an electric 3 channel parkflyer called the Soarstar (it has throttle, elevator, rudder). It allowed me a very fast transition to 4 channels with my Avistar. My parkflyer allowed me to concentrate on basic flying (speed, altitude, orientation, etc) without needing to worry about when to use the rudder as opposed to the ailerons. I flew the 3 channel for 2 months and managed to solo my Avistar on my first time out. I then learned how to correctly use the rudder on a 4 channel plane (and I use it extensively) which did take some practice.

Just my experience...

I have to agree with the majority. 4 channel is the way to go. In 99% of 3 channel setups, the rudder control is on the right stick anyway, so I don't see how it can help train you in using the rudder effectively.

Mike

All the 3 channel setups I have seen use the rudder in place of the ailerons on the right stick, so having a 3 channel with rudder doesn't help at all in a person learning rudder usage.

The only thing I can see good about 2 and 3 channel RC planes is it saves you weight and expense, which are both important in these cheapy parkflyer arfs.

Jon

In speaking of 3 channel, I speak of a 3 channel airplane, rudder / elevator / throttle and not a 3 channel radio, but any radio in 3 channel operation, using the rudder on the aileron channel.

Many years ago, 3 channel was OK as most 3Ch. trainers were rather slow and not overly responsive. Besides people had to BUILD airplanes then. 3 channel was an easier way to get going.

I learned RC with a 4-Ch., but soon built a rather small .19 3-Ch and really learned with it. I added dihedral since they called for 5*, I made it 7 & 1/2*. (You see I was flying CL Stunt and Competition Free Flight back then.) Man was that thing sensitive to the rudder, but it was a self-righter. If I got into trouble, simply turn all loose except the Throttle and give it FULL throttle. It would snap upright, and start a FF climb. Hey, I could recover from that.
While my *learning RC* consisted of 3 *Instructor lessons* one day, I flew a lot by myself after that. I worked many weekends and had several days off during the week.

Anyway I was supposed to be telling about 3/4 channel machines, not me-self.
3 Channel operation is fine for learning basic flight, but IMO rather difficult for Take-Offs and Landings. BTW, I still fly some OT machines with 3-Ch. so I am current there.
A 4 channel makes it much easier to teach and for the student to learn, gets the solo job done much quicker and I like that.
I don't think many of the current generation would have the staying power to learn like us old timers did.
Anyway, start with a 4 channel and learn to fly.
Of course, when you do fly a 3Ch. sometime down the road, you are going to be a tad embarrassed as you try to steer the TO with your left hand. Then while landing, as you use that left *rudder* hand to stabilize the approach, you will be wondering why nothing is happening!! Har de Har de Har!! BTDT and will do it again.

Go get 'em.

HC

about the only thing going for a 3 channel plane is that they are usually high-winged and can be hand launched. They usually fly or can be flown slower...

Jerry

Definitly 4 ! Fourstar....
Plus,, when you are done flying your trainer you can have a radio system for your next plane. Witch will probably be at least 4-channels....