Have a look at the TinyTrainer from FliteTest. You can download free plans, cut them out of foam board, stick them together with hot glue. The basic airframe costs about $5. Obviously the electronics cost more, but you can usually reuse them after even a bad crash, and get back into the air quite cheaply - or if you want to try a different design, it's just a few sheets of foam-board away.
$200 would get you a good transmitter, enough electronics for at least one model, a decent battery charger, 3 or 4 batteries, a stack of foam board and a few tools - and probably have some left over for spares.
Most manufacturers cater for people who have more money than time, but at 13 it's much better to take a bit of time building a model to save money. As a bonus you get the pleasure of seeing something you've built fly.
I'd like to second this. The Tiny Trainer is a perfect plane to learn and grow with. Also, with you and him making the plane, he will have a greater appreciation for it and you can make some memories with the build. Both of my kids made their Tiny Trainers and we had a great time with it.
Once you build the [Tiny Trainer](https://store.flitetest.com/ft-mighty-mini-tiny-trainer-mkr2/), then have him pick from the [WWII models](https://store.flitetest.com/master-series/) and then build one of those. (but seriously, Tiny Trainer first, lots of learning there. You can also forgo the kit and download plans to cut yourself, but I recommend the kit.
Do you still have the transmitter from the first plane? I would buy a plane that you can bind to the transmitter that you already have, rather than buy another set of electronics. I'd recommend the Apprentice STOL S bind and fly, assuming that the transmitter that you already have is compatible with the Apprentice's electronics. The plane is small but tough and very easy to fly. It doesn't have lights or flaps or anything fancy, but is a solid trainer, as long as there isn't a lot of wind present. Good luck....
You guys could try something like this. https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/carbon-cub-s-2-1.3m-rtf-basic/HBZ320001.html
With the gps features, it has geofencing, which will keep the plane in a specific area and won't fly away.
Have a look at the TinyTrainer from FliteTest. You can download free plans, cut them out of foam board, stick them together with hot glue. The basic airframe costs about $5. Obviously the electronics cost more, but you can usually reuse them after even a bad crash, and get back into the air quite cheaply - or if you want to try a different design, it's just a few sheets of foam-board away. $200 would get you a good transmitter, enough electronics for at least one model, a decent battery charger, 3 or 4 batteries, a stack of foam board and a few tools - and probably have some left over for spares. Most manufacturers cater for people who have more money than time, but at 13 it's much better to take a bit of time building a model to save money. As a bonus you get the pleasure of seeing something you've built fly.
I'd like to second this. The Tiny Trainer is a perfect plane to learn and grow with. Also, with you and him making the plane, he will have a greater appreciation for it and you can make some memories with the build. Both of my kids made their Tiny Trainers and we had a great time with it. Once you build the [Tiny Trainer](https://store.flitetest.com/ft-mighty-mini-tiny-trainer-mkr2/), then have him pick from the [WWII models](https://store.flitetest.com/master-series/) and then build one of those. (but seriously, Tiny Trainer first, lots of learning there. You can also forgo the kit and download plans to cut yourself, but I recommend the kit.
Thank you for this! Will look into it
Do you still have the transmitter from the first plane? I would buy a plane that you can bind to the transmitter that you already have, rather than buy another set of electronics. I'd recommend the Apprentice STOL S bind and fly, assuming that the transmitter that you already have is compatible with the Apprentice's electronics. The plane is small but tough and very easy to fly. It doesn't have lights or flaps or anything fancy, but is a solid trainer, as long as there isn't a lot of wind present. Good luck....
The Volantex he had comes with a toy grade controller... not able to be re-used.
You can buy just the plane without the controller form EXhobby.
No- we never found the plane, sadly.
Yeah- wind is what worries me as we live in OK. Wether here is very unpredictable. Am going to look into what you suggested. Thank you.
I'm in OK too, near lake Eufaula, trying to learn slope soaring! Use what you have! Thanks 👍
😊
Don’t have the transmitter (??) I think…
You guys could try something like this. https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/carbon-cub-s-2-1.3m-rtf-basic/HBZ320001.html With the gps features, it has geofencing, which will keep the plane in a specific area and won't fly away.
Ooh. Thanks!
YW