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Finding it tough to decide on a good starter sailplane? (Well, things have changed over the years...)

Good choices for a beginner's sailplane have always been planes that have around 2 meter (about 78 inches) or shorter wing spans and use only rudder and elevator for controls (2 channels of control).

Over the last few years, three very popular planes for beginners have been the Goldberg Gentle Lady, Dynaflite Wanderer, or Great Planes Spirit. These kits used to be available at most local hobby stores or via mail order. Any of these planes when fully built will be between 1-1/2 and 2-1/2 pounds depending on the size of radio installed, covering and finishing options. That's OK. Lighter is always better, but for beginners don't kill yourself trying to get that last ounce of weight out of the plane. That extra ounce or two just isn't going to matter that much when you're learning to fly.

Recently, however, there's a new 'kind' of plane that's on the 'scene' for beginners (and experienced flyers as well). These planes are made from EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) foam and are nearly indestructible. The more EPP, the more durable, but EPP is also heavier, so you need to consider that when building a glider.

However, due to that amazing durability, from now on, this is the way to go for your first plane if possible!


Dave's Aircraft Works S1-26 Dave's Aircraft Works used to manufacture several new planes that are excellent for beginners, are reasonably priced, and really fly great! I've seen and flown both the TG-3 and S1-26 (handlaunch size) models. I have to say that they're simply the best thing there is for a beginner. I've also seen some very experienced pilots ram their S1-26 directly into the ground at very high speed and those planes just bounce. You can see pictures of some S1-26's on the ground and being flown on my Skyfishers pages. I've built one myself for handlaunch as well (as those other Skyfisher guys can't have ALL the fun). We've done what I call 'Handlaunch Combat' with them as well. The S1-26 just doesn't break that easily.

Dave has also used to make the 2 meter version of the S1-26 which I've had a chance to fly in a combat session in Los Banos. It's probably one of the most durable 2 meter R/C sailplanes on the planet and suitable for slope flying as well as thermalling. So, I guess I just can't give any more of a recommendation as a first plane, if you can find one.

After you've built your foamie as your first plane, only then consider building something with balsa and other materials. You can read below about other planes that have been commonly built (by me and lots of other modelers) over the years.
 
Here's some information on my Dynaflite Wanderer, which used to cost about $32 via mail order. It's similar to the Spirit in flyability, but different in some ways. (I'd take my trusty Wanderer anyday...)

The Wanderer is a proven design that was originally kitted by Mark's Models in 1976 or so (I can't remember when it was first released). I know this because I built more than 30 of them around that time. I used to custom build and sell them to others to help finance my hobby. I found them easy to build and easy to fly. The Wanderer can also be quite manueverable if you build in some additional modifications that I built-in to most of the ones I built. I'm mentioning the modifications here, even though the Wanderer isn't available anymore to give you an idea of some simple ideas that can have a dramatic affect on a plane's flyability - be careful when building! [If you're interested in the modifications I used to put in to the Wanderer, click Wanderer Modifications.] The Wanderer has to be my overall favorite built-up polyhedral design R/C sailplane. On a light slope, it is really a great plane for Sunday fun flying.
 
Here's some information on the Goldberg Gentle Lady, which still is available about $30 via mail order:

I've never built a GL, but it's probably the commonly built beginner sailplane in history. I've seen zillions of them in every color imaginable. Some modelers have extensively modified the original kit design by using different airfoils and putting 'V-tails' on them. Surprising enough, the GL shows up at thermal contests occasionally and usually does well for this class of sailplane. In my humble opinion (IMHO), however, I think the GL is too weak to be a good beginning sailplane as the fuselage has a tendency to break too easily in a typical beginner 'landing'. Hey, my Wanderer Modifications work very well on a GL too...
 
Here's a quick rundown on the Great Planes Spirit, which runs about $40 via mail order:
Great Planes Spirit Named 1991's R/C Glider of the Year, the Spirit is a good entry-level sailplane. Fairly easy to build and fly, it's docile enough for beginners, yet can still achieve the high speeds needed for competition.
  • Great Planes' classic interlocking construction, top-quality, machine-cut balsa parts, full-size plans and photo-illustrated instructions make building easy
  • The 2-meter wing features a modified Selig 3010 airfoil, triple taper planform and polyhedral shape for maximum stability and minimum drag
  • Can be built for 2-channel operation or as a 3-channel model with optional spoilers
  • Smooth and graceful at low speeds, the Spirit can also achieve the high speeds needed for competitive flying
  • 1st place winner at the 1990 AMA NATS
The Spirit also has an electric powered cousin that shares the same wing called the Spectra.

  Here's some information on the Chrysalis, which runs about $39 via mail order:


DJ Aerotech Chrysalis The Chrysalis is a new design that was primarily designed for Handlaunch. It's available from DJ Aerotech who has produced numerous, proven kits for handlaunching over the years and others that are larger. The Chrysalis is a built-up design like the Wanderer or Gentle Lady, but a bit smaller in size (59" wing span) and lighter, but still has room for even some of the 'big' radio systems (the fuselage can be built in different sizes). It can be built with a variety of different configurations like a narrow fuselage option and either a conventional or 'V-Tail'. I've built one and due to my experience with the kit, have this high on my list due to the ease of construction and overall dollar value. The ribs are laser cut for better airfoil accuracy and the instructions are very detailed. Even a first timer can understand these instructions due to the large number of black and white photos in the manual. If you want more info on the Chrysalis, click DJ Aerotech.

I've built and flown the Chrysalis from DJ Aerotech, originally, I was thinking this as a beginner model, but after numerous hours in the air and rethinking the construction and radio installation, I really can't recommend the Chrysalis as a beginner model. It is beautiful, however, and a very simple design.

One thing I would do, if I were beginning with this sailplane would be to build this with a conventional tail (NOT a V-Tail). A V-Tail configuration requires mixing of rudder and elevator, which either needs to be done with a computer radio or an electronic mixer (there's no room for a mechanical mixer in this plane).

 

Once you've built your sailplane (you did follow the kit instructions, didn't you?), get someone to help you check the controls and balance the plane as per the instructions. Balance means that the center of gravity (C/G) is near the first third of the wing, usually on the main wing spar. If the sailplane isn't balanced properly, it just won't fly right or worse yet you may not have any control after the plane leaves your hand. After you're sure the plane is balanced properly and that the control surfaces (rudder and elevator) move the right direction when you move the 'sticks' on the transmitter, you're ready to try it out.

When I first started, I thought that I could do everything myself. I built the entire plane, a 'Super Questor' (no longer made), covered it, installed the radio, and generally thought I could do it all. My Dad drove me to the local slope I'd heard about and was ready to toss it out when, luckily for me, a 'nice flyer guy' came over to see my new plane and offered to help. If he hadn't, my first flight would probably have been disaster. I had hooked up the elevator backwards and the servo that controlled the rudder came loose as soon as the slightest pressure was applied to the linkage. This would have probably resulted in the plane going out of control immediately after launch. With his help, he had my plane fixed up in only 10 minutes, right at the slope. He also volunteered to teach me how to fly and I really needed that too.

If you're really shy and would rather do things yourself, I'd still get someone to look over the setup in your plane and verify that things are, at least, hooked up to the rudder and elevator correctly. After that you can practice in a local school yard by hand launching your sailplane to get the basic feel. It's risky, but private.

Still need more information about beginning in sailplanes? Click More Beginners to read more about my experiences in beginning sailplaning.

Here's a list of beginner sailplanes:



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© 1997-2007 Randy Carr

Last Modified: January 1, 2007