Well, they don't glide much, but there's a number of people who are having great fun with the Hitec Sky Scooter/Sky Scooter Pro, and that's a durable plane with an electric powerplant and 3-channel radio system (in the Pro version) that could be transplanted into a better gliding but less durable plane later, if the kid decides he likes the hobby and wants to grow. This also has the advantage of economy: the Pro setup, with radio, charging accessories and everything, is under 200 bucks anywhere you shop. I saw it one place for $160, which is phenomenal for a complete outfit where the plane actually flies pretty good (I've seen videos) . The next plane you buy, if a kit in the speed 400 class, might only add 50 bucks to your overall outlay, and, as I said, you'd already have all the other gear.
If it really has to be a glider, I am a big fan of the Kyosho 2-meter motorgliders; the Soarus and it's sister ship the Stratus: the only difference is one has ailerons too. Both have a very rugged plastic fuselage t hat can double as a whiffle ball bat, they are ARF so there's not much to assemble, the wings are mostly balsa and monokote, so his dad can repair them, and it can fly pretty well. If building is part of the fun, I like the Goldberg Electra or the Great Planes Spectra, the latter comes in ARF format too, for more money. I shop at Tower, Hobby-Lobby, Hobby People, and you can find a number of workable planes for your application at those places. Have the kid choose from among a list of qualified finalists; if he likes the plane, he will do better. Others will have opinions too, but I think years of purchases and thousands of pilots pretty much prove any of the planes I've mentioned would be all right to start with. BTW, since it is going into building season in much of the country, if he's going to be in cold climates, maybe you should first get the kid a simulator he can goof with all winter, and a kit to build when it's too cold outside. By spring, he ought to be ready for fast teaching with an instructor. RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
