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Traditionally,
trainers with flat-bottom airfoils have ruled the flying field. Flat
bottom airfoils offer positive self-recovering flight
characteristics. Simply releasing the sticks will cause the airplane
to recover to straight-and-level flight. Hundreds of thousand of
modelers have successfully cut their teeth using a flat-bottomed
trainer.
Transferable Skills
Today nearly everyone has basic remote coordination skills as a
result of using the mouse on a computer or playing video games. For
example, 10 years ago it would typically take several months of
weekends before a pilot new to RC would solo. Nowadays it's common
for a pilot to successfully complete a first solo flight the second
weekend out. I've even seen it done in one weekend alone.
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The Alpha's flat-bottom airfoil
(bottom) gives positive pitch recovery returning to straight and
level flight when controls are released. The Arrow's
semi-symmetrical airfoil (top) offers improved aerobatic
performance. |
Because people are finding it easier to fly, the demand for
semi-symmetrical trainers is on the rise. While semi-symmetrical
airfoil trainers lack the authoritative self-recovery
characteristics that flat-bottomed wings do, they do offer improved
aerobatic performance. For pilots who are able to progress easily
through the learning stages, the semi-symmetrical trainer might be
slightly tougher at first, but the aircraft will be able to do a lot
more once the pilot has mastered the basics of flight.
Easy and Easier
Hangar 9® caters to all types of entry-level pilots with the Arrow
and Alpha trainers. The Arrow offers semi-symmetrical
maneuverability, while the Alpha features the reassuring,
self-righting characteristics of a flat-bottomed airfoil. Both are
equipped with Horizon's new Evolution Trainer Power System and a JR™
Quattro 4-channel radio system, making them the highest quality,
easiest starting and easiest-to-fly trainers in the class.
The Arrow and Alpha are expertly handcrafted from balsa and
plywood using only epoxy and CA glues. Both are expertly covered and
trimmed in Hangar 9 UltraCote® and come with the engine and radio
installed. And while the box says, "ready in an hour," we can
routinely put either one together, flight ready, in about 10 minutes
using only a Phillips screwdriver.
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Both Hangar 9 trainers feature the
Evolution Trainer Power System (TPS) that includes a
specifically designed 3-bladed prop and spinner providing slower
flight speeds. The TPS is becoming known as the easiest to
start, most reliable, and safest engine available. |
Perhaps the biggest benefit both planes offer is the installed
Evolution Trainer Power System. Horizon engineers designed the
system's engine from the ground up to be the easiest-to-start,
safest, most reliable engine available. Its specially developed
three-bladed prop provides powerful static thrust (5.1 pounds) for
short, easy takeoffs, even in tall grass. Its low pitch keeps full
throttle, level flight speeds about 20 mph slower than other
trainers. This slower speed makes learning to fly much easier
because the pilot has more time to think, react and correct. Add the
JR Quattro system, which is considered by most to be the quality
choice 4-channel radio, and it's easy to see why Hangar 9's Alpha
and Arrow are the finest trainers out there.
Not Just for Beginners
The Arrow and Alpha have more to offer than just a great learning
experience. At flying fields across the country, I've been amazed at
the number of experienced pilots who own and regularly fly trainers.
It seems that many pilots enjoy the gentle handling that trainers
offer. For these folks the Arrow is the way to go-more axial rolls
with less altitude loss; smoother, tight turns with no ballooning
and even inverted flight with minimal down-elevator. Then again, a
lot of these guys just want to cruise. You know, slow flybys, gentle
touch-n-gos and just kickin' back and relaxing. For them, maybe the
Alpha is a better choice.
Two of a Kind
Many ready-to-fly trainers offer semi-symmetrical or flat-bottomed
airfoils. Only Hangar 9's Alpha and Arrow offer these choices with
the unparalleled ease of the Evolution Trainer Power System and
outstanding quality of JR's Quattro radio system. So whether you
choose Arrow maneuverability or reassuring, self-righting Alpha
stability, you'll enjoy hassle-free flying that's second to none.
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