And what kind of maintenance goes into having one? Also, what brand to get, stay away from, etc...

I just got back from Montana visiting my mom and step dad and they have 20 acres of land and hardly any trees and just seems like an ideal place for something like that, that I can get my step dad for his birthday. However, I don't want to burden him with it if it costs a lot to keep the plane flying or is just a pain in the ass.

I'm pretty sure this is something that can get expensive as I've seen some pretty extravagant set ups, but, looking at getting him something that isn't too cheap though.

You have routine maintenance like anything. Breakage can and will occur so, there will be times you will need to do replacements of struts, props, wings, etc.

Obviously steer clear of balsa projects especially as a beginner.

Even with 20 acres, he should check with the local authorities on if RC planes are acceptable in the area and also check on if there are any restricted frequencies. He will also want to consider insurance coverage. (Plane gets away, flies and crashes into someone.. )

If it isn't something that he has expressed a desire to learn, I'd probably avoid going that route as there is a learning curve needed obviously.

I would definately get him a good beginner plane, one that it made out of something durable.

I think a good way to learn to begin with is to get just the controller, and an RC flight sim. A good way to learn how to fly, rather than spending money fixing a broken plane. After logging some hours on the sim, it will be much easier and he will probably be able to keep the plane up for more than just a few seconds. :D

You have routine maintenance like anything. Breakage can and will occur so, there will be times you will need to do replacements of struts, props, wings, etc.

That's cool. I just don't want it to be something that will nickle and dime him every time is all. :)

Obviously steer clear of balsa projects especially as a beginner.

Even with 20 acres, he should check with the local authorities on if RC planes are acceptable in the area and also check on if there are any restricted frequencies. He will also want to consider insurance coverage. (Plane gets away, flies and crashes into someone.. )

That's a good point. They are out in the country (definitely not in city limits), nearest neighbor is over a half a mile a way. However, there are some TV transmitters about 3 miles away.

If it isn't something that he has expressed a desire to learn, I'd probably avoid going that route as there is a learning curve needed obviously.

I know he hasn't said anything to me, but, I can see if my mom can find out with out making it too obvious. I watched a few videos and as much as I like to think I'm good at video games, it looks like something that would kick my ass until I got the hang of it. But, he is an electrical engineer, I'm assuming he would like the putting it together aspect of it.

Thanks Mustang!

I would definately get him a good beginner plane, one that it made out of something durable.

I think a good way to learn to begin with is to get just the controller, and an RC flight sim. A good way to learn how to fly, rather than spending money fixing a broken plane. After logging some hours on the sim, it will be much easier and he will probably be able to keep the plane up for more than just a few seconds. :D

Ahh ok. I will look into the RC flight sim. I was definitely thinking a beginner plane would be more practical for sure. And the plane breaking is another concern, because I wouldn't want him spending more time gluing something back together, than flying it. :)

Thanks Airhog!

Here's a list of RC clubs in the SF area. My buddy used to be in the one in Fremont, but not sure if he is anymore. These places are a great way to learn more about the hobby.

California RC Airplane Clubs and Flying Fields (http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/california-rc-airplane-clubs.html)

Here's a list of RC clubs in the SF area. My buddy used to be in the one in Fremont, but not sure if he is anymore. These places are a great way to learn more about the hobby.

California RC Airplane Clubs and Flying Fields (http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/california-rc-airplane-clubs.html)

Sweet! I will be checking this out here in a little bit. Thank you Cartman.