For my first plane, I am looking to buy the F-18. Can anyone help me with it's gliding capabilities? Does it have any and is it a good option for a first timer in this hobby?

Also, if I were to add a landing gear manually later, would that be an option?

http://www.rcbazaar.com/products/2334-f-18-mini-jet-blue-angels-scheme-edf.aspx

This is an EDF jet and as such is not advisable for beginners (at least from what I have read). They are fast and agile, leaving very little room for error. As per the Flite Test Beginners' Series Episode 1: choosing a plane, you want a slow, high-wing plane with plenty of dihedral allowing it to gradually right itself when tilted. The Sky Surfer from RCBazaar or similar planes like the Easy Star or Bixler are supposed to be good choices. Otherwise, you could thake the scratch build route with something like a Blu Baby or FT Flyer.

Makes sense....thanks!!

Just out of curiosity, can EDF's not fly slow on a low throttle maybe?

I am sure there are some capable of that but then you have to watch out for stalling. This is really cool but sadly it is out of stock: http://www.rcbazaar.com/products/1432-dolphin-jet-trainer-pnp-2-in1-pusher-duct-fan-units.aspx

F-18 is surely not for newbies!! i have a A-4 skyhawk from rcb itself built around the same setup!! its really easy to stall!! i had to approach at more than half the throttle for landing. i would suggest a easy star, skysurfer or any beginner model!! all the best!!

regards,
JK

Thanks...there are others (easier ones) where servos and motors hv to be purchased seperately.

Will a 30A Motor with 30A ESC be different from a 40A motor with 40A ESC? (Both 1400KV)

as a thumb rule:- motor max. amps rating * 1.5 = esc raing!! ang it just means that the second draws more current than the first!!

regards,
JK