Hi Guys, this is my first post.

I have been flying some electric models bought from BG but I got tired of spending money that way. I wish to create something and came across an aero-modelling class  in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai called Alder.

It is a 10 day course in which he will teach and we will also make a flyable balsa airplane model with 1 meter wingspan right from scratch using raw materials. This will be controlled with Turnigy 6x.
He is charging Rs 13,000 for the kit (inclusive of tx cost) and Rs 5,000 for the coaching, so net Rs 18,000. He told me that his cost for Turnigy 6x is Rs 4000 and 9x is Rs 8000 which I found to be a little steep.

My questions:

1. Is the cost justified for the course? Or shall I procure my own tx? Is yes, can you suggest where can I buy it from? Which one is better Flysky or Turnigy for future scalability?

2. My expectation from this course is to pick up the basics of aero-modelling and use those to make airplane models. I would like to apply my knowledge to build bigger and better models with time. Do you think this class will be able to meet those expectations? Post the course, will I be confident enough to build something entirely on my own? (maybe people who have attended such classes before can pitch in)

3. How easy/difficult is it to procure the raw materials. I want to be able to sustain the hobby and my skills.

If you would like to add any other info to guide me better, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks
Sukhamrit

1. The Turnigy 9x and FlySky TH-9x are practically the same transmitter, only rebranded. The 9x also has the module hardwired to the circuit board, unlike the TH9x, which can have the module swapped more easily. The Turnigy 9x is out of stock at most major online stores though RCMumbai has the 9XR without a module at Rs. 8800. The FlySky TH-9x is available for RS. 6000 from rcmumbai.com. 6 channels is enough for basic planes but I would suggest you get a 9 channel transmitter (if your budget allows it) for future scalability (multirotors or jets with features like retracts and smoke)

2. I think this course is not strictly necessary unless you feel you need direct instruction. You can gain quite a bit of knowledge from the Internet and I am sure experienced flyers nearby would be willing to help you. You could get in touch with some via this forum and meet at a nearby flying field. You could get started building planes from free plans out of foam or coro since I have read that they are easier to work with than balsa for beginners.

3. I have seen that it is not that hard to procure the parts needed. We have some great hobby stores here. See this for details: http://www.rcindia.org/rc-outlets-and-resellers/mega-list-of-all-rc-outlets-in-india/msg205245/#msg205245 Some stores, however, have had very bad dealings with customers so I suggest you do some research on this forum before buying stuff. The stores I have had good experiences with are rcbazaar.com, rcmumbai.com, quadkopters.com, rcdhamaka.com, edallhobby.com and Indian.Hobby.Shop on Ebay.

Thank you very much for your response. Pardon my ignorance but I didn't understand the concept of module being hardwired in Turnigy and otherwise in Flysky TH9x. Which one would you recommend I should go for?

I was hoping the course will get me familiarized with the concepts and equip me with enough knowledge to sustain the hobby on my own. I would love to catch up with other pilots whenever time permits. To be honest, I work full time and rarely get time for myself. I am hoping once I acquire the skills via this training, I would be able to hone my skills through constant efforts, at home building and connecting with other pilots over the weekend.

I really appreciate you sharing the details of the retailers. Thanks a bunch.

You are most welcome. I am happy to help. When I say hardwired, I mean that wires from the module are soldered onto the circuit board of the transmitter. The module can be removed, but it is easier with the FlySky. You would want to replace the module (which does the actual radio transmission) if you want to use a different brand of module and receiver for features like telemetry (real time aircraft data) or longer range. The knowledge needed for this hobby can easily be gained online or from free face to face interactions with other flyers. A bit of reading each day goes a long way in building up your knowledge of the hobby. If you feel that a course would help you learn better than by all means go for it   .

If you plan buying a 9Ch, go for Turnigy 9XR or 9XR Pro

Rcmumbai.com has flysky9x back in stock