The basic requirements are listed below.
Sig Manufacturing
LT-40 Trainer. Available in both kit and ARF form.
Hanger9
Alpha Trainer 40. Available in RRF (ready to fly) form.
Horizon Hobby
Tower Hobbies
Trainer 40 available in both kit and ARF form.
A basic 2 cycle glo fuel powered engine or the equivalent electric motor is all that's needed for your first trainer but there are always things to consider.
Two cycle engines are offered in a variety of configurations. If you expect to use the engine in other aircraft after you've learned to fly. Then you may want to consider spending a little extra and getting an engine with ball bearings instead of bushings.
Electric power is also available in many trainer airplane kits today. These motors are powered by Lithium Polymer batteries and require special chargers.
If you purchase a basic four-channel radio to save money at frist, you will probably end up buying a second radio with more channels and features later. You can save yourself some money and aggravation by purchasing the more feature rich radio first.
We recommend that you purchase a 2.4 GHz spread spectrum radio systems.
All of the above are suggestions only. There are unlimited combinations and sometime this can be quite confusing. Please feel free to direct your questions to our Training Coordinator.
Better yet come out to field and introduce yourself and ask all the questions you like, our members are always willing to help. If the gate is open someone is there. You couldalso attend one of oue meetings.
By Holly Silvers, Associate Editor | hollys@modelaircraft.org As seen in the August 2026 issue of Model Aviation. A PILOT IS never too young (or old!) to make history. AMA Youth members and California siblings Aurelius and Kiana Lin, who are also proud members of the National Youth Aviation Academy (NYAA), [...]
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Mark Feist, Leader Member and DIII AVP The hobby of model aviation and AMA experienced significant growth from 1970 to 1990. From 1990 through 2002, AMA membership moved up and down, but total membership numbers remained about the same overall and across Senior, Adult, and Youth categories; however, since 2002, [...]
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Aviation and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan was presented with the AMA Fellowship award July 9, 2026, in Muncie, Indiana. He was given the award following a presentation outlining how his illustrious career began with model aviation. The Fellowship award is AMA’s highest level of recognition to those individuals who have [...]
By Pete Bauer Updated 7-15-2026 It has been a rough start for Team USA (and most of the other teams). This photo indicates the primary issue. There have been a lot of mechanical and weather challenges, mostly engine troubles and the wind. Many of our planes have gotten pranged either [...]