Go Back  RCU Forums > RC Airplanes > Beginners
Reload this Page >

how to control nerves when flying

Notices
Beginners Beginners in RC start here for help.

how to control nerves when flying

Old 07-08-2015, 04:01 AM
  #26  
CK1
My Feedback: (60)
 
CK1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,552
Received 24 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Before the first flight eat a handfull of pretzels and breathe deeply the carbs and oxygen will help calm yourself. Ohhh and cut back on the coffee too..
Old 07-08-2015, 04:55 AM
  #27  
rgburrill
 
rgburrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Dallas, Tx CT
Posts: 2,857
Received 76 Likes on 67 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by edh13
A frosty beverage usually helps...
The implicatin here is a beer. And that is the stupidest idea ever.
Old 07-08-2015, 04:56 AM
  #28  
rgburrill
 
rgburrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Dallas, Tx CT
Posts: 2,857
Received 76 Likes on 67 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Granpooba
VALIUM and Jack Daniels works for me !
That isn't funny and you are sick!
Old 07-08-2015, 06:59 AM
  #29  
bikerbc
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: SorrentoBritish Columbia, CANADA
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by rgburrill
That isn't funny and you are sick!
+2
Old 07-08-2015, 07:13 AM
  #30  
RCFlyerDan
My Feedback: (54)
 
RCFlyerDan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SWFL
Posts: 2,003
Received 68 Likes on 51 Posts
Default

Take Deep Breaths..........in straight and level flight, let go of the controls, breath, and then turn at the other end. And, fly, fly, fly....nothing that more burning more fuel won't solve.
Old 07-08-2015, 08:06 AM
  #31  
Live Wire
Senior Member
 
Live Wire's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Sterling , CO
Posts: 6,059
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A stool or a chair to sit on . That way you only have on thing to get nervious about. It helps to relax before and during a flight.
Old 07-08-2015, 08:53 AM
  #32  
wilanz
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Some pretty good tips here but I haven't see any of the stuff that helps me. I'm pretty new to flying but picked it up right away. Now I do lots of maiden flights, tuning flights and buddy box stuff, too. Sometimes I just stand next to people and that helps them stay calm. I always ask for a second set of eyes to stand next to me on a maiden or tuning flight. It helps to have the extra eyes and that way I don't seem crazy when I talk to myself.

When someone hands me their controls for a new plane or I have something new that I'm going to fly. I jump around a bit, raise my arms, shake my hands and do a little dance to get the blood pumping. Occasionally will yell Kick me in the Jimmy! (Beavis and Butthead, anyone?). Not only does it get my psyched up but also lightens the mood. I think it's that combination that helps me.
Old 07-08-2015, 09:05 AM
  #33  
mikes68charger
My Feedback: (34)
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: , OH
Posts: 1,959
Received 9 Likes on 7 Posts
Default

Well lots of good info,

I get this way exspecly when I fly at a new site.

1. Always fly my cheap and easy Rifle 1M, its fast and cheap and helps me get a feel of the area.

2. Always get a spoter, one that is cable of flying my jet if needed.

3. I do get realy nervous some times and my leg shakes, and I try to control my breathing like I do when I run, and it helps me calm down.

4. DONT give up, I have been nervous and felt all kinds of odd, and thought I was going to crash, I gave up in my head, then snaped out in time to save my jet.

But I guess practice is it, I have only been flying for 4.5 years so I need more practice I guess.
Old 07-08-2015, 12:41 PM
  #34  
CRI CRI
My Feedback: (51)
 
CRI CRI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Winston salem NC
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

One Word.......PRACTICE!!!!!
Old 07-08-2015, 12:52 PM
  #35  
KiwiKid
 
KiwiKid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Plus one on the practice and starting off with an "icebreaker" model.

Also, if I am getting the yips, I often think of the quote by Keith Miller, RAAF WW2 pilot and one of Aussie's best all round cricketers who commented in relation to test cricket: "that's not pressure, real pressure is having a Messerschmidt up your arse". So, as others have mentioned, putting things in perspective helps.
Old 07-08-2015, 02:39 PM
  #36  
Granpooba
Senior Member
My Feedback: (5)
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Queensbury, NY
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by rgburrill
That isn't funny and you are sick!
Oh for Christ sake .......... why don't you go out and buy a sense of humor !!

Sounds like you sure as hell are missing one !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old 07-08-2015, 02:40 PM
  #37  
Granpooba
Senior Member
My Feedback: (5)
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Queensbury, NY
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by bikerbc
+2
Sounds like you also need a sense of humor !

I am quite sure that they still have them in Canada !
Old 07-08-2015, 02:43 PM
  #38  
castlebravo
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Hillsboro, OR
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

+2 for you Granpooba! Obviously the sense of humor is lacking in those Northern Latitudes.....Oye Vey!


CB
Old 07-08-2015, 04:50 PM
  #39  
turboromy
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Chino Hills, CA
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Couldn't agree more with Jeffo's comment.
Being shaky should be considered part of fun. I've been flying long enough to get bored while flying.

But then, after a long break, I found myself shaking a bit.
Worst case of shaking happened on my first pattern competition.

Unless it is medical condition, it will go away, but enjoy it as well while it happens.
Come to think of it, first landing with no damage was the greatest joy from this hobby.
Old 07-08-2015, 05:04 PM
  #40  
cessnaflyer54
My Feedback: (68)
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Glendale, AZ.
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Just remember, your not going to die if your plane crashes. If you are worried about your plane because it cost you some bucks, I think you are in the wrong hobby.
All planes crash at some point in time. Could be the maiden.......or 20 years from the maiden. Relax and enjoy the hobby......don't worry about it.
Old 07-08-2015, 07:50 PM
  #41  
porcia83
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Hartford, CT
Posts: 7,269
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by rgburrill
The implicatin here is a beer. And that is the stupidest idea ever.
Now wait just a minute there.....this is some of the tastiest beer around.

Attached Thumbnails Click image for larger version

Name:	2015-float-14oz.png
Views:	301
Size:	119.1 KB
ID:	2108150  
Old 07-08-2015, 08:33 PM
  #42  
Duncman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Valium and Jack Daniels, hmmm, wonder if that is better than cocaine and single malt?
Old 07-08-2015, 10:39 PM
  #43  
Telemaster Sales UK
 
Telemaster Sales UK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Measnes, La Creuse, France.
Posts: 2,110
Received 135 Likes on 115 Posts
Default

Why not just calm down.

It's a model aeroplane not the collapse of Western Civilisation.

If you crash it you can work out why and either repair it, buy a new one, buy or build an easier-flying model and get back on the horse. Otherwise just practice and you'll soon wonder what all the fuss was about.
Old 07-09-2015, 12:39 AM
  #44  
Hydro Junkie
 
Hydro Junkie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Marysville, WA
Posts: 10,520
Received 130 Likes on 123 Posts
Default

Years ago, I was at an R/C boat race. Between heats, a new driver was being tested for his driver's qualification. He had no problem with the oral test but was so nervous he had a hard time driving and was failed on his first attempt. While he was refueling his boat for a second(also final for the day) attempt, one of the guys walked over and asked what was going on. When the rookie gave his answer, the veteran said the guy needed to take three deep breathes before his boat was launched with a double shot of rum between them. The guy laughed so hard he forgot about being tested and ran the required laps with no problem a few minutes later. After the test was over, the veteran walked over and handed an empty rum bottle to the rookie. When asked what the bottle was for, the veteran told him it's what he had used to pass his drivers test several years earlier. The next time a rookie had problems with nerves, the now qualified driver repeated the advice given to him and passed on the bottle. It's been handed off several times since and I, fortunately, never took possession of it

Last edited by Hydro Junkie; 07-09-2015 at 12:41 AM.
Old 07-09-2015, 06:22 AM
  #45  
Duncman
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Hydro Junkie
Years ago, I was at an R/C boat race. Between heats, a new driver was being tested for his driver's qualification. He had no problem with the oral test but was so nervous he had a hard time driving and was failed on his first attempt. While he was refueling his boat for a second(also final for the day) attempt, one of the guys walked over and asked what was going on. When the rookie gave his answer, the veteran said the guy needed to take three deep breathes before his boat was launched with a double shot of rum between them. The guy laughed so hard he forgot about being tested and ran the required laps with no problem a few minutes later. After the test was over, the veteran walked over and handed an empty rum bottle to the rookie. When asked what the bottle was for, the veteran told him it's what he had used to pass his drivers test several years earlier. The next time a rookie had problems with nerves, the now qualified driver repeated the advice given to him and passed on the bottle. It's been handed off several times since and I, fortunately, never took possession of it
A nice tradition.
Old 07-09-2015, 07:32 AM
  #46  
yellowbird911
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Easley, SC
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

A buddy of mine shakes pretty good when he flies even though he is a great pilot. His solution was to stiffen the sticks up significantly, too tight for most people. He still shakes but not as much shake gets through to the plane which would otherwise just increase his shaking.

A gyro is another idea. The first few minutes of flight on my jet always causes me to shake a little. I calm down much quicker if the plane stays where it is pointed, if the wind is throwing it around it takes longer for me to calm down. The gyro keeps other forces from throwing the plane around thus decreasing my anxiety quicker.

The idea of a quick turn around is very effective also. When I go out to fly I may take awhile to get in the air but once I'm flying I usually go one right after the other, it doesn't give me time to get nervous about the next flight.

Everyone is different so keep trying until you find what works for you.
Old 07-09-2015, 08:02 AM
  #47  
BrightGarden
 
BrightGarden's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Hudson Valley. New York. USA
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

It seems to me the situation we're nervous about is the plane getting airborne and being beyond our ability to control.
So, the first thing to do is a prescribed ritual flight. I started doing this in my flight simulator because I found I needed the backdrop of some kind of program to follow.
The ritual flight will confirm both your and your plan's capabilities (and rest of the equipment).
A dynamic capabilities checklist.
Old 07-09-2015, 10:01 AM
  #48  
dirtybird
My Feedback: (5)
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: San Tan Valley, AZ
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I like to sit on a chair when I fly. That way my knees dont shake.
Old 07-09-2015, 02:18 PM
  #49  
marmalade1
Member
 
marmalade1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Wheaton, IL USA
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I've been flying just over 2 years now and I'm still loving it. I have hundreds and hundreds of flights under my belt (lost count after 150 or so flights) and I still get nervous, especially for the first flight of the day. I've lost a plane or had some problems with 'flying fever' where I overlooked problems with battery voltages or ignored a rough idle/transition, or forgot to tighten LG bolts. Pre-flight checks begin at home.

Low-rates and gentle flying for the first few minutes help me to calm down, but I enjoy pushing my comfort zone a little each flight.

PD
Old 07-09-2015, 04:07 PM
  #50  
Calvinman
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Winnipeg, MB, CANADA
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

For me a flight on my old Sky Tiger which is more epoxy than wood but still flies like a kitten to start my session gets the jitters out of the way.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.