Robert A.

Hi all,

I am just getting back into model flying after a stalled attempt to re-enter the hobby a few years ago (I flew for a few years when I was a teenager in 93), now I am settled with kids and found a great club I am getting back into it! I am starting back at the beginning with a trainer to experience the climb to the bigger and better models and eventually my dream, to fly jets (well one or two!).

I have two questions if I may!

Firstly, how long where YOU flying for before you ventured into jets and what were your pre-requisites prior to starting? where they any of these; a certain confidence level? flying certain models to a certain level? certificates? time? money? none of the above, I seen jets and wanted one NOW! a path of models e.g. trainer - aerobatic - speed - EDF - jets?

My second question may seem a little strange but its the position I'm in! I have been saving for a number of years to restart this wonderful hobby, I really wanted to fly again but personal situation dictated I couldn't at the time. So now I have money saved for both a few jets and turbines and also a progression of normal IC models (which may not be the case in a few years, who knows) so my question is should I go ahead and started buying and building some jets for when I am ready to fly them? As turbines seem to be cheaper currently is it worth buying and storing them now, or will technology change signification to warrant *trying* not to spend that cash on something else! My worry is the money will get eaten up elsewhere over the course of the next few years - cars, houses, kids, wedding, holidays etc and my saving will vanish along with my jet dream! Any advice or guidance would be appreciated!

Thanks

Rob

jonty

Hi Rob

I have only been flying jets for a year now and I had only flown one IC aircraft before (although I flew helis for about 5 years). To be honest a trainer jet is easier to fly than most smaller IC aircraft. The scale jets can be a bit trickier. My view is that you will know when you are ready from a skills perspective just make sure you have an experienced pilot with you for a while whilst you get the hang of all the procedures.

For me my decision was not on whether I had the flying skill but whether I could emotionally (and financially) handle a complete loss of aircraft given its cost. If you can do that then get into it!!

erbroens

IMO the best thing that can prepare you to a jet is flying a WWII fighter, in 1/5 scale... Once you get used to fly it proficiently with flaps and retracts, you are probably more than ready. Should I mention that this is lot of fun too?

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

3D plane, 50cc or higher. Torque roll it with the rudder touching the ground, then hold it for 5 minutes.
If you can do this you can fly a jet, or at least you can fly mine any time.

Edgar Perez

My Feedback: (13)

Buy the turbine when ready to use it. Technology do change and improve

indubitably

My Feedback: (14)

Totally agree with Edgar. Every month we hear or see some improvements. If you can, wait for the pump, and filter under the hood along with the Solenoids (already there). your setup will be that much simpler and tidier.
John

FlyinTiger

My Feedback: (45)

Find yourself a good, patient jet pilot who is willing to teach you. Get a jet trainer and don't look back. There will be time for other models later. Have fun, whatever you do.
Hang out with jet pilots....watch, listen and do what the guys that are successful are doing.
Best of luck, you will be just fine!

Robert A.

Thanks for the replies, good to see other peoples viewpoints!