Just a tidbit of info that I got today.

I'm just getting back into the hobby and have a Big Stik currently in route to my house. I work at Kennedy Space Center and saw a plane flying at the local R/C club (grass) field. I had somewhere to go with friends, but decided to check it out anyway to see the plane and rap with the pilot.

I patiently waited for him to land and probably startled him a little because he was pretty focused and didn't see me watching. Anyway, I told him that I was starting back up and that I learned ten years ago on an Eagle 63 (he happened to be flying a beautiful Eagle 2). Anyway, he had a buddy box with him and said that I was welcome to get a little stick time on his Eagle.

Well, let me tell you! John took his plane up to about 100 feet and told me to take over. I was shocked at how rusty I was. I couldn't keep the plane level, couldn’t see it, and got more nervous about my skills as time when on.

John calmly said, "Hey, you do have some stick time, good job!" He then proceeded to show me what he teaches everyone he's taught so far (three folks from what I remember). He put the plane in a left downwind leg, base, then final, and slowly did a pass over the runway. "You take the next one" he said, as he setup the plane in a left downwind again. I performed much better because I could see the plane now that it was lower, and my control movements were much more steady.

After he landed the plane I talked to John about this website and we exchanged email addresses. He doesn't know me from Adam, but was really kind and has agreed to help me with my Big Stik on its first flight. Heck we may do some more buddy box work with his Eagle before I have the Stik ready.

Thanks for being so cool John. YOU DA MAN!!!!