RE: mode1 or mode 2 radio
WestCoastFlyer,
I must admit I'm a little dissappointed in you!
You have broken the first rule of the Mode 1 flyer's code.
You should NEVER EVER let Mode 2 flyers know the benefits of flying Mode 1 - you should always lead Mode 2 flyers into thinking their mode is the best. This will allow them to be happy, even thought they are at a disadvantage, and allow Mode 1 flyers to always have the advantage and be better flyers.
I understand that it is a fact that there are many more crashes with Mode 2 flyers in North America than on Mode 1 (however, this may be a skewed statistic since there are many more Mode 2 flyers in North America - but lets keep that a secret).
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Hopefully, if you get this far, you know I'm just stirring the pot and having fun. I really don't care what mode you fly, or if you are a good or bad flyer, just come out to the field and have fun!
My advice would be to go to your local field and see what the people are flying there - they will be the people who will be helping you, and you should fly the same mode as them, otherwise they will not be able to help you.
Fly4Fun,
Wayne