For the most part someone took the time and trouble to teach us so it's just a pay back to the hobby. My thinking is there is no reason to spend money until you are sure you are going to enjoy the hobby and stick with it. Too many people see us fly and think that looks like fun then dive in with both feet. For one reason or another they decide it isn't for them and get out of it as fast as they got into it and get stuck with a lot of gear that they discover they can't get any of there money back from. Some used equipment is going to sell but your return on your investment is nothing compared to what you paid for it. Best to learn first without any investment. Later on you will develope a sense to what is worth buying used and what is not. Last week at a club swap meet I found a couple of good deals on good radios but there was a lot more crap on the tables that looked better then it is. Buyer beware!!!