I have been out of the sport for 25 years. Even then, I had most of my time only on my Falcon 56. I never got beyond very modest flying before marriage, kids, etc. (You know the routine.)

Without so much as holding a transmitter for all that time, I am back in. I have an ARF Eindecker which is a great tail dragger trainer.

It's been tough to get the three planets to align (the weather, my busy traveling schedule, and the availability of my instructor). Last week was the first time in the air. For all three flights, the instructor took off and landed. I did all the flying in-between. (We had no buddy box that day. Reminded me when I first learned all those years ago.) I was doing pretty well. Figure eights were level and smooth.

Yesterday (8/31), was my second time out. This time we had the buddy box. The instructor says, "How about you taking off?" I figured, "what the hell." I started the roll, took it up to full throttle and WHAM, the left wheel slides off! The plane spins to a stop. No damage. We even found the wheel collar! (The screw was tight and had been attached with LockTite. Don't really know what happened.)

Second time went off without a hitch. I sure felt good! Nice gentle flying. Right and left circuits around the field, some more figure eights, some low speed passes and then practice approaches at high altitude.

The instructor suggested I land it. Whoa! I tensed up but took the challenge. After a few more practice passes, it was time for the real thing. The approach distance and altitude were perfect. It was a bit wobbly on the final but I made the flair and greased the most perfect landing right in front of us!! Smooth as silk! We were both stunned and exchanged a "Woo Hoo" and a high five! I don't know who was surprised more!

There were two more flights that day. The second landing was not as good as the first but perfectly acceptable. The wind picked up for the third flight and I never would have flown if I didn't have the instructor. It took me four passes before I got it down.

I am delighted to be back into this sport!

Here is a video that I made of that first day. Although it looks like it, I did not take off or land the plane.

Chevelle's First Flight