Hi,

I really appreciate your feedback. However, let me make a case for flying without the preparations suggested.

I realize that "get three to a flying club" is a standard recommendation for new flyers, and it makes sense. I also realize that the fact that I'm a licensed pilot doesn't cut any ice with RC flyers who claim that the experiences are completely different. I would say, however, that full-sized and model planes do share the same aerodynamic principles, such as "the sharper the bank, the higher the stall speed" and "use throttle to control altitude and elevators to control speed," which one learns in ground school and from their instructor. And taking full-sized-plane flying lessons teaches discipline, such as creating a check list and making sure the plane's CG is correct. With over 70 years under my belt, an older and wiser person am I (I hope).

A lot has changed in the past few years to make maiden flights easier. For example, HorizonZone's Super Cub is designed for beginners. It can be flown with a very docile configuration to begin with, gradually raising the performance characteristics as one gains confidence and skill level.

Also, flight simulators are a great aid. Using the Phoenix simulator with my TX connected to the computer, I've spent hours practicing a standard left-hand takeoff, cross-wind leg, down-wind leg, base-leg, final-approach-to-landing pattern using the same Super Cub model I'll be flying. That's the pattern I plan to begin with and practice until I have it down pat. I realize that my plane won't behave exactly like the flight-sim one, but the simulated practice should help.

In addition, YouTube provides excellent tutorials to help learn the pre-flight and flight process, as well as examples of what NOT to do from folks who took off without any preparation whatsoever. Looking at some of the beginner videos, it seems clear that the Super Cub is very forgiving and tough. (I've followed some YouTubers' advice concerning ways to improve the plane's performance and survival, such as replacing the wheels with larger ones and reinforcing certain parts of the plane.)

Someone mentioned Minneapolis, where I live. Obviously, there's no RC flying going on there right now, unless it's gliders or planes with skids. And electric motors don't work too well at below-freezing temperatures. The reason I'm eager to try the plane alone is that right now we're in southern Arizona. Unfortunately, by the time we found a flat area large enough for the flight, conditions started getting a bit too breezy. So, unless that changes, I'll be packing the plane up, taking it home, and waiting for the snow to melt.

Finally, if the worst were to happen, I won't get killed as I would if flying a full-sized plane. I didn't spend a hundred hours building the plane, and the cost of the plane is acceptable. But I doubt if the worst will happen, because based on what I've seen people who haven't a clue do with that plane, it takes a lot to crash it. That's not to say I won't join an RC club down the line, if I decide to get serious about this hobby.

I'll check back after the first flight to report the results and, hopefully, provide a video link. We'll see if my hunches are correct or if I'm blowin' in the wind.

Thanks again for your responses,
Bill