Using 3 channels and a Norvel .061 the piece of Cake is an excellent plane to learn to fly with.

Throttle control is a HUGE help. I highly advise having it. The weight added is insignificant to the model's flying capabilities. (especially when you are using it as a trainer.)

If possible... get an instructor. If not, then a motor glider such as this, or the Dynaflite Butterfly (big brother to this plane) would be a safer option than the traditional .40 class trainer. The most imnportant flight is the first... an experienced pilot really needs to trim the model to fly right. (preferably one experienced with sailplanes when dealing with this model... some power plane pilots don't know how to fly the sailplanes correctly!)


If you can't find an instructor... start with un-powered hand launches... just short glides mostly straight ahead. Barely bump the rudder and watch the effect... be ready to give a bump of up elevator. (bump and let go works with these things.... if they are trimmed.) The more rudder you use, the more elevator you will need to keep the nose from dropping. (it never will be a lot though...) Do a LOT of this practice before trying with the engine running.

Small stick movements and avoid using more up elevator than necessary. (avoid using down at all.)

Initial with-power flights... don't put much fuel in the tank. and don't run the engine at full power. You want to just extend that glide into a full circle, then land. Next try a full circle the other way.

When you feel ready to take it higher... remember 2 tricks:

1) point your shoulders the way the plane is headed. if the plane is pointed at you... look over your shoulder. this helps you to turn the correct direciton.

OR

2) prop up the low wing when the plane is comming toward you. This wll level the airplane.

If you start to lose control of it... let go (and turn the engine off) It will try to level itself. (if it has room...)

Motor-gliders and 2-meter sailplanes such as the Gentle Lady are the only designs appropriate for teaching yourself on. (but an instructor will certainly help... you won't break it as often with an instructor.)