[Steps on soapbox]

I'll start by saying I am not the oldest flier in the ranks of RC. Having said that, I'll state my point on the subject at hand. I feel there is a need for both free and paid instruction in this hobby/sport. Notice how I phrased that, HOBBY/SPORT. It is both a HOBBY, just for fun, come and go as you please. As well as a SPORT, competition, practice the runs, get it on the mark. As for instruction, it doesn't matter how you look at it, hobby or sport, pay or no-pay, if you want to fly and fly well in a reasonably short amount of time without blowing a ton of money on crashed planes, an instructor is the way to go. Every situation is unique for both the instructor and the student. And as a rule of thumb, if you want something bad enough in this world, the right amount of money will get it for ya. Sad but true.

[Steps off soapbox]

Happy flying!