Well, I finally did it! I took my first flights today after about a 17 year layoff. Since I never really got the hang of it 17 years ago, it was almost like starting from scratch. The president of my new club graciously spent a few hours reorienting me. I brought my SPAD Debonair, but he thought we should start out using his PT-40. I'll have to admit, I kept thinking about the threads I had read on RCU about proper etiquette for when a student destroys the instructor's plane.

It was a beautiful day, but we had the field to ourselves. He got me started out flying the pattern. Then he had me take off on my own. Then we shot some approaches and finally, he told me to land it myself. I finished up by taking one flight entirely under my own control (so he claims), including a rather shaky landing. (I can't honestly call it a solo, so I'll wait awhile for the attaboy, Mike) We also flew the Deb some, but the wing coro was coming unglued from the aileron, causing some nasty flutter. He even offered to sell me a used Sig Kadet he had laying around at a bargain price. I think I'll accept.

One piece of advice that you'll see over and over: Get an instructor! The learning curve is there. When I first took the sticks, I was very tentative. I got myself into situations that I couldn't confidently get myself out of and my instructor had to take over. After about a half an hour, however, I felt confident enough that I was able to get myself out of some some problems. If I hadn't had someone on the box those first few times, I would have probably augered the plane in and walked away demoralized. Even though you may not need more than a few sessions, it's worth it to have someone with you when you start. OK, I'll get off my soapbox.

I'd like to extend a hearty thank you to Scott A., who helped me today, and Brian S. (mnrcaerobat), who helped get the Deb airborne. It's people like you who make this a great hobby. I'm looking forward to being able to post further success stories.

-Scott