I wanted to post a note to thank everyone for the advice on getting a trainer first. I posted a topic in January about my Herr P-51 ½ A Mustang I got for X-mas from my wife. I hadn’t flown in about 10 years and was anxious to get back into the hobby. After everyone’s help/advise on radios and airplane selection, I purchased the Kyosho Skymate 15 (which was easy to get being in Japan on contract work for the government), installed a OS 20 and a Futaba 6 Skysport radio. I FULLY AGREE with the instructor and buddy cord concept. Yes, I had flown before, however the 10 year hiatus defiantly tarnished my skills (they weren’t that good before!) and after three flights on the buddy cord I was back in business. I now have over 25 solo flights under my belt and counting. My radio in on the way for my Mustang and believe it or not, I am going to swallow my pride and get back on the buddy cord with my instructor and tackle the first flight in the same fashion as my trainer. To anyone thinking of doing it the hard/expensive way, DON’T. Swallow hard and get HELP!

Thanks again everyone! I have attached a pic of my two birds.