Im bulding my first RC kit (only done smaller display-balsakits before). A few weeks untill its flight-ready, i think. And im beginning to get nervous for that crucial first flite (be honest, what are the odds for a crash on first flight? Bet its horrible odds, especially with no instructor ).

But since im learning alone, ive started intense RC simulator training, and are planning the big takeoff. I was thinking of starting VERY basic, Wright-brother style. First alot of taxiing around the strip, getting used to the speed of the plane, handle and making sure the engine runs reliable.

Then perpahs some acceleration, to see if it runs strait down the line..But no takeoff. Then, perhaps a light "jump" (a few seconds in the air), to get some seconds of flight to see how it flies, before touching down again. All in strait lines, no turns. Then perhaps a longer "jump". Practicing landings and takeoffs bigtime.

Then, once i feel comfident, get some altitude and do a 90 degree turn, and land again. Then a 180 degree turn, land, etc. Untill the plane is trimmed and flying nicely.

I hope that this way i can feel in controll, and ontop of the situation, which i guess is half the fear factor.

But like all planes, its gonna crash one day(and more). But the important thing is HOW it crashes. It you hit the ground nose-down at full speed, its gonna make a mess and its all over. But i hope most of the time crashes are fixable, some even on-field with some CA (like landing gear, bumps, loose wingtips or so). I guess smaller incidents are just something to get used to, so you dont fear it.

(btw, just watched a video of a big expensive Jet going strait down, burning in flames...When the pickup car came back with it, it looked just like a real airplane crash..burned-out black rubble with nothing left...saw the look on the pilots face....poor guy. Agree, if you cant afford to loose it, dont fly it)