I've spent the last few days reading through the various electric flight forums. I started reading model airplane magazines when I was 8 or so and have continued to do so in the 40 intervening years.

In the mid/late 80's I decided electric planes were the hot ticket. I bought radio, the Goldberg Sophisticated Lady (glider) and the Great Plane Electicub and built them. I kept reading how you couldn't learn to fly without help, instruction, a mentor, good luck (etc, etc, etc). It just couldn't be done.

This refrain echos through the threads I've read over the past few days.

I have noticed, however, a few hardy souls who HAVE purchase/built their plane and taught themselves. This is encouraging and I would very much like to see more of this attitude.

When I started, I was doing a job far from home and didn't know anyone in the local, further, I'm (in person) relatively reclusive and reasonably private (contrary to my internet persona.) As a result, I found a flying area, read (devoured) everything I could read...

And went out and flew my planes.

Both of these planes, I would point out, are still flying today, along with several others). After a hiatus of nearly 15 years, my son (now seven) and I are breaking out the old planes and planning on some new ones. What surprised me was that learning was actually fairly easy given that I'd been reading the "can't do it on your own" propaganda for years. But, there were some tricks...

First thing was to do a number of "toss and glide" flights. Systems up and running, but with no intent (to fly) but to see what the behavior of the plane would be from launch to landing. Sometimes, with the Cub, I'd blip the throttle so it gained some speed and slight altitude. This allows you to easily (and safely) check the balance, the controls and the FEEL of the plane.

I also see that many recommend ROG for beginners. I'm of opposite mind on this one. Hand launching is much "better" while learning, ROG comes later (it's certainly more fun). Also understand the principals of flight - the elevator is NOT the "up" button.

I have yet to destroy a plane. I've certainly pranged a few, but nothing ever really bad. I've made many more errors in judgment (too much wind, too little space, that BIG tree, etc) than I have actual physical flying/thumb mistakes. One of the keys for me was to gain LOTS of altitude before trying anything new. It's relatively easy to learn when you have a LARGE buffer below you for reaction time and recovery.

At this point, we (kids and I) are "re-entering" the sport (like competitive shooting, this is a lifelong sport, and it comes and goes , but, in the long term, I ALWAYS come back to those two.