ORIGINAL: D Mclaughlin
Do not! Do not !Do not! 'try' to teach your self. I can't stress that enough ~~~[>:] Unless you have and unlimited bank account and a team of builders on hand. You need to find a field that welcomes new pilots and those that are learning. With all the buddy cords there is no reason you can't learn to fly on just one plane
One more thing if you are paying dues and not getting any help maybe you need to RAISE SOME HELL while the other members are flying or when they land
I agree. When flying a balsa glow powered plane, don't try to teach yourself.
Even with the electrics I outlined above, it is better to have help. The planes are a lot tougher and a lot of people are self training, but there is so much you can gain from having even just a little guidance. I train people, primarily on Aerobirds. These planes can really take a beating. However, with just a little coaching they can be flying with a reasonable level of ability on the first day. I typically launch and land for them, but they are crusing around the field. By the second session, if they are quick, I can have them launching and landing, though not precision landing. That may take two more sessions and then practice. If you are good, you can even hand catch them.
On the other hand, some people go through an entire season without ever really "getting it". But at least the planes come through it in flyable condition, usually.
Yes, you can absolutely learn to fly without an instructor. However you have
to keep several things in mind before you try:
1) Am I going to be a danger to other people or property?
2) Am I going to be a danger to myself?
3) What happens if I lose control of the model? Do I know how to ditch it
safely and sacrifice the bird rather than put someone else at risk?
SAFETY FIRST!
I leaned with a little coaching from experienced flyers. That was a huge
help. I have never been on a buddy box or formal program. Here is what I would
suggest.
READ - RC Planes are not the same as RC cars, so if you are REALLY new to RC
planes, you will benefit from reading a couple of articles first.
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=31
DON'T START WITH A FUEL TRAINER unless you have someone to teach you.
Nothing against fuel planes, but they are powerful and they are heavy, meaning
that there is a lot of mass in a 3-6 pound plane flying at 25-50 mph. It can
do some serious damage if it hits something. It also needs a LOT OF SPACE to
fly safely. A football field isn't gonna cut it!
Notice I am not the slightest bit concerned about you crashing and destroying
the plane. That is a risk you take of your own choice. But the house, the car
or the kid you hit were not involved in that choice. Imagine hitting a 5 year
old with a 4 pound fuel plane moving at 30 MPH with that prop spinning on
impact.
GET THE PICTURE? [X(]