Doom and gloom merchants? I think not. Based on what I have not only read, but what I have seen, most people do not succeed without an instructor and those that have, usually say it cost them dearly. And, many that do not succeed without an instructor just drop the hobby where they may (probably would) have stuck with it if they had proper instruction and thus, better success.

I wonder why Hobbico says that they will guarantee to replace the Hobbico NexSTAR only if instructions take place with a qualified instructor at an AMA sanctioned field. There must be a reason for that, and it isn't just to protect their interests. They feel that a person has a much better chance of success with one than without.

Hey, more power to you if you can get a safe flight without an instructor, however, there are parts of learning to fly RC that you cannot get without an instructor.

As for myself, I took my time, used the buddy box with a good instructor, four different ones in fact, at the request of my primary instructor just to give me a different perspective on flying, and when I solo'ed, it was a proud day for me, as it should be for anyone, regardless of if they use an instructor.

You cannot change opinions regarding the use of instructors. There are those of us that agree with that, and those of you that do not. But, I think that those that do far out number those that do not, and I'll go with the numbers and continue to recommend instructors and trainer aircraft with a buddy box.

DS.