I had alway wanted a r/c airplane but never wanted it bad enough to afford it. Growing up I had r/c cars and trucks.

A few x-mas's ago I had some extra money (yea right) and stoped by the local hobby shop and bought myslef an airplane. It was a Brightstar .40 arf (low wing), and new focus 4 radio, a starter kit (get an ele starter) and fuel($500.00). I had it put together before I went to bed (the next evening).

Saturday morning, I loaded everything up for my 1st flight and decided to go to the local park (had a scoccer field). The park workers said it would be fine to fly(it was December-30 deg.). I started it (new engine, not broke in, with a chicken stick,wrong took 30min of flipping) and taxied it around the parking lot overlooking the field (used the rudder trim to make it roll straight) We were all impressed (never seen one run before).

Followed the book(that came with the airplane) and powered up (downwind toward the field) gave it some elevator and it came off the ground really quick (straight up) and then made a large left hand turn(death spin) into the ground. Made some comment about everyone is going to crash sooner or later (5 sec into 1st flight) and went home (to hide the pieces).

Damage=3 striped servos, prop, fuse, wing, tail feathers,never found the batt., fuel tank and the radio tx (droped it when I went to get what was left of my airplane.)

I went home and told my wife I had a great time but it was just to cold to fly.(white lie). After looking at the airplane(what was left) the hobby shop owner said that he had a repair kit to replace the broken pieces.(a new arf)(and radio TX).

OK the lesson learned:
1. You can't solo by yourslef
2. You need more room to fly than a soccker field
3. The booklet with a new airplane leaves out important details
4. Buddy boxes are your friend
5. There maybe a local R/C club that can help you
6. Get an ele. starter
7. The LHS wants to sell airplanes (not give advice)
8. The controls change direction when not flying away from you
9. TX may not recover from a drop on asphalt
10. It's only money

I am now a member of our local R/C club and have many planes and am teaching others to fly. I thought that this might hit home with some of you and create a smile. The original brightstar has been rebuilt and is kind of my (hanger queen) you never forget your first.