For me, it was the military, moving around and living in apartments, a divorce and a super small dose of fear of crashing (had the flying part down pat).[:'(] I started in RC in 1974 while stationed in MS. I had an instructor who participated in every pattern event he found out about, but he always had time to stop and work with me. When he had a contest coming up, he did most of his practicing during the week so he could work with the new pilots until they soloed. After the first year, I was stationed in Nebraska, and I was not able to find a club where the members made you feel welcome. Asking for help was met with looks and stares of why are you bothering me (isn't it nice that God allowed them to be born, transmitter in hand, with planes and the know how of building [another dying art] and flying them without any help).

My planes were too big to go flying at the numerous parks available, so I put the planes in storage, left the flying side, and went to the remote control cars (ain't RC wonderful). I stayed out of flying for over seventeen years. Then one day two years ago, I was at the magazine rack in a Walden Book Store, and say an issue of MAN. I was surprised at how well electric flight was advancing and gaining in the hobby, so I bought a few electrics, and here I am. I really got into EDF jets, but while browsing this site, I saw mention of a H9 Clipped Wing Taylorcraft. This model came and went while I was out of RC flying, but I had had a great desire to own one after seeing the plane on one of Chris Chianelli's DIY shows. Eventually, I found one NIB, bought a Z G-26, and I'm back in the saddle again for good. I have not flown the gasser yet, but I look forward to taking it up when the weather warms up.[8D]

I still have the problem of finding a field where the members make you feel welcome,[:@] but that won't stop me this summer. I met someone at my last VA appointment who invited me to fly at his club's field where everyone is welcome and you won't find any stuck-up noses. This will be a refreshing change if he is correct. The last club I checked out made sure the beer crowd (no offense) could not afford membership in their club, even though the field was on Corps of Engineer property where the public is supposed to be welcome.

Thus goes my tale. I hope it helps for whatever the reason that made the question come up. I wish I had never left long ago. I had to rebuy new radios, but for the most part, I always had my old glow planes to fly whenever I wanted to fly. I just had not met the right group to fly with where I could enjoy the experience (still got a wee bit of the super fear of crashing to work out - don't need any other distractions ). I believe that search will soon be over. In the interim, can you say "PARK FLYER?????

Peace!