Originally posted by pinball
... if my only opportunity to learn was at the club training day, one morning every two weeks, 9 months of the year, and it was so popular that I only got 2 flights each session (this accurately describes my club's program), then I might be more concerned about how fast before I soloed.
I have been flying now for about a year, but I don't think that I would have done it if this were the situation!! That doesn't sound like much fun. Perhaps things are different where you are, but we welcome new people. We often have people just drop by on a weekend wanting to watch. I often take my old trainer out to the field to have a little fun chasing birds and shooting touch-n-goes before I really start practicing. When someone really interested comes in, I will take some time between flights to show then how the model works, the difference between different models, how the engines work, etc. If they are interested in flying, I ask one of the instructors if they would mind taking this guy (or lady) up for a spin. I think I have something like 20 different people who have flown at least one lesson on my plane.
My point is, we love the new guys!! Our club is 100 strong, but we are always looking for more. As for the original question, I would not let an instructor have a stranger up on my plane if I thought there was a chance that the instructor would lose it due to pilot error! No worries my friend...just get out and fly!
As for the sim...
Realflight -> $200
Traner (rtf) -> $300
feeling of watching YOUR plane flying around the sky under your control......PRICELESS
(don't bother with the sim...most of the instruction is in learning about aerodynamics, engines, and radios.)
just my thoughts
Zee