ORIGINAL: IL2windhawk
//// CAUTION: This advice does not apply to every beginner
I came into this hobby when a friend of mine sold two Mustang kits and a
SuperTigre 90 to me for practically pennies. Little did I know at the time,
these products are generally more suited to the advanced RC pilot. As I
began asking around about my proposed build, I got the usual feedback
that I was in way over my head. With that in mind, I bought an Edge540
to practice with, thinking that some taildragger practice would prep me
for flying the Stangs. It was marketed as flying like a low-wing trainer,
and the deal I got was less expensive than many trainers available. Plus,
the manufacturer has a half-price replacement policy in the event of a
crash within 6-months of purchase.
As I proceeded to build the Edge540, I began hearing the same negative
feedback from the same folks: hobby-shop guys, RC instructors, as well
as other pilots. They all told me that I was
guaranted to crash unless
I first bought and flew a trainer. They didn't even want to hear why I
thought I was different than most beginners. Mostly, I was not interested
in purchasing yet another practice plane at the cost of an additional
hundred+ dollars. I decided to plow forward, and take a chance that I
just might just be able to start with a fairly advanced plane.
At this point, I'd like to explain why I expected myself to be capable of
doing something that is generally regarded as being impossible in this
hobby. I have been flying regular cockpit-view simulators for over a decade.
I fully know about accelerated stalls, engine torque effects, cross-wind
landings, and many of the other challanges of true flight. I also set up my
favorite warbird sim (IL2:Pacific Fighters) as an RC simulator with a ground-
based camera view. When I was able to take off and land on my first try,
I felt even more confident that I could proceed with the Edge540. I couldn't
be more glad that I did.
Because I received so much negativity from every potential RC instructor
about my bold decision to take an accelerated learning path, I decided
not
to seek assistance with my first flight. I was not interested in hearing the
endless "I told you so's" if I crashed. Also, if an instructor has already
made up his mind that you will crash, I think that puts somewhat of a hex
on the flight in the first place. Frankly, I was tired of hearing again and again
from every person I talked to that I was incapable of accomplishing my goal.
I actually started feeling BAD about my decision, and it got to the point that I
didn't event want to talk about my plane. That's not how a hobby should be.
So it was that I made my first RC flight with an Edge540 and without an
instructor. In spite of the challanges, I was able to perform several take-offs
and landings, to trim my aircraft for level flight, barrel roll, and then make a
successful deadstick landing after the engine stopped. My experiences with
regular flight sims had enabled me to do what has been deemed
impossible.
While I feel that I made the right choice for myself, I would like to make it clear
that I am NOT recommending this training path for most learner pilots. Remember
that I have an extensive background in flight dynamics through my simulator
experience. I simply felt compelled to state that (contrary to popular belief),
nothing is impossible, and that ultimately YOU should be the judge of your own
abilities. Don't let anybody push you into a direction that you don't feel right
about. Just be
very sure that you are truly ready if you decide to take an
accelerated learning route. I took lots of time making sure that I had built and
installed everything correctly before even thinking about flight.
Attached is a photograph of my airplane. It is a SkyShark RC Edge 540. I cannot
recommend this company enough. This plane has taken a great amount of learners
abuse from me, and she still flies fine.
Three videos of my first RC flight day can be downloaded from here (in a zip file):
PLEASE NOTICE: this website requires you to wait 30 seconds to download. Annoying but free 
After 30 seconds, you will have a link to download at the bottom-right of the screen.
1) FLY-BY:
http://www.webfilehost.com/?mode=viewupload&id=4263810
2) LANDING:
http://www.webfilehost.com/?mode=viewupload&id=4082080
3) TOUCH & GO:
http://www.webfilehost.com/?mode=viewupload&id=7186994
Regards,