Hi Dennis,
Warning: The following is a long and potentially boring true story! Read at your own risk.
I bought my first plane in 1992. There were no RC clubs in my area (Mayaguez, Puerto Rico) and although I knew some local RC fliers, no one was willing to teach me how to fly.
So, I put together the Sturdy Birdy plane and read a few articles about model aerodynamics. I did my homework, I learned how control surfaces affect the plane and practiced for weeks with the radio and plane (engine off of course) on top of the dining table. I practiced until I was convinced I could take off and land "safely".
Then I carefully planned my first flight, brought the plane to a park, started the engine, and took off. I nervously flew for about 2 or 3 minutes. Circled around a couple of times over the park, and then tried a few landing approaches, at lower altitudes each time. I remember I was so nervous I couldn't feel my legs and the radio seemed to weight 100 pounds. I was so lucky to see the plane touch down for a "perfect" kangaroo landing
It took me 2 more weeks to build up enough courage to try to fly again. This time I felt even more nervous because I lost my confidence. Once again I landed in one piece. But that second flight convinced me that I had to do something drastic. A week later, I got Dave Brown's RC Flight Sim (Ver 3.00). I practiced for 6 weeks, 5 hrs/day. For the third flight, I felt so confident that I tried it during the weekend, when there were other guys flying. And I did two wonderful flights that day, I even did loops, rolls, and stall turns!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The other pilots were impressed and some of them could not believe I learned with a sim and without instructor, he he
I've always had good reflexes and hand-eye coordination (my father owned video game machines for years
) but learning without an instructor and/or a sim is almost impossible. I DEFINITELY DO NOT RECOMMEND DOING THAT
By the way, the plane survived past its 3rd birthday and more than 500 flights and gave it to a friend. I had my first crash after being flying for 4 years and started hot-dogging.
Now I practice in RF G2 (all the add-ons), the best RC sim.
- Juny