Kevin,

There are three clubs here in SPI and each one has some designated instructors. I would highly recommend the one I had, or you can meet me and some of the other flyers at the field.

We'll go over the model with a fine-toothed comb, checking the control surfaces, setting up the throws, looking at the fuel tank situation, starting the engine, breaking it in, etc.

I tried this on my own a few years ago, and destroyed a couple of expensive planes. It wasn't until I met up with an instructor that I really started enjoying this.

I've got four planes now, two of them are flyable. The others need a few repairs after a few months of flying. I'd be more than happy to meet you, and bring along some of the best pilots in Illinois, to help you out.