I had the great good fortune of being trained when I reentered as an adult by Terry Terrenoire and Bob Noll. Two superb pilots (and very patient men) who volunteer to train fledglings at a local club. These men have competed nationally and internationally and I probably could not have afforded such trainers if they wanted to go pro. I've since helped Terry train Explorer Scouts in building and flying since then as my "pay back" and try to be helpful here. I can see the sense of charging, I suppose, but I think the free exchange is better and part of why I love this pursuit.

First time you get a kit and find the wing leading edge and trailing edge are long rectangular or square cross-section "planks" you'll understand a little better. Or have to carve a cowl out of glued up balsa blocks. Or bend and solder landing gear from straight piano wire. Or find you have ordered a "builder''s kit" that has three plan sheets, but lacks any written instructions. Or sand . . . everything.