Originally posted by Old Mill
Agree on the instructor stuff Troy, really do. I am just wondering why every single person who posts a witty, funny story about trying to learn alone, kind of gets bashed all over for endangering people. I would much rather be blindfold around a smart guy trying to learn alone then some of the whacked out club people I have seen. Club does not = intelligence.
I've only been flying a year, but I can say that I was very close to going it on my own due to shyness, embarrassment, pride...
So, I think it is good that every "I tried it on my own" story teller gets pummeled.
Why, because...
It is a 6 pound missile going at 50 mph. No matter how much you protest, there is a definiate risk to the pilot and (much worse) to any bystanders. If you choose to accept that risk on your own property that's your right as an American, that doesn't mean its a smart thing to do.
Shattering a $300-$500 trainer on the first or second flight is often enough to drive someone from the hobby.
Personally, I think it is ballsy to fly without an instructor, I have tried it, it didn't work for me in the least. I didn't have G2 15 years ago either though, I think sims really help.
Mill
In my case, it was much harder for me to ask for help than to just go it alone.
Attempting to fly without an instructor means you can ignore whatever good practices you want. I have a hard time classifying that as ballsy.
I think most people on these boards just want the most people safely integrated into this hobby as possible.
Cheers,