Another thing to add here on the subject of instructors, and using them or not. They are a great way to make friends and meet people at the flying field. When I instruct somebody it's always turned into a great friendship that lasts to this day. From friendship with the instructor comes meeting and becoming friends with others at the field/club. It's just human nature to be hesitant to try and insert yourself into any group of people, so most new people are intimidated to try and meet the existing fliers at any club. But when you are with your instructor he will introduce you to the "guys" and get you involved with them. Trust me, beginner's are always treated great at most fields.

On the other hand, when somebody new shows up to the field and pulls out his <insert name of plane here> and nobody knows it everybody automatically becomes susicious of them. And it's exactly why you think it would be, because nobody knows them or their flying skills. First meetings like this usually get worse over time because first impressions are lasting impressions.

I know that all of this may sound silly, but it's not because the people side of this hobby is a HUGE part of it. If I was out flying by myself I wouldn't fly near as much as I do now. A great part of any flying day is spending time with my flying buddies. And in the winter when we can't fly we usually meet for coffee on saturday mornings!!!

Ken