Hey Guys,

I've been looking around for a club to join and last Saturday I went to the 2nd club field in my area. There were just a couple fixed wing guys there at the time since evidently Saturday mornings are designated for Helis. The first club I went to didn't seem too friendly and I was only approached by one person that was also a spectator, but the guys at the second club spent more time talking to me then flying. Anyway, I've been invited to come buddy box with them on Thursday!

I'm in the middle of building a CG Electra 2M electric Sailplane and just entered covering stages now. I have NEVER flown a powered aircraft. I have not flown in 15+ years, but I have been flying Realflight G3 for the past couple months. I know that nothing beats real world flight training, but without a plane computer sims is all I've had for a little while. I can take off and land the Nexstar trainer and sailplanes with ease. I don't think I'm that bad at all on the sim, but I'm still a bit scared to fly a real model... What should I expect from my first buddy box? How do instructors/trainers view the computerized flight sims? Do they view them as a valid form of training? Do they look down on those who have been using the computer sims? Are the sims realistic enough to give a good portrayal of real world flying?

Any other info I may need before my first buddy box? I just signed up for the 3 month introductory AMA program. I was not AMA previously, so I should qualify for it. The club said I didn't have to be AMA to start training, but it wouldn't be bad to have. I just received my confirmation email from AMA for that. Is there anything else that I might need... I don't have an aircraft, but their lead trainer said that they will have their club trainers there. Would it be appropriate to show up with a gallon of fuel to donate?