Hi RCKen,

If flight training with an instructor was as simple as just driving for awhile, I would consider it more strongly. Maybe things are different in your part of the country but I've encountered many complications when I tried to do so here in S.E. Michigan.

First I found that not all AMA clubs have instructors. When I went to one that did, they only do training on Tuesdays. What if the wind is strong, it's raining or the instructor decides to not make it to the field that day? I've called him & the Clubs President to schedule an appointment but they don't return my calls. I later learned that they could care less about new members since they have a contract with their fields owner that they will have no more than 100 members. They almost always have a waiting list of more than 25 people.

So I tried another club, I was told that their instructor did not have the appropriate equipment to "buddy train" me using my transmitter. They also have a similar policy regarding scheduled training which doesn't work with my personal schedule.

Although I really appreciate what volunteer instructors try to do; given the challenges I personally encountered seeking instruction, I decided to just go it alone. For the cost of gas, vehicle wear & tear driving to a field then no one shows up, etc. - I can bust up a lot of trainer models. I also have a simulator which has helped me immensely.