Hello all.

I'm totally new to this, so please be gentle!

I'm just looking for general thoughts on the best way to get into flying. I feel the draw of a glider more than I do for a 'regular' park flyer, but I'm not sure if it's the best way to go. Been doing the research and was at one point looking at a shelling out for Super Cub - because, it seems, this is what is always recommended as a first plane. But as I say, it's all that 'at one with the environment' stuff that is more alluring for me. An electric-powered glider seems to provide the advantages of both worlds - I get to learn about thermals etc, get longer flight times, and also I can power myself out of problems when absolutely necessary. I can also take off from a flat field if there are no slopes around.

I've been looking at the Easy Glider as a good place to begin, but keep coming back to this idea that flying with ailerons is not the best way to get started. Is it generally agreed that this is the case, even with something as apparently forgiving as the Easy Glider? I like to think that I'm reasonably dexterous and sensitive and could handle them. Perhaps I'm kidding myself - it's not as if I'm talking about hurtling about at 80 mph in gale force winds, sleet and fog here - but it looks so graceful when done properly. I'll even practice with a flight sim before thinking about leaving the house!

Although not (in strictly purist) terms a 'glider', would the Multiplex Easy Star would be a better place to start? It's cheap, can glide a bit, and has only three channels. Or should I trust myself and go for the full-on aileron experience? I've read that others have, dealt with it with few problems, and have not looked back. I'm very tempted, but...

Thoughts on this would be very welcome!

Cheers,
FC