Yes, you may have been, however some 98% of the RCers were NOT, especially in the flying game. I left the USAF in 02-'68 after 13 years of it. I formally instructed in both the T-33 and T-38 plus some other instructing along the way. 28 years airline time also brought one into formal learning stations.

Like you, Steve, I thought that a formal syllabus was the only way to go. Now I don't think it is worth the effort. Certainly an instructor should make himself a guide and go from there, however the undisciplined newbie RCer is another personality when compared to a place where the non-performer can be either washed-out or fired, or both.

From Mama's baby with all the toys he wants to the old flarts like me, and especially those that cannot see but will not admit such, plus those that take to it like a duck to water, have no regard for safety stuff, think the field belongs to them, and will NOT listen to you, but expect you to make the take-offs and landings while they bore holes in the sky on YOUR time, well I just don't care whether they do or do not.

I have written flight plans, instructional plans, established a grade book system that worked for a couple years, but comes a new club regime and no one will use it anymore due to paperwork. I use to really push the instruction program, but no more. I help when asked, but don't any longer drive to the field to meet that one that found something else to do for the day.

The syllubus idea should be the answer, however in today's world of "I want it now", and "I know all there is to know," it simply doesn't work very well.