Tattoo, I think you're on to something.

I, too quit my trainer too soon. Much more to flight than take-offs, loops and landings.

Started building big, expensive planes and somehow, it wasn't fun anymore. It was flat scary!

I hadn't really mastered all the basics well and all the club instructors said was "go out and burn some fuel, you'll get it".

Well, I didn't get it and the stress was more than the pleasure, so I dropped out of the hobby 10 years ago.

I'm back now, and my thoughts (which are reinforced in your post) are "build a couple of simple cheap planes and re-learn what you should have 10 years ago". If you auger them in, big deal.

The hobby is better for me now...I just need to fly-the-pants off of those trainers and build a lot of confidence before I bring out the 300 hour/all winter fire-breathers.

They're waiting...but I have learned patience (finally).

Thanks for posting your views, they really helped!

...And mrbonk, I'm so glad you found out more about your student. Wouldn't that be wonderful to succeed with him? Quite a feather in your cap, yes?

And think about him. Solo'ing may be the highpoint in his life.

R/C flight is a major accomplishment for most people....and without you, we would never know the satisfaction.

Again, thanks to all of you great guys for sharing your thoughts and, most of all, for not giving up.