I have only met one instructor out of dozens I know that I'd consider pathetic. He wasn't a bad pilot, nor was he an exceptional pilot, but he was filled with a lot of BS, talked himself up a lot. He broke club rules and was finally urged to leave the club which he did. IMO He was more interested in selling his used stuff to newbies than teaching AND he charged $ for teaching. He is the only instructor I know that charges for services.** Now I don't have a problem with making money from RC, but this guy was just too much. I consider him a disgrace to the hobby.

But take note: There are very few hobbies/sports where you will find free instruction. The number of RC pilots willing to teach newcomers the ropes for free speaks volumes about this hobby and our passion for it. You won't find the local golf course giving free lessons until you can shoot par. Most RC Pilot instructors will hang in there until you can solo.

Every instructor is a little different, they all have different styles, different personalities, etc. Some may have a rigid set teaching plan, while others are laid back. Some like myself are really only interested in helping teach aerobatics and I avoid teaching the basics before solo flight. I let another instructor do that.

The key is to find an instructor you click well with. If your style and the instructors style don't mesh well, find a new instructor.

**To all the beginners, most instructors don't expect any compensation other than seeing the smile on your face during your first solo. However, I haven't met an instructor yet that didn't turn down a steak dinner. My point, if you are pleased with your instructors services, be sure to let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing for the hobby and more specifically what they did for you. A thank-you is enough, but I like steak dinners too.

Cheers.