i sure appreciate it. $500 start up cost is about what i had decided will be necessary. i know it's a hobby and the nature of all hobbies is to fix/upgrade/throw money into a bottomless pit. that initial check that i've got to cut probably will be around 500 i guess.

i'm living in tysons corner right now, but will be moving in aug to either old town area or clarendon in arlington.

these clubs...? do people go out there in the afternoon at all? my weekends are pretty much consumed with sailing. i was thinking that the afternoons after work might be a nice laid back time on a field whens it's less crowded and more likely to get help from some people.

these "buddy boxes" yall talk about. i understand WHAT they do, but not HOW. can anyone's controller get on my frequency and fly the plane? or is it some special controller that has the option of doing this. do individuals own these or clubs?

regardless of how much help i'm able to find, i'd like to get pretty well versed on a simulator. what program would you all recomend? where should i look for one, compUSA type deal, ebay?

you can hook your controller up to the simulation program huh? interesting. USB connection? where do i get the wire?

i wouldn't consider flying a plane (if i do get one) any where near an area that's not completely suitable, don't worry. these clubs definitely seem to be the way to go even if i were in the plains of KS, living in N. VA makes it a must.

i've been toying with this for the past couple weeks or so. i think i'm getting close to diving in.

i now know about insurance (is that liability only?), is there any type of warranty on say the controller from any companies?

thanks for help everyone, this is all pretty new, but exciting. any and all input is welcomed