Regardless of what kind of aircraft it is, a trainer is still an aircraft and needs to be handled accordingly.  True, it may be designed to fly with a minimum amount of experience, thus a trainer, it still needs to be flown.</p>

We constantly preach that new potential pilots really need the aid of an instructor.  Just place yourself in the front seat of a full scale aircraft, where your life depends on your ability to fly that aircraft.  So, you start out with a series of instructions with an experienced instructor pilot and, eventually you either learn to fly or you simply quit.  There are no other options, unless you are suicidal.</p>

With RC, though, because you are not sitting in the aircraft, the risk to life is not there.  So the risk is to the aircraft.  Unfortunately, some are willing to take that chance not thinking about the consequences of what could happen.  So, we always recommend that students, those new to RC flight, choose the right trainer for them.. (key word.. trainer) and then choose to work with an instructor with a buddy box.  To the instructor, the trainer is an easy fly.  To the student, it is not an easy fly.  </p>

I recall my first few flights with my trainer, at that time, it was a Tower 40 trainer with an OS 46 engine and Airtronics RD6000 radio.  I was, literally, all over the sky.  When I think back, I recall how difficult I thought all this RC stuff was and was not proud of my performance.  But, my instructor told me I did well.  I DID WELL???  Ok.. what's next?  Well, what was next was more of the same with that difficult to fly (for me) trainer.  </p>

Eventually, I did manage to solo (or I wouldn't be here, right?) and have since flown several different types of aircraft.  Sure, I have my favorites, Venus II, Skylark 70 (just to mention two) but, I've said it in previous posts.. I go back to my trainer and fly it.. to get back to basics.  To fly something that does not "fly itself".  Our modern, highly capable aircraft go where we point them.  Use the aileron, roll 30 degrees left,  let go of the stick, and voila, it rolls 30 degrees left... and stays there.  What's going on here?  That's the design.  You have to fly it!!! You want to turn?  Well, pull in some elevator.</p>

With a trainer, you roll 30 degrees left and let go and it self corrects to "straight and level".  How difficult is that?  To a student, it;s a potential life saver.  To more experienced flyers, it's getting back to basics.</p>

So, Trainers... how hard are they?   Well, It all depends on your perspective.</p>

CGr</p>

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