gaRCfield,</p>

When somebody asks you for help, "Being nice" and allowing them to put a plane into the air that you won't help them fly or save isn't being very nice.  If you are going to act as an instructor, then DO SO.  The guy was a newbie and you knew it. That means you knew he'd likely get into some trouble.  Watching that plane go in was absolutely WRONG.  The guy came to the field for help and training.  He could've crashed it on his own out behind his own house without you there, and had just as much help.</p>

I am an instructor.  Before I put somebody in the air, I tell them that I will be giving them instructions, and that EVERY ONE OF THEM should be considered an ORDER.  If they want to go and fly as a democracy and do what they want, then don't bother me.  If they want to learn how to control their plane so that they can do what they want later on, then they'll follow the instructions.  I'm very, VERY tough on them.  Why?  Because GRAVITY is even TOUGHER!  If you read one of my posts, you read my teaching Mantra.  When a student tells me they have to put their mind inside the plane because somebody else told them that was the best way to fly an RC plane, I tell them to go and have THAT FOOL teach them to fly, because they don't want to learn what I have to teach them.  Inside of two weeks I can have a student flying very well as well as landing consistently.  This was before Flight simulators.  These days it takes about the same amount of time, because I use a flight simulator to train them at first, and the field for the second half.  It's good to let them see it will crash if they don't do what they're supposed to.  WE can't do that at the field.  Well, I guess you've proven me wrong on that point, but we SHOULDN'T do that at the field.</p>

If you can't act as an instructor, then SAY NO.  You were the experienced flyer to him, he was the newbie, he trusted you and your judgement.  You can't justify or rationalize it, you screwed up. </p>

I'm not going to apologize for saying that.  I'm not a PC kinda guy.  I'm a straight shooter.  It's the truth, and call it rude if you wish, FirebirdCdr2, but the truth is just the truth.</p>

You are feeling guilty.  That's good.  This is how we learn to NOT do the same thing again.</p>

We have a responsibility to each other in this hobby.  We protect each other through bonding and learning, and in doing so we protect each other AND the general public.  These planes may be OUR toys, but they are FAR from being actual TOYS.  They are fast and dangerous when uncontrolled.  Every single manual for every single kit and ARF in the world clearly states that misuse can cause injury or DEATH.  ANY experienced flyer knows this.  I don't need to tell you that allowing any plane to crash without attempting to regain control is not just unsafe but extremely dangerous.</p>

Forget this grounding yourself crap, just do the right thing.  We all screw up from time to time.  If you don't have much money to buy him another trainer then maybe you have an old one around or know a friend who does.  Or you could make good on it by helping him rebuild it or spending some extra time trying to make sure he doesn't quit the hobby in disappointment over this deal.  Maybe helping him restore it or an old one that's around to flightworthiness.  What's done is done, so now you carry on and do the best you can.</p>

But, you already knew this.  I just thought I'd give you a gentle nudge in the right direction.</p>

Remember to read my signature line!</p>

Jim  </p>