HobbyBobby,

Recently PilotFighter (I think it was PilotFighter) said something in another thread I think is very appropriate, and something a person like yourself coming into the hobby should hear: Learning to fly RC is very similar to learning a musical instrument. Did you take piano lessons as a kid? I've played guitar most of my life, I play without thinking. But I couldn't pick up a trumpet or violin and start playing. To do that, I'd have to practice. Practice connects the brain and fingers - it's exactly the same thing as flying an RC airplane, and it takes similar practice, commitment and time. Your current feelings about standardization may soon take a back seat to the normal frustration it takes to learn how to fly an RC airplane.

I don't have statistics, but from my observation a lot more people drop out of the hobby than stick with it. The reason is because it's not easy for most people to learn. It takes a level of commitment, and you won't feel comfortable flying right away. It took me over 12 years to get comfortable! I was in and out of the hobby over those 12 years, it wasn't a constant 12 years, but still you have to understand that when I went flying it bugged me somewhat that everyone else was having fun, and I usually came home with an airplane to repair. I probably have less natural ability to fly an RC airplane than anyone on the planet! Some of us have to keep challanging ourselves over and over until we get it. I was one of those. Maybe you'll be fortunate and take to it quickly.

Bottom line, don't expect just because you have the bug for the hobby that it won't be challanging. I guarantee you it will. Weak knees and a pounding heart go with the territory. But when you get past that and gain cofidence, and can fly just like playing a musical instrument you experience joy. Plus the joy of accomplishment. It took me a long time, hopefully you'll be faster learner, but the bottom line is that it will still take commitment, which is what most of these guys have been saying in this thread.

Good luck! Find yourself a mentor and try not to get frustrated.

I'll say it again - try not to get frustrated and realize it probably won't be easy.