Hey all,
I was literally yesterday given my first RC airplane ever. I am a current student at Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology and love aircraft. My Dad bought me a Hangar 9 Alpha 40 trainer plane.

I have about 9 years experience with driving RC cars, and about 4 years building them. I understand there is pretty much no similarities in RC cars and planes.

I am here posting to basically ask if there is any kind of broad tips anyone can give to a completely new pilot that only has maybe 30-45 minutes flying time on a real simulator at the Hobby shop, and about an hour or two on the RC air sim game ont he xbox 360.

I guess one of my main questions is how can I prepare for that first flight, or to even feel comfortable to take my plane on that first flight. I do have some time to get a hang of things as it's pretty much winter now here in michigan (in relationship to the snow we now got ).

The guy at the hobby shop gave me the location of a local rc airfield and said he knows there are a few guys there that would be more than happy to help out in flying the plane. Is it true there is a beginner switch on the controller that my plane came with, that would give someone control if anything were to happen in the air?

I feel like this post is pretty large, and for that I apologise, but I do have a couple more questions that if you know the answer to or have an opinion I'd greatly appreciate a response:

Is the XBOX live RC air sim "game" any good as far as helping with just the orientation aspect of flying? It seems like the other rc simulators, but obviously on a much more BASIC level as far as plane selection, and you cant input any weather etc.

Next question would be what is the best software to look for if I were to pick up a more realistic RC air simulator? Are there only a select few that would have the Alpha 40 trainer in them (i think hangar 9 has a program??) or do most programs have the option of selecting most models?

Last question: Are there any things to look out for with the Alpha 40 trainer?? Is this a pretty good starting plane? Go ahead and leave any feedback or personal experiences with the plane if you have any.

Thanks again guys.

Brad