ORIGINAL: HighPlains
One or two is usual. But sometimes I don't take any and I still fly and fly. I test fly, trim fly, instruct some, any try out other peoples airplanes. Having flown RC for 40 years (as of this summer), I have flown more models than most people have. If it is a new airplane, I am it's best chance of it making a second flight.
In spite of all this experience, I am still learning, still improving. I guess that is what keeps me at it. The downside is the eyes are degraded and will only get worse with time. Fine motor control will start to go in another 15 or 20 years. I will eventually fly easier bigger airplanes, but someday even that will not be enough. Guess I will just run the mower then. There is always grass to cut at a flying field.
I visited another flying field while on vacation this week and came across an old old-timer. He was 84 years old and his flying skills were still pretty good. he was flying a 40 class big stick with a saito 4 stroke in it. It was a delight to meet him and humbling to see him flying as well as he did!