I went up to the club in Bridgewater, Ma. the other day to meet some people and see about joining. There were only three people there, but they were so friendly. Couldn't join without my AMA card yet which I had already sent for a few days prior. They gave me an application though. One of the guys actually let me get some stick time on his plane. I only have about four hours on Real Flight and thats it. I tried to make a left turn with his plane, but when I tried to keep it level on the turn with some up elevation, it started to drop. My heart nearly stopped, and he quicly grabbed the radio and recovered about 10 feet from the ground. He brought it up again a couple of mistakes high, then he held the radio while I reached over with my right hand to make 90 degree turns while trying to maintain the same elevation. I managed to do better that time.

One thing the SIM doesn't simulate is the nervousness, and butterflies of flying the real thing for the first time. Anyway, I'll keep at it. Tim

You're right, Tim, with the real thing the nerves are a factor at first. It sure looks like the bug has bit, welcome to the hobby.

Be sure to keep us posted of your progress and what you are building/assembling to fly.

Phil in MN

Tim,

Welcome to R/C thrills and spills! We've all done it. The advantage you've just experienced is the reason so many of us suggest a trainer as your first plane, and the idea of getting help from an experienced R/C flyer.

You get the advantage of being able to learn, without the frustration and expense of crashing.

As you said, keep at it, and soon you'll be flying without the shaking knees.

Just this afternoon I had a new friend of mine ( just met him a couple of weeks ago ), come over to help me brake in my engine on my brand new superstar select. We ran four tanks of fuel through it so it should be good to go. He looked over all my throws and showed me a thing or two. Just flying the SIM until I get my AMA card and can hook up with an instructor at the club. Tim

btw, you're covered by AMA from when they get your form, not from when you get your card. The AMA website has a lookup page that allows you to find out your number before the card shows up in the mail. So once you get the number, you're good to go, card or not. The only question then is weither your local club will accept it. Try printing out the webpage results. My club will accept that kind of notice, and the club membership director verifies with AMA anyways, card or not.

You'd think this wouldn't matter, but there have been times when cards were slow in coming, even though the new membership was "processed" and the person was covered.

It's not as easy as it looks, huh?

Now you know why we always recommend an Instructor.

But you can't beat that thrill!!!

Good news... Any time you get too comfortable, all you have to do is get a different plane and the thrill is back!