It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
#1
It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Hi guys,
RCU is in the process of creating an all encompassing "How To" for people who want to get started in RC, and I'm looking for some input from the members.
Now before you start writing 10 page letters on what should be included, let me tell you what it is I'm looking for.
First, I would like some first hand quotes from people who tried (and failed) to teach themselves to fly without an instructor (or broke up several planes in the process).
PLEASE do NOT go into great detail. I just want sound bits (so to speak). One, two or three sentences tops.
Next, the same thing from people who bought the wrong equipment to start with, and had to replace it. Examples would be someone who bought a 2 or 3 channel electric, but eventually wanted to fly 4 channel Glow, and had to buy a new radio, engine, etc.
Or, someone who bought an advanced plane, and had to hang it up until they mastered a trainer (or, of course, if you destroyed it, and THEN bought a trainer).
I want you guys to help others to avoid the mistakes YOU made by telling them your first hand experiences, and how you would do it differently now that you know better.
And again, PLEASE keep them short. (Ok, if it's a REALLY good story, you can throw in an extra sentence or two )
RCU is in the process of creating an all encompassing "How To" for people who want to get started in RC, and I'm looking for some input from the members.
Now before you start writing 10 page letters on what should be included, let me tell you what it is I'm looking for.
First, I would like some first hand quotes from people who tried (and failed) to teach themselves to fly without an instructor (or broke up several planes in the process).
PLEASE do NOT go into great detail. I just want sound bits (so to speak). One, two or three sentences tops.
Next, the same thing from people who bought the wrong equipment to start with, and had to replace it. Examples would be someone who bought a 2 or 3 channel electric, but eventually wanted to fly 4 channel Glow, and had to buy a new radio, engine, etc.
Or, someone who bought an advanced plane, and had to hang it up until they mastered a trainer (or, of course, if you destroyed it, and THEN bought a trainer).
I want you guys to help others to avoid the mistakes YOU made by telling them your first hand experiences, and how you would do it differently now that you know better.
And again, PLEASE keep them short. (Ok, if it's a REALLY good story, you can throw in an extra sentence or two )
#2
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
I bought 2 electrics and a GP Piper Cub kit before I even went to the field,
and through searching for more R/C items. I found RCU, and scrolled through RCU and found
beginners and whoila. I was steered into the right direction.
So through the help of great ppl on here I found a club, instructor, and the right starter plane.
and saved my other planes from a horrible meeting with the turf.
I know it was longer than posted but........
and through searching for more R/C items. I found RCU, and scrolled through RCU and found
beginners and whoila. I was steered into the right direction.
So through the help of great ppl on here I found a club, instructor, and the right starter plane.
and saved my other planes from a horrible meeting with the turf.
I know it was longer than posted but........
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Never...and I mean never say you're going to go out and "just taxi around". Inevitably you end up going to fast and taking off. Lost the whole front end (including firewall) to mother earth.
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Mike-Not a newbie but still have a keen memory of learning pains! I at least bought a trainer (flew single channel earlier, so I knew that much) but didn't try to contact local flyers or even LHS; built it, launched it, crashed it about that quickly, bought another airplane, broke the tail off THREE TIMES trying to land before I figured it out. I already had glow engine experience from flying u-control (remember that?), so I was ahead of the game there. Don't be too proud to look for help. DO NOT LET YOUR EGO WRITE CHECKS THAT YOUR THUMBS CANNOT CASH! GET HELP. Almost anyone can learn to fly RC with an instructor, but I've not met the self-taught flier that did it on one airplane. (Feel free to edit)...JIM
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Minnflyer, I can see where your going with this and for one I totally agree, but to objective, you should have a few that were successful in teaching themselves or that did have a non trainer, but was good at it. I would try to highlight how much harder it is or the more time it takes, but still to be fair...
The biggest thing I can see on this is, no matter much we can try to advise somone to go get a trainer and an instructor, they will do it thier way if they are that stubbirn. To those that were and learned the hard way, I feel no remorse.
My quip now.
"When I first started looking at the hobby was when a friend bought a 2 channel park flier. Knowing right away that I wanted the true glow powered plane, I went out and bought a lot equipment uneducated. I ended up with a lot of old, non compatiable "junk". Now, out a lot of $ and time, I got it right by listening and going with the sound advice I get from fellow hobbiest on RCU and at my LHS."
The biggest thing I can see on this is, no matter much we can try to advise somone to go get a trainer and an instructor, they will do it thier way if they are that stubbirn. To those that were and learned the hard way, I feel no remorse.
My quip now.
"When I first started looking at the hobby was when a friend bought a 2 channel park flier. Knowing right away that I wanted the true glow powered plane, I went out and bought a lot equipment uneducated. I ended up with a lot of old, non compatiable "junk". Now, out a lot of $ and time, I got it right by listening and going with the sound advice I get from fellow hobbiest on RCU and at my LHS."
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Askalon, The statement that they will fly anyway no matter what you tell them isnt entirely true, I wish someone would have steered me in the right direction.
Minn flyer, WHat you are doing is a great idea, just 1 year and 6 months too late
Minn flyer, WHat you are doing is a great idea, just 1 year and 6 months too late
#7
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Great guys, keep them coming!
Askalon,
Believe me, the article WILL acknowledge that SOME people have flown successfully on their own. What I want to point out is how many of you THOUGHT (or even, WERE SURE!) that you could do it, only to be given a very quick reality check. Many of you know how it is... "It LOOKED so easy", or "I fly REAL planes, so this would be a piece o' cake... BOY WAS I WRONG, and I have the broken pieces to prove it."
Those are the stories I want.
PS IF you're story is too embarassing to tell, feel free to PM me. Names will not be used.
PPS, Askalon, I used to live in Urbandale!
Askalon,
Believe me, the article WILL acknowledge that SOME people have flown successfully on their own. What I want to point out is how many of you THOUGHT (or even, WERE SURE!) that you could do it, only to be given a very quick reality check. Many of you know how it is... "It LOOKED so easy", or "I fly REAL planes, so this would be a piece o' cake... BOY WAS I WRONG, and I have the broken pieces to prove it."
Those are the stories I want.
PS IF you're story is too embarassing to tell, feel free to PM me. Names will not be used.
PPS, Askalon, I used to live in Urbandale!
#8
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Heh ok, I'm not embarassed now. I thought by this plane being small and electric it would be easy for a beginner.
1 of them electrics I mentioned in the begining was a P-51D parkflier.
It had a total of 6 seconds airtime divided by 3 launches.
"May It Now Rest In Peace or Pieces" [:@]
1 of them electrics I mentioned in the begining was a P-51D parkflier.
It had a total of 6 seconds airtime divided by 3 launches.
"May It Now Rest In Peace or Pieces" [:@]
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
MinnFlyer - First, I want to commend you on a great idea. I have a page on my site where I preach this stuff, but I think hearing it from other new guys rather than the old grumpy guy will make a huge difference in how many people actually listen.
My first experience with R/C was to buy an Airtronics Q-Tee with money I earned as a golf caddy when I was 12 or 13. It was all I could afford and the guy who said he would teach me gave me untold amounts of grief because I purchased that plane instead of the .40 size trainer he suggested.
Well, there is no way I could have afforded that back in the mid 70's. The radio systems were very expensive and instead of helping me with what I had, he made me feel like a total loser for having the wrong stuff. I didn't quit, but it took me a few more years to acquire items he approved of so I could actually get him to teach me. But by that time I knew other people in the hobby and I never went back to the first guy.
Point being that we "experienced" folks have to watch our own prejudices so that we don't turn new people away. If a beginner shows up with a trainer, then we should teach them even if we don't like their choice of plane. We might tactfully explain why something isn't a good example, but we don't have to make it personal. It think more than equipment, it's a new person's experience with the first people they come into contact with is more of a factor in keeping them involved.
OK, that was only 2-3 sentences, right?
My first experience with R/C was to buy an Airtronics Q-Tee with money I earned as a golf caddy when I was 12 or 13. It was all I could afford and the guy who said he would teach me gave me untold amounts of grief because I purchased that plane instead of the .40 size trainer he suggested.
Well, there is no way I could have afforded that back in the mid 70's. The radio systems were very expensive and instead of helping me with what I had, he made me feel like a total loser for having the wrong stuff. I didn't quit, but it took me a few more years to acquire items he approved of so I could actually get him to teach me. But by that time I knew other people in the hobby and I never went back to the first guy.
Point being that we "experienced" folks have to watch our own prejudices so that we don't turn new people away. If a beginner shows up with a trainer, then we should teach them even if we don't like their choice of plane. We might tactfully explain why something isn't a good example, but we don't have to make it personal. It think more than equipment, it's a new person's experience with the first people they come into contact with is more of a factor in keeping them involved.
OK, that was only 2-3 sentences, right?
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Newbies should go into this sport understanding it is harder than it looks. While I was building my first plane I talked to my father-in-law a lot since he is who got me into the sport. I always said, "it can't be that hard, it is only 4 controls and once I have those down, it should be easy. How hard can it really be?" Each time, he would smile, shake his head, and say "you'll see." Needless to say, I did learn it was a lot harder than I thought would be.
#11
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
story1:
always buy the best Tx you can afford, i bought a 4 chanel and am now kicking my self for not getting a 7 or 8 with my new winter project (TF corsair with al lthe fixings)
story2:
i second the do not "just taxi around" i knew i couldent fly the plane and i knew that it probably would never get flown so i took it for a trip, lets just say the tailwheel on my mustang got less use than i though it would [X(]
Story3:
do not move unfinishe planes. especialy if they are unsheeted. had to re-build my herr mustang wing scratch with no plans only a jigsaw puzle of mismatched ribs and 2 missing now that was fun... not
story4:
there IS a such thing as too much epixi (epoxy). its heavy, very heavy. note also that rubbing alcohol and denatured alcohol are VERY different the end result with 70% isop is OK but the water makes it take ages to harden and weakens the glue.
story5:
Ca dries VERY fast when in contact with skin since skin in naturaly moist and water is an accelerator. so when you Ca planking toa wing and you lay your hand on it to pus hthe sheets to the ribs, use wax paper, that one hurt really bad[sm=rolleyes.gif]
also, when you have the [sm=idea.gif](bright idea) to use electrical solder (the kind with the resin in it) stop before you start... expecialy on tail wheels, its a MESS and a half
to add to that, building isnt as easy as it may seem. i know far too many people who find the task of reading 1/16 on a ruler the hardest part of their day (it some how tops their colege lvl physics classes?!?!?) it does take skill to build and there are "naturals" but any one who wants to can learn to build well and fly better.
hope myscrewups helps to prevent yours. remember CA burns and xactos are SHARP
thats it for me. the rest are too stupid to share
always buy the best Tx you can afford, i bought a 4 chanel and am now kicking my self for not getting a 7 or 8 with my new winter project (TF corsair with al lthe fixings)
story2:
i second the do not "just taxi around" i knew i couldent fly the plane and i knew that it probably would never get flown so i took it for a trip, lets just say the tailwheel on my mustang got less use than i though it would [X(]
Story3:
do not move unfinishe planes. especialy if they are unsheeted. had to re-build my herr mustang wing scratch with no plans only a jigsaw puzle of mismatched ribs and 2 missing now that was fun... not
story4:
there IS a such thing as too much epixi (epoxy). its heavy, very heavy. note also that rubbing alcohol and denatured alcohol are VERY different the end result with 70% isop is OK but the water makes it take ages to harden and weakens the glue.
story5:
Ca dries VERY fast when in contact with skin since skin in naturaly moist and water is an accelerator. so when you Ca planking toa wing and you lay your hand on it to pus hthe sheets to the ribs, use wax paper, that one hurt really bad[sm=rolleyes.gif]
also, when you have the [sm=idea.gif](bright idea) to use electrical solder (the kind with the resin in it) stop before you start... expecialy on tail wheels, its a MESS and a half
Newbies should go into this sport understanding it is harder than it looks. While I was building my first plane I talked to my father-in-law a lot since he is who got me into the sport. I always said, "it can't be that hard, it is only 4 controls and once I have those down, it should be easy. How hard can it really be?" Each time, he would smile, shake his head, and say "you'll see." Needless to say, I did learn it was a lot harder than I thought would be.
hope myscrewups helps to prevent yours. remember CA burns and xactos are SHARP
thats it for me. the rest are too stupid to share
#12
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer
Great guys, keep them coming!
Askalon,
Believe me, the article WILL acknowledge that SOME people have flown successfully on their own. What I want to point out is how many of you THOUGHT (or even, WERE SURE!) that you could do it, only to be given a very quick reality check. Many of you know how it is... "It LOOKED so easy", or "I fly REAL planes, so this would be a piece o' cake... BOY WAS I WRONG, and I have the broken pieces to prove it."
Those are the stories I want.
PS IF you're story is too embarassing to tell, feel free to PM me. Names will not be used.
PPS, Askalon, I used to live in Urbandale!
Great guys, keep them coming!
Askalon,
Believe me, the article WILL acknowledge that SOME people have flown successfully on their own. What I want to point out is how many of you THOUGHT (or even, WERE SURE!) that you could do it, only to be given a very quick reality check. Many of you know how it is... "It LOOKED so easy", or "I fly REAL planes, so this would be a piece o' cake... BOY WAS I WRONG, and I have the broken pieces to prove it."
Those are the stories I want.
PS IF you're story is too embarassing to tell, feel free to PM me. Names will not be used.
PPS, Askalon, I used to live in Urbandale!
Built a German kit somewhat like an Ugly Stick. Went to an *outlaw* flying area. No one there. No buddy cords back then, about '71.
Decided to taxi it around (GJAUBIN where were you when I needed you?)
Heck, I am a jet-jock, been supersonic straight up and straight down so I can do this.
Into the blue once more. Right into aerobatics that even now no name exists for. [X(]
Tried to set up a landing.
After extensive repairs, I went to a club field, got three flights with passing the transmitter and then went solo.
Haven't got a whole lot better since! [&o]
Like everybody tells ME -- "Get help".
#13
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
I flew gliders and electrics for about 2 years before a friend gave me a glow trainer. I was afraid to try flying it by myself. The friend who flies with me flies mode 1 so I could not use him to train me. After alot of coaxing my two friends got me to try flying the trainer. I took off and the plane handled great. I had no problems at all flying it. That was 1 year ago and I have not looked back. Flyng the glider and electrics helped a great deal. I had lots of crashes with the zagi and EPP foam glider that I learned on. I always recommend using an instructor to new people. I was lucky.
Rick
Rick
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Always check your servos to see if they are reversed, and always check to make sure your Antennae is out; I servived both of those, but only because of my reflexes, and my Instructor.
Always stake your plane down when starting, and make sure that the cord you use is short enough where you will not trip over it. I just watched a guy trip over his cord, stamp on the wing, and take his plane home in several more pieces than he brought it because of this.
Always stake your plane down when starting, and make sure that the cord you use is short enough where you will not trip over it. I just watched a guy trip over his cord, stamp on the wing, and take his plane home in several more pieces than he brought it because of this.
#15
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Beliblis: >>>> "Always check your servos to see if they are reversed, and always check to make sure your Antennae is out; I servived both of those, but only because of my reflexes, and my Instructor."
<<<<<<
OH Yes, by all means: SOOOO very true if you have a computer radio and it is programmed for more than ONE airplane.
CAT check prior to each flight.
C --- Controls each working in the proper direction. (Left aileron goes up with stick left, etc. etc.)
A --- Antennae extended.
T --- Trim set to proper position for that aircraft.
All full scale pilots check their controls working properly on each taxi-out. Too many that did not took off with reversed aileron (military right out of maintenance), jammed jack screws, hyd. leakage, Improper trim settings, gust locks still installed, and all kinds of weird death-dealing small items. (41 years doing the full scale thing)
Not checking controls will crash you an airplane sooner or later.
When buddy-cording, I frequently ask the student what must be done to go fly, and I get all kinds of answers. Then when he finally says, "Pull out the antennae" we go fly.
Long time ago before I did that, an ex student lost 3 airplanes in his first year because antennae was not in his thoughts.
Instructors learn too.
<<<<<<
OH Yes, by all means: SOOOO very true if you have a computer radio and it is programmed for more than ONE airplane.
CAT check prior to each flight.
C --- Controls each working in the proper direction. (Left aileron goes up with stick left, etc. etc.)
A --- Antennae extended.
T --- Trim set to proper position for that aircraft.
All full scale pilots check their controls working properly on each taxi-out. Too many that did not took off with reversed aileron (military right out of maintenance), jammed jack screws, hyd. leakage, Improper trim settings, gust locks still installed, and all kinds of weird death-dealing small items. (41 years doing the full scale thing)
Not checking controls will crash you an airplane sooner or later.
When buddy-cording, I frequently ask the student what must be done to go fly, and I get all kinds of answers. Then when he finally says, "Pull out the antennae" we go fly.
Long time ago before I did that, an ex student lost 3 airplanes in his first year because antennae was not in his thoughts.
Instructors learn too.
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
I taught myself how to fly rc helicopters (fried 2 clutched) and planes. It IS possible, with the help of RCU and a simulator. BUT I strongly DO NOT recommend it. You will save a great deal of time, money, and aggrivation by having soemone help you out. I'm just one of those stubborn people who like to "do it on my own". If I had to do it all over, I would not try myself. In the heli forum search for "Very bad first flight". That's when I fried the clutch, the first time I could have went into greater detail, but I tried to keep it short, sorry if its too long.
Joe
PS The first time I fried it, the throttle servo was reversed. Very dangerous situation!
Joe
PS The first time I fried it, the throttle servo was reversed. Very dangerous situation!
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
regarding people having no choice but self teaching, i believe a basic understanding of aerodynamics gives a tremendous help, and the use of a computer r/c trainer. i never used the g2, but i used x-plane in the outside view.
chapter 3a and b of the jeppesen private pilot manual is a very clearly written and illustrated example of basic aerodynamics.
my first flight was with a friend, but i ended up landing myself after the engine quit on the fourth low slow flyby during pattern practice. successful, just bounced a couple times.
chapter 3a and b of the jeppesen private pilot manual is a very clearly written and illustrated example of basic aerodynamics.
my first flight was with a friend, but i ended up landing myself after the engine quit on the fourth low slow flyby during pattern practice. successful, just bounced a couple times.
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer
Next, the same thing from people who bought the wrong equipment to start with, and had to replace it. Examples would be someone who bought a 2 or 3 channel electric, but eventually wanted to fly 4 channel Glow, and had to buy a new radio, engine, etc.
Next, the same thing from people who bought the wrong equipment to start with, and had to replace it. Examples would be someone who bought a 2 or 3 channel electric, but eventually wanted to fly 4 channel Glow, and had to buy a new radio, engine, etc.
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
I was toying with the idea of teaching myself. I put the RTF plane together in about an hour so I'm good right? I went to a field anyways. The friendly guys there showed me where my plane was way out of trim and I had servo reversing turned on for the elevator. Right then I knew I was a fool for thinking about trying it alone.
My RTF came with a 5 channel radio, I picked up a 6 channel and buddy box, and FMS, and a USB interface for FMS. I'm now the god of radios right? Wrong! 2nd plane I'm building now is an Ultra Stick 40, and you can't use it's features without at least 7 channels, so now I'm going after a Jr 8103 with the plastic still over the display for $250
Bought an electric starter just cuz I didn't have one. Stuck it on the plastic spinner of my EVO TPS and ate it up big time.
Epoxy'd my Ultra Stick 40 to a table gluing the horizontal stab on (forgot the wax paper)
My RTF came with a 5 channel radio, I picked up a 6 channel and buddy box, and FMS, and a USB interface for FMS. I'm now the god of radios right? Wrong! 2nd plane I'm building now is an Ultra Stick 40, and you can't use it's features without at least 7 channels, so now I'm going after a Jr 8103 with the plastic still over the display for $250
Bought an electric starter just cuz I didn't have one. Stuck it on the plastic spinner of my EVO TPS and ate it up big time.
Epoxy'd my Ultra Stick 40 to a table gluing the horizontal stab on (forgot the wax paper)
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
My advice on tips for beginners, and I'm still a beginner, would be:
1. Go to the nearest field quite a few times and determine if you REALLY want to do it. The quantity of used RC equipment for sale indicates that many didn't. This is also handy to see whether somebody is available to instruct you.
2. Buy a simulator and fly it using the keyboard for a while, and if it's what you still think you really want to do, go ahead and buy a transmitter, receiver, etc., & interface. Don't buy a basic radio though, because this hobby has the ability to get you in so that you want bigger and better. Go for something like a 7/8 channel right off, because you will probably want one within a relatively short time anyway.
3. Spend some time in these forums, and at the field, asking questions, PM'ing guys and just generally getting information that will be of help. This is a great resource, and most who come here are more than willing to help. Listen to everybody, but remember that most here are enthusiasts, and there won't be much of a downside to the hobby, only good things.
4. Then buy your trainer and engine, but once again, buy an engine that is going to last more than one airplane if you possibly can. If the kit takes a range of engine sizes, and most do, go for the biggest in the range. That way you can probably use it on the next kit as well.
5. Take your new trainer to the field and have the guys look it over, laugh, and help you get it set up; trimmed, servos operating in the correct sense etc.
6. Have the local ace/instructor fly it first, and land it first so that when you fly first it's all trimmed out.
7. On your next flights, take over and do the usual training manouvers, straight and level, figure 8's, climbing and descending turns, all at height, and still have the ace land it. After a couple of flights, descend to low straight and level and let it almost touch the ground and go around. Go arounds in full scale are one of the hardest and worst handled manouvers because they don't happen a lot. It's all about learning good control and habits at this stage.
8. Do a few take offs, and then after a few sessions of taking off and manouvers at height, try landing with the ace talking you through it.
9. Very important to remember is that this hobby is/can be a little like computers, and many other hobbies, in that it has an amazing capacity to swallow $$$. You will want to move out of the trainer into something better, and probably bigger, then flaps, and retracts, etc.; maybe even jets eventually. If you bought the better radio and bigger engine to start with, what seemed like an extravagance at the start is now paying off. Besides, a lot of your gear may be available on the second hand market, so it makes sense to buy better than you think you need right now.
10. Set some goals to look and strive toward. Mine is a scale Corsair, about 180 cm span, as my third airplane. My Corsair will be hanging from the ceiling six months before I'm ready to fly it.
11. Lastly, and probably most importantly, DO NOT RUSH the process. Take it easy, let the instructor spoon feed you a little and save that aeroplane. Better to spend your time flying and not repairing/rebuilding. Saves your ego AND your cash. If he's trying to make himself look good in the process, then let him. No such thing as a free lunch. Your training may be free, but he wants to look good too, so that's the price you pay.
Sorry Mike, I couldn't make it any shorter. It's like the process of getting into the hobby; it takes some time and space.
1. Go to the nearest field quite a few times and determine if you REALLY want to do it. The quantity of used RC equipment for sale indicates that many didn't. This is also handy to see whether somebody is available to instruct you.
2. Buy a simulator and fly it using the keyboard for a while, and if it's what you still think you really want to do, go ahead and buy a transmitter, receiver, etc., & interface. Don't buy a basic radio though, because this hobby has the ability to get you in so that you want bigger and better. Go for something like a 7/8 channel right off, because you will probably want one within a relatively short time anyway.
3. Spend some time in these forums, and at the field, asking questions, PM'ing guys and just generally getting information that will be of help. This is a great resource, and most who come here are more than willing to help. Listen to everybody, but remember that most here are enthusiasts, and there won't be much of a downside to the hobby, only good things.
4. Then buy your trainer and engine, but once again, buy an engine that is going to last more than one airplane if you possibly can. If the kit takes a range of engine sizes, and most do, go for the biggest in the range. That way you can probably use it on the next kit as well.
5. Take your new trainer to the field and have the guys look it over, laugh, and help you get it set up; trimmed, servos operating in the correct sense etc.
6. Have the local ace/instructor fly it first, and land it first so that when you fly first it's all trimmed out.
7. On your next flights, take over and do the usual training manouvers, straight and level, figure 8's, climbing and descending turns, all at height, and still have the ace land it. After a couple of flights, descend to low straight and level and let it almost touch the ground and go around. Go arounds in full scale are one of the hardest and worst handled manouvers because they don't happen a lot. It's all about learning good control and habits at this stage.
8. Do a few take offs, and then after a few sessions of taking off and manouvers at height, try landing with the ace talking you through it.
9. Very important to remember is that this hobby is/can be a little like computers, and many other hobbies, in that it has an amazing capacity to swallow $$$. You will want to move out of the trainer into something better, and probably bigger, then flaps, and retracts, etc.; maybe even jets eventually. If you bought the better radio and bigger engine to start with, what seemed like an extravagance at the start is now paying off. Besides, a lot of your gear may be available on the second hand market, so it makes sense to buy better than you think you need right now.
10. Set some goals to look and strive toward. Mine is a scale Corsair, about 180 cm span, as my third airplane. My Corsair will be hanging from the ceiling six months before I'm ready to fly it.
11. Lastly, and probably most importantly, DO NOT RUSH the process. Take it easy, let the instructor spoon feed you a little and save that aeroplane. Better to spend your time flying and not repairing/rebuilding. Saves your ego AND your cash. If he's trying to make himself look good in the process, then let him. No such thing as a free lunch. Your training may be free, but he wants to look good too, so that's the price you pay.
Sorry Mike, I couldn't make it any shorter. It's like the process of getting into the hobby; it takes some time and space.
#21
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
The Ego mistake. I don't need an instructor, I'm smart and good at video games! Well, you may not need one, but it's a lot harder without one. You don't need an instructor to learn how to drive a car, shoot pool, or play a guitar, but they sure help. Just the bad habits you learn on your own, or the good habits you fail to learn so that they become automatic are a huge stumbling block. Especially when you start to try and impress your fellow pilots at a field, and don't realize that just flipping your radio on is bad form. Instructors are free, trying to re-learn bad habits can cost you for a long time.. - Joe
#22
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Let me state that I do appreciate all those that responded to my post above, but I will agree that what everyone said was true. I just didn't see where it stated from the flip side of those that were successful stories were wanted.
Maybe too late for some, but right on time for others. I would extend any help writing it. I can do HTML or just cut and paste to word or PDF if that is the desired method.
Maybe too late for some, but right on time for others. I would extend any help writing it. I can do HTML or just cut and paste to word or PDF if that is the desired method.
#23
RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Thanks for the offer Aslalon, But we already have a large number of people working on the project, I'm just doing the "Words to document" part.
But we ARE getting a little off track fellas, We already have a good idea of what we are going to tell the beginners. What I need now are actual tails of woe over mistakes made.
People who THOUGHT that this would be easy, and quickly found out that it was not. That sort of thing. Thanks
But we ARE getting a little off track fellas, We already have a good idea of what we are going to tell the beginners. What I need now are actual tails of woe over mistakes made.
People who THOUGHT that this would be easy, and quickly found out that it was not. That sort of thing. Thanks
#24
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
How to Succeed in RC Flying
The Goal:
To learn how to fly RC in a reasonable amount of time and with the least pain.
The Guiding Principle:
EVERY DECISION AND ACTION YOU TAKE SHOULD AIM AT
INCREASING THE PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS.
1. Go with the mainstream practices recommended for students.
2. Keep it simple.
3. See number 2.
Here are a few examples of steps that increase the probablity of success:
Use a trainer with a low wing loading.
Get a buddy box and fly with a qualified instructor.
Practice on a computer flight simulator.
Buy a brand new radio system.
Break-in your engine.
Do your homework; read what the experts have written to guide you.
And now for the actions that will diminish your probability of success:
Get a fast model with a high wing loading
Try to learn to fly on your own.
Use your uncle Harry's 17 year old radio system.
Never run the engine until your first flight.
Follow the principle that "Everything will come to you naturally."
Success is cumulative. The more times that you choose an action likely to be successful
the more likely you will be to achieve the goal of qualifying as an RC pilot. If this seems like
a rather simple idea, it is. But to ignore it is to invite failure.
The Goal:
To learn how to fly RC in a reasonable amount of time and with the least pain.
The Guiding Principle:
EVERY DECISION AND ACTION YOU TAKE SHOULD AIM AT
INCREASING THE PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS.
1. Go with the mainstream practices recommended for students.
2. Keep it simple.
3. See number 2.
Here are a few examples of steps that increase the probablity of success:
Use a trainer with a low wing loading.
Get a buddy box and fly with a qualified instructor.
Practice on a computer flight simulator.
Buy a brand new radio system.
Break-in your engine.
Do your homework; read what the experts have written to guide you.
And now for the actions that will diminish your probability of success:
Get a fast model with a high wing loading
Try to learn to fly on your own.
Use your uncle Harry's 17 year old radio system.
Never run the engine until your first flight.
Follow the principle that "Everything will come to you naturally."
Success is cumulative. The more times that you choose an action likely to be successful
the more likely you will be to achieve the goal of qualifying as an RC pilot. If this seems like
a rather simple idea, it is. But to ignore it is to invite failure.
#25
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RE: It's MY turn to ask for help from the NEWBIES!
Ok Minn I'll bite:
Went to the field and waited for the instructor. And waited and waited .... Finally fired up the 25 size trainer and took off. Made 1 turn came back towards me. Made the second turn. Got lower and lower and slower and slower. Got smart and cut throttle and pulled up elevator. Perfect 1 point landing on all 3 wheels in the weeds on a bank. Retrieved plane, bent back the landing gear. Replaced the broken prop. Loaded plane in my car and went home. Lesson learned. I now like to be on the chord even with a new plane a few times with the club ace on the box.
Mark Shuman
Went to the field and waited for the instructor. And waited and waited .... Finally fired up the 25 size trainer and took off. Made 1 turn came back towards me. Made the second turn. Got lower and lower and slower and slower. Got smart and cut throttle and pulled up elevator. Perfect 1 point landing on all 3 wheels in the weeds on a bank. Retrieved plane, bent back the landing gear. Replaced the broken prop. Loaded plane in my car and went home. Lesson learned. I now like to be on the chord even with a new plane a few times with the club ace on the box.
Mark Shuman