Well, I finally did it! I took my first flights today after about a 17 year layoff. Since I never really got the hang of it 17 years ago, it was almost like starting from scratch. The president of my new club graciously spent a few hours reorienting me. I brought my SPAD Debonair, but he thought we should start out using his PT-40. I'll have to admit, I kept thinking about the threads I had read on RCU about proper etiquette for when a student destroys the instructor's plane.

It was a beautiful day, but we had the field to ourselves. He got me started out flying the pattern. Then he had me take off on my own. Then we shot some approaches and finally, he told me to land it myself. I finished up by taking one flight entirely under my own control (so he claims), including a rather shaky landing. (I can't honestly call it a solo, so I'll wait awhile for the attaboy, Mike) We also flew the Deb some, but the wing coro was coming unglued from the aileron, causing some nasty flutter. He even offered to sell me a used Sig Kadet he had laying around at a bargain price. I think I'll accept.

One piece of advice that you'll see over and over: Get an instructor! The learning curve is there. When I first took the sticks, I was very tentative. I got myself into situations that I couldn't confidently get myself out of and my instructor had to take over. After about a half an hour, however, I felt confident enough that I was able to get myself out of some some problems. If I hadn't had someone on the box those first few times, I would have probably augered the plane in and walked away demoralized. Even though you may not need more than a few sessions, it's worth it to have someone with you when you start. OK, I'll get off my soapbox.

I'd like to extend a hearty thank you to Scott A., who helped me today, and Brian S. (mnrcaerobat), who helped get the Deb airborne. It's people like you who make this a great hobby. I'm looking forward to being able to post further success stories.

-Scott

Since you are posting on the Web, I would assume you have access to a computer somewhat regularly.

A lot has happened in technology in 17 years. Ask your LHS or club about a computer flight simular. I jumped into RC airplane flying for my first time late last summer. After a short introduction with a buddy box with RC flying, I went and got myself an RC flight simular to play around with. After a few instructor flights and combination of the simulator, I did my first solo takeoff/landing by late August/early September of last year.

The simulator isn't a replacement for an instructor but it really will help you with control orientation and allows you try things without risk of losing the plane.

Congrats and welcome back! Sounds like you went about learning the best way- with someone elses plane JK, I mean with an instructor-

Sounds like you are a quick study though... I have never had a student land on his fist day, so attaboy!

Just remember the pre-flight, every flight make it a ritual! Many a beginner (and expert actually-) lands, gets excited, shoots the breeze for awhile, then takes off again without having re-fueled! [X(] (Just an example-)

Welcome back to the greatest hobby on Earth- and heres to 17 more years to ya'!

That is too funny! Y'all crack me up

Ok, Scott, I'll give to an "Unofficial ATTABOY" for now.

Just let us know when you're ready for the real thing

Thanks, Mike. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long, but I don't want to get overconfident and rush things. Course a lot of it depends on our fickle Minnesota spring weather. Sometime we need to have an RCU Minnesota get-together.

-Scott

jagnweiner, (Interesting handle)

Just read your post, and yeah, I hear you there about the nerves. I just got back from a 20 year absence and man was it great.
Didn't have the shaky knees or feeling of wanting to throw up, but I did get the momentary nervous shake of the hand once the controller was in them. Overcame that pretty quick as the plane acted just as I had expected from using the simulator, only I was more careful with the real deal.

Good that you’re back into the hobby, and I am happy to be back as well.

Helix

My handle is an amalgamation of my former career as an Air Force attorney and my now-deceased pet dachshund. I've used it as an e-mail name for quite a few years because I've never got around to coming up with anything better.

I'm hooked for sure!