Well, all, I finally bought a plane. Nexstar off Ebay. I haven't received it yet, though. I am very excited about it, but I am also VERY aprehensive about it as well. I haven't joined up with AMA yet and haven't joined a club or found an instructor... YET. Rest assured the plane won't even come out of the box until I do. I also have to gather up the necessary gear. I'm seriously, SERIOUSLY, considering waiting until '05 to begin actual flying and practicing with the SIM until then and concentrate on becoming familiar with the radio and controls while getting gear and memberships set up. I really have grown to respect you all in here and value your opinions. So, what do you think fellas?

I think the sim will loose its appeal once the weather gets a lot better. The sim will help with "thumb memory", like if the plane is coming towards you and you want to level it, which way do you move the sticks, etc. But it is no replacement for real life flying.

As for collecting the necessary gear, do yourself a favor and buy from your local hobby shop if there is one nearby. Other than a club, the LHS is invaluable for the assistance you can get from them. But they still look out for themselves, so buy some stuff from them and get to know the people there.

If you have more than one club nearby, visit each one to get a feel for the guys in it. There are 2 clubs within 30 mins of my house. One is private, mainly specializing in expensive pattern airplanes. The other one flys at a city park set aside for RC. The guys there fly anything and everything. I have seen SPADs all the way to 30%.

If you could get started this year, you would benefit greatly. We are just coming into the best time of the year. (Flying Season) I know a lot of factors go into the decision, money, time, etc. If you can do it, go for it. It is worh it. For me, I practiced on a sim (G-2) for about 1 month before actually starting my instruction with the actual plane (Avistar). I am not sure how long I could of held out just practicing on the sim anyway. FYI - I started at the exact time of the year you are.

Funny Thing is with an instructor you could be flying as soon as you get the plane assembled

Then you could use the sim to practice things like controling it when its coming towards you.

This isn't new advice its simply the way you learned before Sims were available

Go for it! The sooner the better! As long as you join the AMA and a local club to find an instructor you will be set-

There is no hurry, but once you get airborn you will understand why I say go for it!

Get in the air. The sim are never the same. The nerves will not get you there

Congrats on the new hobby. I flew the sim all winter and am now able to solo with my nexstar. Go out to the field a few times and you'll forget all about waiting a year. It doesn't take long when what you mean by "nice day" means the winds under about 10 mph.

lionheart.. Welcome to R.Cing:-)..
Now... work the sim for the rest of the year then fly you say..
That may be good?????

But if you ask me.... Join AMA...Club... Get an instructor...
What you learn while on the "cord" you can practice with the sim...
I.E... Fly Now:-)

go ahead and get yourself a parkflyer,,GWS pico stick is a good one,,way more fun than a sim can fly it at the schoolyard .....Rog

Hey, go for it! With an Instructor, you won't have any (well, almost ) worries.

Go and enjoy your summer!

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m.as...4&mpage=1&key=

Find help. There are people who will help... you just have to look around.

Thanks to all . I know.... "You gotta get wet to learn to swim.... etc." I don't want to see my (over $400 by the time I add gear) investment turned into cocktail weenie sticks. []. I'll be contacting the local club (Indy RC South if anyone is watching from there). First thing's first... AMA membership. Meanwhile, I'm going to fly the SIM. Practice the pattern and learn to land.