Seems like I go backwards between sessions at the flying field, when I can only get there once a week (not at all last week!!!) If I can get enough flights in a session then I make some progress, otherwise it feels like I'm in a holding position.

When getting close to being cut loose from the instructor, did other folks find they needed a good run of 3-5 sessions over a short period to really build up momentum?

BTW, in the US, does the AMA have a test that you take after which you don't need an instructor? Or does every club do its own thing? I'm from the UK - we have the BMFA 'A' certificate over here which pretty much every club recognises as a basic standard of competency.

Most clubs have something, but not all. WE leave it to the instructor in both of my clubs. One thought about testing, but most of the guys that wanted the test couldn't have passed it and they were not going back on a box.

It helps to have more flying at one time when close to solo, but you can always dry fly and practice. Hold the radio, think about the maneuver you want to do and move the sticks to do that maneuver. Least it keeps your fingers doing what they should be doing.

Have fun.

or try a Flight Simulator
Luis

flight simulator is the best answer...

Ditto on the Sim

I was really surprised when I first found out that the AMA does not have any standard proficiency test. As many rules and regulations as we have in this country, it's hard to believe that the AMA provides insurance to it's members, but doesn't know if those members SHOLD be insured.

Kerry

The more flying and the closer together your flying is the faster you will inprove. Is that what you were asking?

I feel your pain... First off are you using a Sim? If not PM me.. For learning it is the bomb.. Literally... Do you have access to a fast charger at the field? If not get at least a Hitec 340 so you can fly more than three times. Do you have enough instructor time for more than that three flights? You'll figure out if you need a charger.. If you are having a hard time get the sim, I spent 40 hours or so on it and solo'd very fast.. Not into bragging but want others to realize how useful it is. I was having problems. Would fly straight away. Put the sim in a climb. Close my eyes for 3 secs or so after pulling the sticks all over the place. Then I'd recover. Good training for those FUBAR'D maneuvers. G'luck!

I hear you... you feel like you're not making any progress. I felt the same way... I was lucky if I got to fly one weekend in 3 or 4... the first couple flights I was trying hard to get back to where I was 3-4 weeks ago... then it all came together!

Hang in there... sims may be the answer or maybe setting up some time with an instructor during the week for a some intensive one-on-one. It'll happen.

I have been on a sim for the last 4 months on and off...

Our club doesnt do "crash corse solo jammin", what they try to do is 3-4 instructional flights per day.

To get your "solo certificate", you have to take off and land 3 times in a row... GOOD takeoffs and landings. Then you take your plane up high, then cut the engine for your deadstick landing.

After that, the sky is yours

Rich,

That sounds like a very good plan.

Vinnie, I had the same problem when I was learning ( actually, you never quit learning in this hobby ). I would sometimes go WEEKS between sessions, what with weather, schedules, etc., etc. Very frustrating. Sometimes I`d fly well, others it was like I was starting over. To boot, I didn`t have a simulator, I`m a little older than the average student ( definitely NOT the video game generation! ) . All this conspired to my taking almost two years to solo! Boy, am I glad I stuck it out, though! Keep at it, it`s worth it in the end.

the problem with a proficiency test, especially at the AMA level, is that you have to make it accessible to every type of plane. What if I want to fly my little 3 channel foamy around with AMA coverage? loops and rolls are out of the question, won't do either with rudder only and not nearly enough power or authority to loop. takeoff consists of a good throw, and landing is sliding in on whatever surface is near. (obviously touch and goes are out also)

Once again, very few AMA claims are due to planes running into stuff. most are 'trip and fall' or someone sticking their hand through the prop.

Great responses; thanks for the encouragement guys! There's nothing like knowing others have been there too.

I haven't got a Sim - guess I got into this hobby to get away from computers - I'm in IT by trade!

I'll keep at it, and I'm dropping some of my other committments over the summer so may have more time then

The BMFA 'A' is fairly straightforward, and consists of (roughly!)...

Take-off,
fly a circuit,
fly a horizontal figure 8 circuit,
fly circuit in opposite direction,
land,
Take-off again (refuel and restart if necessary)
Fly another circuit,
Do a simulated deadstick landing.

Plus a few basic safety questions. You also have to demonstrate safe pre/post flight procedures too.

Like the others said, it is cycles for me. Sometimes I go to the field and everything just clicks and even as little as a week later I feel like I forgot everything. I have the G2 simulator and use it a lot, especially during the Winter months, just to keep my thumbs in shape. I also try new manuevers on the sim first. It sure is easier than taking the chance of doing something wrong. I have lost 5 planes since last Summer, 2 not my fault, and 3 that were. In each case, I was trying something new when I lost it. My problem is mainly remembering to leave enough space above the ground to recover. I am getting better, but it does come and go if I am not flying on a regular basis.