Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
09-15-2004 | 10:23 AM
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From: Calumet,
MI
Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Hi all,
I have been involved in this hobby for a little over a year and it goes without saying that IT'S A TOTAL RUSH!! I started flying with a Firebird Commander and seven batteries and quickly moved to a Zagi XS with nine batteries and two chargers and the use of a friend's three more batteries. The Zagi XS has seen hundreds upon hundreds of flights and I had to purchase a backup XS. I then moved to glow fuel with a Hobbico Sturdy Birdy that I bought used and added ailerons. Seven gallons of fuel later.....I progressed to a glow-converted Super Impress. Then a Hanger 9 Funtana 40........then a SPA3DT. I've flown this 3D trainer and have loved every minute. Hovering inches off the ground, harriers, torque rolls it's amazing balancing this plane on a column of air. This was all done without the help of an instructor and every plane is still flying. I have to admit that Great Planes Real Flight has helped immensely, and I want to encourage everyone that is contemplating flying to get help if help is available, but if one isn't .........get out there and give a try......remembering that safety is first and foremost! Have a great day!
XS
I have been involved in this hobby for a little over a year and it goes without saying that IT'S A TOTAL RUSH!! I started flying with a Firebird Commander and seven batteries and quickly moved to a Zagi XS with nine batteries and two chargers and the use of a friend's three more batteries. The Zagi XS has seen hundreds upon hundreds of flights and I had to purchase a backup XS. I then moved to glow fuel with a Hobbico Sturdy Birdy that I bought used and added ailerons. Seven gallons of fuel later.....I progressed to a glow-converted Super Impress. Then a Hanger 9 Funtana 40........then a SPA3DT. I've flown this 3D trainer and have loved every minute. Hovering inches off the ground, harriers, torque rolls it's amazing balancing this plane on a column of air. This was all done without the help of an instructor and every plane is still flying. I have to admit that Great Planes Real Flight has helped immensely, and I want to encourage everyone that is contemplating flying to get help if help is available, but if one isn't .........get out there and give a try......remembering that safety is first and foremost! Have a great day!
XS
09-15-2004 | 11:50 AM
#2
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RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
My hat's off to you if, in the space of ONE year, you:
1) Learned to fly by yourself, and
2) Flew a Sturdy Birdy at all, and
3) Managed to run SEVEN gallons of fuel through that Sturdy Birdy. Mine's a .25, but even if you put a .46 on yours, it seems like 7 gallons (in Michigan, yet!) would require a full-time effort! The most I ever used in a year was about 6 gallons, and that's with larger engines. And no time spent on no-fueler planes!
Are you retired?
And if you think that Sturdy Birdy's a rush, and the Funtana, and the SPAD, wait 'till you get an Extra!
Best wishes,
Dave Olson
1) Learned to fly by yourself, and
2) Flew a Sturdy Birdy at all, and
3) Managed to run SEVEN gallons of fuel through that Sturdy Birdy. Mine's a .25, but even if you put a .46 on yours, it seems like 7 gallons (in Michigan, yet!) would require a full-time effort! The most I ever used in a year was about 6 gallons, and that's with larger engines. And no time spent on no-fueler planes!
Are you retired?
And if you think that Sturdy Birdy's a rush, and the Funtana, and the SPAD, wait 'till you get an Extra!
Best wishes,
Dave Olson
ORIGINAL: XSDEVOTEE
Hi all,
I have been involved in this hobby for a little over a year and it goes without saying that IT'S A TOTAL RUSH!! I started flying with a Firebird Commander and seven batteries and quickly moved to a Zagi XS with nine batteries and two chargers and the use of a friend's three more batteries. The Zagi XS has seen hundreds upon hundreds of flights and I had to purchase a backup XS. I then moved to glow fuel with a Hobbico Sturdy Birdy that I bought used and added ailerons. Seven gallons of fuel later.....I progressed to a glow-converted Super Impress. Then a Hanger 9 Funtana 40........then a SPA3DT. I've flown this 3D trainer and have loved every minute. Hovering inches off the ground, harriers, torque rolls it's amazing balancing this plane on a column of air. This was all done without the help of an instructor and every plane is still flying. I have to admit that Great Planes Real Flight has helped immensely, and I want to encourage everyone that is contemplating flying to get help if help is available, but if one isn't .........get out there and give a try......remembering that safety is first and foremost! Have a great day!
XS
Hi all,
I have been involved in this hobby for a little over a year and it goes without saying that IT'S A TOTAL RUSH!! I started flying with a Firebird Commander and seven batteries and quickly moved to a Zagi XS with nine batteries and two chargers and the use of a friend's three more batteries. The Zagi XS has seen hundreds upon hundreds of flights and I had to purchase a backup XS. I then moved to glow fuel with a Hobbico Sturdy Birdy that I bought used and added ailerons. Seven gallons of fuel later.....I progressed to a glow-converted Super Impress. Then a Hanger 9 Funtana 40........then a SPA3DT. I've flown this 3D trainer and have loved every minute. Hovering inches off the ground, harriers, torque rolls it's amazing balancing this plane on a column of air. This was all done without the help of an instructor and every plane is still flying. I have to admit that Great Planes Real Flight has helped immensely, and I want to encourage everyone that is contemplating flying to get help if help is available, but if one isn't .........get out there and give a try......remembering that safety is first and foremost! Have a great day!
XS
09-15-2004 | 02:19 PM
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From: Union City,
CA
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
If you think I'm trolling when I think outside the box and don't act like a comformist like 99% of this forum than it's cool with me. I am sorry though if I think for myself and come up with ideas that don't fit into your happy little mold and it upsets you.
09-15-2004 | 02:39 PM
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From: Union City,
CA
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Crashem, I swear I really really tryied to resist, but I just couldn't do it.
To everybody, If you prove my radical ideas wrong (they often are) then it only makes the accepted and standard ideas stonger... but please beat me with logic, facts, proof or things like that. I will laugh at you if you if you say something like "I don't know why or the answer but this is how we've always done it so therefor it's correct."
Edit: OK maybe 99% above was a bit off. Let say somewhere between 0% and 100%. I have must respect for a lot of people here and don't want to try and take that away. Everybody can decide for themself what side they fall. People might not like me because of my ideas but I don't want it to be because I'm a jerk and make things personal here so I'll admit I was wrong on this point (the 99%).
To everybody, If you prove my radical ideas wrong (they often are) then it only makes the accepted and standard ideas stonger... but please beat me with logic, facts, proof or things like that. I will laugh at you if you if you say something like "I don't know why or the answer but this is how we've always done it so therefor it's correct."
Edit: OK maybe 99% above was a bit off. Let say somewhere between 0% and 100%. I have must respect for a lot of people here and don't want to try and take that away. Everybody can decide for themself what side they fall. People might not like me because of my ideas but I don't want it to be because I'm a jerk and make things personal here so I'll admit I was wrong on this point (the 99%).
09-15-2004 | 03:35 PM
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From: Formosa, ARGENTINA
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
ORIGINAL: MikeMc
If the average person can't teach theirself to fly without a sim in one month or less then there's something wrong.
If the average person can't teach theirself to fly without a sim in one month or less then there's something wrong.
The comment I made was not a personal attack, but you well know that at RCU comments like the one you made generally turn into discussions like the one we are having.
By the way we are not talking about the Protestant Reformation and coming along with "revolutionary" ideas and not being a conformist. Pete's sake its RC!!!
09-15-2004 | 03:52 PM
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From: Union City,
CA
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Ah, very good points there and nice calm reasoning. Me like.
I'm very excited to elaborate a little more. Just want to point out the difference we all know. "can't" and "don't" are slightly different. I'm sure you or almost anybody here can learn to fly by themself without a sim in that time. The problem is some people (not for me to say who) make it such a huge deal about learning to fly that new people will be complacent because they are not expected to even try to learn in one month. "I've been told I must use a sim, instructor and take 3 months so that's where I'll set my goals."
We (RCU) have been over this many times before. I hope it stays civil but I won't set my expectations too high.
Edit: grrr typos.
I'm very excited to elaborate a little more. Just want to point out the difference we all know. "can't" and "don't" are slightly different. I'm sure you or almost anybody here can learn to fly by themself without a sim in that time. The problem is some people (not for me to say who) make it such a huge deal about learning to fly that new people will be complacent because they are not expected to even try to learn in one month. "I've been told I must use a sim, instructor and take 3 months so that's where I'll set my goals."
We (RCU) have been over this many times before. I hope it stays civil but I won't set my expectations too high.
Edit: grrr typos.
09-15-2004 | 04:57 PM
#14
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
It all depends on what your learning to fly with- A hobbico parkpilot and other electric models such as they are- are very easy to fly. My mother could fly one with about five minutes instruction. SUPER EASY to handle.
It takes much longer to do the same with a glow plane. As a trainer I want to see people succeed in the hobby. I don't want to watch a youngster crash, or risk crashing a plane that he/she purchased with lawn mowing money! Put them on the path with the greatest success rate-
Mike- What would you tell someone who shows up at the field with a plane and a will to fly- "Go for it little guy, think outside the box you can do it" Would you not offer to help? Would you let them risk the plane knowing that it took them a year to save up for it? If you offer advice and it's flatly turned down and a person absolutely does not want help then fine. You as a experienced modeler have done your part.
Thinking outside the box means that you would come up with a new revolutionary way to train pilots that has a higher success rate than the current best method. Not put someone on the path of possible failure using the worst teaching method possible (standing back and waiting for a crash)
It takes much longer to do the same with a glow plane. As a trainer I want to see people succeed in the hobby. I don't want to watch a youngster crash, or risk crashing a plane that he/she purchased with lawn mowing money! Put them on the path with the greatest success rate-
Mike- What would you tell someone who shows up at the field with a plane and a will to fly- "Go for it little guy, think outside the box you can do it" Would you not offer to help? Would you let them risk the plane knowing that it took them a year to save up for it? If you offer advice and it's flatly turned down and a person absolutely does not want help then fine. You as a experienced modeler have done your part.
Thinking outside the box means that you would come up with a new revolutionary way to train pilots that has a higher success rate than the current best method. Not put someone on the path of possible failure using the worst teaching method possible (standing back and waiting for a crash)
09-15-2004 | 04:59 PM
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RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Sponge Mike- +++
(I'm self taught all the way, easier, faster, higher forced learning curve!)
Good to see ya' bud!
(I'm self taught all the way, easier, faster, higher forced learning curve!)
Good to see ya' bud!
09-15-2004 | 05:02 PM
#16
Senior Member
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
XSD- Almost forgot!
++! as some would say. Good to hear from a successful self taught man.
It CAN be done, and sometimes, it's the only way.
Remember your first breath guys?
++! as some would say. Good to hear from a successful self taught man.
It CAN be done, and sometimes, it's the only way.
Remember your first breath guys?
09-15-2004 | 06:32 PM
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From: Union City,
CA
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Broken, I'm not saying it's for everybody. Obviously it's not all that simple and depends who the person is, their age, etc... Mainly I just want to expess there are other acceptable ways of getting the job done other than what's shoved down everybody neck here... and on this topic, "shoved down everybody neck" might be an understatement.
If it was an adult that showed up I would offer a tiny bit of help and if they weren't interested I would back off and let them destroy their plane. If they're old enough to vote then their old enough to ask for help or not. Children are a whole different thing I don't care to get into.
And yes a 3-channel park flyer would be a perfect step right before the 40 trainer.
If it was an adult that showed up I would offer a tiny bit of help and if they weren't interested I would back off and let them destroy their plane. If they're old enough to vote then their old enough to ask for help or not. Children are a whole different thing I don't care to get into.
And yes a 3-channel park flyer would be a perfect step right before the 40 trainer.
09-15-2004 | 07:06 PM
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From: Adelaide, AZ, AUSTRALIA
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
I dont live any where near a club or feild. Many hours (and I mean MANY!) was the only option I had to learn!!
Guys, Im only new to this game, but surely there are several ways to skin a cat.....
Guys, Im only new to this game, but surely there are several ways to skin a cat.....
09-15-2004 | 08:38 PM
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From: Calumet,
MI
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Whoa fellas!
I'm not retired, but I am self-employed and I do fly every chance I get. (An hour before work and an hour or more after work......every flyable day) Don't get me wrong....I've crashed my Zagi XS many times.......even had to rebuild it three times. As to fuel useage........it averages a gallon a week and sometimes more. Sure, I've probably neglected my wife and children......but a man has to have his priorities? I had put off my dream of flying long enough and it was about time I spent time and $$$ on myself. Besides, here in northern Michigan we don't have to spend hours in traffic and I have three places to fly at within a five minute drive. Sure, the mosquitos are plastered to the leading edge of any one of my planes, but I figure I'm doing the local population a service. I also plan on taking my planes (outfitted with skis) when I go ice- fishing this winter..........it sure will liven the dead spots between hits. I sure hope more people are inspired to try a thing than to not. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Have a great day!
XS
I'm not retired, but I am self-employed and I do fly every chance I get. (An hour before work and an hour or more after work......every flyable day) Don't get me wrong....I've crashed my Zagi XS many times.......even had to rebuild it three times. As to fuel useage........it averages a gallon a week and sometimes more. Sure, I've probably neglected my wife and children......but a man has to have his priorities? I had put off my dream of flying long enough and it was about time I spent time and $$$ on myself. Besides, here in northern Michigan we don't have to spend hours in traffic and I have three places to fly at within a five minute drive. Sure, the mosquitos are plastered to the leading edge of any one of my planes, but I figure I'm doing the local population a service. I also plan on taking my planes (outfitted with skis) when I go ice- fishing this winter..........it sure will liven the dead spots between hits. I sure hope more people are inspired to try a thing than to not. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Have a great day!
XS
09-15-2004 | 08:55 PM
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From: Calumet,
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RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
I should also add that there wasn't a club locally and the nearest hobby shop is seven hours away. A year later I have joined a foundling club and a hobby shop opened up within a two hour drive. I do not advise that one learns on his/her own, but if no other option exists.....go for it........I regret nothing with regards to my RC experience......nothing! I know that sounds arrogant, but with no one to pat me on the back......that's left up to me. I'm still having fun, I hope you are!
XS
I'm still having fun, I hope you are!XS
09-15-2004 | 09:00 PM
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From: Carrollton, KY
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
I only fly on the weekends, usually only one day a weekend.. But when I go I spend the day. I go through a gallon every two weeks. Think of how much fuel I could go through if I flew 3 times a week!
If I had the time and money I would probably go through 2 -3 gallons a week!
I learned on my own too. It was on a cheap aerobird. When I went to glow I found that the LT - 40 was much much easier to fly than the aerobird. But it was much much more delicate!
To each their own, I would recommend anyone to get help if its available. Thats common sense. But to say someone is destined to fail if they can't or won't get instruction is an opinion, as we have proved, not a fact.
If I had the time and money I would probably go through 2 -3 gallons a week!
I learned on my own too. It was on a cheap aerobird. When I went to glow I found that the LT - 40 was much much easier to fly than the aerobird. But it was much much more delicate!
To each their own, I would recommend anyone to get help if its available. Thats common sense. But to say someone is destined to fail if they can't or won't get instruction is an opinion, as we have proved, not a fact.
09-21-2004 | 07:37 AM
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RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
Sure, the mosquitos are plastered to the leading edge of any one of my planes, but I figure I'm doing the local population a service.
(Just kidd'n!)
Dave Olson
09-21-2004 | 10:13 AM
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From: Ellis,
KS
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
The reason we experienced r/c'ers should step up and tell a newbie that they will need help is because they have never flown before. They have no idea how difficult or easy it is. I have run across many a person who asks, "how hard could it be?" I know that there are many people out there that learned on their own. Kudos to them. The reason we have people teach a skill is because the teacher has experience and proficiency in that skill. He/she can pass that knowledge on to someone. They know the proven techniques and can show the student those techniques. If a person is learning on his/her own, he/she may eventually figure out the techniques, but why reinvent the wheel? Bottom line is: we want more people in this hobby. The more, the better. If everyone were left to fend for him/herself, then where would we be? Most people would crash on the first flight, decide that this was a big waste of money, and end up selling whatever wasn't destroyed on eBay. That's the opposite of what we want, right?
09-21-2004 | 10:42 AM
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From: Weirton,
WV
RE: Craft selection as a self-taught pilot.
sdavied, you're exactly right.....but I don't think that these guys in this thread, or any guy in this hobby would turn their back to somebody asking for help. I think the point is that if you have no other option, it can be possible to teach yourself. It might not be as easy, and it might cost more, and you might need a lot more determination, but it can be done.
