Well I learned to fly planes and soloed on my trainer's 6th flight and then got really into quickie 500's (not so much racing; just putting .60 sized engins on .40 sized planes [>:]) and did this for about 5 yrs. Well it's been 6 since I've flown any sort of R/C airplane. I'm getting back into the hobby and am pretty much starting from scratch as far as all my equip goes. I purchased thunder tiger trainer 2000 to get me started again. Anyways, I think that I could just get out there and fly (maybe not as well as I used to; but at least get the plane back in one piece). Was wondering if anyone else was in a similar situation as far as leaving the hobby and then coming back and what your experience was as far as how easy was it to get back into swing of things? Thanks.

How 'bout a simulator? That would help.

If it were me, I'd want an experienced flyer by my side for the first flight or two. A little coaching goes a long way toward easing the nervousness.

Phil

Just choose a very calm wind day and gofferit.
Like said, have an experienced pilot beside you. Don't try to land on the first pass; practice approaches several times, getting lower and in line with each pass. Then when you feel comfortable, go ahead and let it settle in.
I was in your position several years ago and bought a HobbiStar 60 to get the feel back.

i didn't fly for almost two years..
yeap someone standing next to you for a couple of flights until
you get the hang of it again. or even land and take off you ya

Hi,

I left the hobby over 30 years ago and came back last December. The thing that helped me most to get my orientation, landings and "thumbs" back with out having to pay for costly "mistakes" was the flight simulator software. Of course, nothing beats the real thing with an instructor, but this is the next best thing and you can do it when it is convenient for you and on days you can't fly.

I would suggest you may want to contact someone locally, then give the simulator a try first - I think you will be surprised at how well it works and it will get you up to speed very quickly. If you do buy one, make sure it has a cord to plug your own transmitter into the simulator such as the RealFlight G2.

Hope this helps.

Let us know how you make out.

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller

If you have a club nearby, and someone is there to help, accept it. If not, since you've flown before, and you're using a trainer, you really shouldn't have any problem.

It's like riding a bike... I don't mean that to sound like it will be easy... You don't "Forget" how to fly, but you DO get rusty!

So don't get cocky. Just take it easy and get your chops back in shape.

If possible a few buddy box flights till you get your sea legs back is a good idea. Once you stop shakin you can fly by yourself. Good luck and welcome back.

Mark Shuman

I agree with Mike. If there's a club close by and an instructor or someone that has decent flying skills, ask for omeone to stand by. If not, give it a go, chances are you'll do okay.
Dennis-

Have to agree. You can probably do it, but what does it hurt to have someone help you and make sure! If you are fine on the first flight, unplug and play, if not, you saved your plane. Chances are high you will be fine, but theres always that brain fart that causes you to pancake it into the ground. Why risk it if you don't have to?

A former flyer asked for buddy box assistance, when he was returning to the hobby after a lapse of a few years. I had the cord and a transmitter to match his, so I helped him out.

I took it off and trimmed it, and never released the switch after that. He flew it around conservatively, made a few low passes, and landed it. After refueling, he took it off and flew it, then landed, I never let go of the switch. Next flight, he used his own transmitter, and I stood there, but could have just as well been sipping a soda in the bleachers. He was fine.

Chances are, you'll be fine.
Best wishes,
Dave Olson

If you have to ask, you probably do. We all could use a second opinion from time to time.

If you can fly an overpowered plane like a quicky 500 without problems I would say you can FLY. Even after six years, flying a trainer in calm weather shouldn't be a problem. Just take it easy at first; your reflexes might be reaaaally slow.
Don't worry about it too much

I just got back into the hobby after 12 years and I went to a few fun flys and met a few friends I knew years ago, infact, I was the one that taught them how to fly since I was one of the clubs instructors. They let me fly there planes for a while and I got to tell you, it was like I had never left the hobby. I have a U-CAN-DO .46 with a Super Tigre .51 on the business end and plane on heading out next Saturday for the first flight. I plane on doing this by myself and doing what I use to have other newbies do, stand at the end of the runway in the middle and let it take off right in front of you down the runway. I flew .60 to .90 size planes never had a fear of flying like a lot of people do. What ever you do, try not to be nervous and have fun. Thats why we are in the hobby in the first place.

Unless you would have to pay for an instructor, what would it hurt to have one? Even if it is just pass the box, that would be preferable. It is like insurance. You may not need it, but you will not know for sure until after takeoff. I think it would be easier to get back in the swing of things if someone looked your plane over, took off and trimmed it out for you.