Well, after lurking around the boards for some time, I felt that I should post here and share my accomplishment since I owe it to the great information you guys and gals have posted here. This weekend I finally attained R/C flight! Well, perhaps a little back story is in order.

Growing up, my father flew R/C planes overseas for the military. I guess that's where I became interested in planes, and just about anything else that flew. he always had intentions of teaching me, but as life is, he passed away before he had the time to pass on his knowledge. After that, I grew up playing with paper airplanes, rubber band airplanes, and later computer sims. Then in High school, a family friend took me to a flight instructor and paid for my first introductory flight! Boy, was that the greatest experience of my life. Not only that, but it jump-started my interest in flight once again. I pulled out my dad's old equipment, and slowly assembled a plane and began researching what information I could find. I read and practiced how to start the engine, I spent several hours breaking in an engine, and even learned first-hand that a prop is dangerous if you aren't paying attention (that's another story). Well between high school and college, I attempted to try flying the plane probably a half dozen times. I figured, I had played computer sims, and was pretty well at controlling R/C cars, flying a plane shouldn't be too much harder. Each time however, I accomplished nothing, although now I am grateful that I never got into the air. One time the wind was too bad. Another time I couldn't get the engine to fire. On more than one occasion, I chickened out. It seemed as if I would never learn to fly.

This brings my story of my attempts at flight up to about a month ago. While checking out a new hobby shop in my area, my loving girlfriend noticed that I was looking at the R/C planes (again), and said that perhaps what I needed was a smaller plane that I wouldn't be afraid to crash because of sentimental reasons. So I began to do some research on electric parkflyers and other relatively docile planes. My girlfriend liked the Hobbico Ventura we saw at the hobby shop, and said that she had seen me looking at it online. A few weeks later a largish package appeared at my door from the friendly UPS man. An early Valentines present! Isn't she great!

But it got delivered when we were expecting bad weather. No problem, I could charge that battery up quick and perhaps try the thing out before the snow began. I quickly threw the plane together while waiting for the battery to finish. As all of you know, rushing is a no-no, but I was like a kid at Christmas! Well, I got out to the field I had chosen just as the snow began. Combined with the 20 degree weather, gusts of wind, and lack of preparation, I should have gone home, but I couldn't, or should I say wouldn't.

I've read on here that the average first flight is about 6 seconds. Mine was 5 at best. Up she went, down she went. I tried 3 or four times, the longest of which went about 30 feet. Tired of playing in the cold, I packed up and sadly went home. What had gone wrong. I'd seen the video Greg Covey had posted, launching looked so easy, as did the flight. Luckily I had no damage other than a bruised ego and a small crack on the rudder where the servo horn connects.

Well, I came home and started reading what information I could find on RCU. I read that cracks on foam planes could be fixed with packing tape. Check. I read about adjusting my center of gravity. Boy was my plane way off! Another check off the list. I also ready that it is best to take off into the wind, not with it. Another thing to remember next time. Two more weeks passed, and this Saturday, I felt ready to try again.

I'll spare all the details, but give some of the highlights. Well I ripped the wing on the leading edge at the root. That was taped back. I ripped the wing on the trailing edge, at the same location as the previous tear. Again, more tape. I learned not to fly past the sun, losing sight of a plane when you are learning leads to bad things, especially when you see it again and it is upside-down, heading right to the ground. Avoid trees, standing or fallen. Avoid creeks, I made a nice plunge after one of the previously mentioned trees grabbed my plane. After several bad attempts to fly, I finally got the thing to stay in the sky. The feeling of accomplishment was awesome. Since then I have made 6 more flights, all educational in their own way.

After this experience, I am truly happy that I never got to try flying my dad's planes. I'm sure that a 60 sized plane would have resulted in either damage to someone else, myself, or the destruction of the plane at the least. Now I understand why everyone here says to find an instructor when learning to fly. I know that when I feel ready to move on to a bigger plane, I will most definitely get help next time. But at the same time, I feel proud knowing that I was able to learn the basics on my own, even though it may be on a back-yard flyer.

In the end, I guess I am still excited about the whole flying scene again, and have probably written way more than I should have! I look forward to this great learning experience, and thank all of the members of RCU for the great information I have found here.

I have a feeling that my wallet will not be as thankful though!

Sorry I forgot to put this in my first post, but here is my plane as she was when I first got it. It now sports some packing tape on the rudder, elevator, and wings. Flies great though!

WOW your girlfriend told you to get a plane [X(] I only have one bit of advice MARRY HER AND DON'T LET HER GET AWAY. my wife is supportive of my addiction but there are times I talk too much about flying but i have to admit she is usually the one that chases me out of the house to go fly.
welcome to the addiction btw there is no cure

Wow! Great story!

I am a self-taught pilot from when I was about 13, 1983 I guess-- (My Dad was learning with me--) since then I have flown Patter, Pylon, big aerobatic, and ducted fan jets.... Just can't get enough!

While I now recommend for new folks to get an instructor and join the AMA, I am proud that my dad and I learned together, flew and crashed together!

The airplane you have pictured while probably a 3 channel is NOT the easiest airplane to solo- to bravo to you for that!

What airplane are you gonna get next? That is half the fun--- your hooked

Keep us posted!
james
P.S. Marry that woman!

Don't marry her! It's been my experience that as soon as t=you marry your girlfriend, she turns into a WIFE!

But keep her around, she sounds like a good one

Anyhoo, great story, keep up the good work, and find your local club. Once the weather is nice, go visit them. They will have you flying that 60 size plane in no time.

Find your local club here:

http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmain.asp

but it sounds like she would be one of the few wives that will let him buy planes. maybe i am forgetting that once married all that changes

No, he should marry her. Every once in a while you do find a good one.

My wife has bought me the following:

OS 46 FX engine
Saito 72 engine
PacificAero Gee Bee Y AND an OS 1.60 FX to put in it.
Several gift certificates ranging from $50 - $100 at my LHS
Subscriptions to Fly RC and MAN

No, I don't want to get rid of her and her sister is already married[&o]

My wife lets me spend anything I want on planes, and she has bought many airplane-related items

She's still a wife

LOL

Great thread Pederacer! Also good to hear that you've managed to keep that plane in the air.

I agree with Mike, find that local club and get out there as soon as the weather improves. They'll help you progress to the next level.
Dennis-

congrats man, I wish i would have started on electric but maybe it will save me money in the long run. ( i havent flown yet)

Thanks for all the kind words guys! I have looked into my local flying club, and see that it is only about 40 minutes from where I am now. I don't know if I'll join yet, finances are tight between my hobbies and school. I might still go by anyway just to see some people and get some information.

I know that I'm lucky to have such a supportive gal, before planes, she was involved with R/C cars with me. From cars to trucks, she's tried everything I'v gotten, and even kept a few Now with my new addiction, she says she doesn't want to try...yet! She says once I get settled with things, perhaps I can start showing her.