Well...I've been lurking mostly for the past few months...and have learned a considerable amount from you guys. I made my first venture to an AMA field today and thought I would share my experience.

About two weeks ago..I got my AMA card in the mail. Thanks to all who recommend getting the membership, otherwise I would not have known to do so, nor would I have found the local AMA certified club in may area.

I got to the field at about 10:00 this morning, and there was only one guy there. The weather was a bit on the gloomy side, with some gusty wind and what looked to be immanent thunder storms. I was a bit disappointed that I would not be able to fly...yet again due to weather. However the sky's quickly cleared and it became a beautiful day with slight 5-10 mph winds and a comfortable 73 degrees.

I asked the first person I met if they had any sort of training program for new pilots. He said "not really but we can help you out if you need it". Soon after a whole group of guys showed up and began engaging me in conversation. I told them I had flown my Nexstar only 2 ttimes, on my own at a park near my house. They showed me the procedures for getting my frequency pin, and helped me prep my Nexstar. One of the guys walked up the flight line with me and said..."you ready?" Well...I have to say I was pretty nervous. I've heard most of you talk about using a buddy cord and such...but all I had was my own transmitter and one of the guys at the field sort of talking me through the procedures. The field is wide open and allows for a lot of room to maneuver.

I looked at the windsock...steered my Nexstar into the wind and hit the throttle. That baby gracefully eased off of the ground and my "instructor" says "nice take off" I spend the next 10 minutes or so doing laps around the field as my instructor gives some general encouragement. I decided it was time to bring the old gal home...so I prepare for a landing. I made a huge loop around the field and dropped the throttle way down. I used the rudder to line her up and bring her down for an extremely graceful landing...not even a bounce! My instructor looks at me and says..."that was one of the best flights I've ever seen a new guy make....you're going to be fine" The rest of the group of about 8-10 guys stood up and clapped for me. I have to tell you I was on cloud nine!

I made two more flights and practiced some turns and a few loops...each time a different guy would stand next to me and talk me through maneuvers. I was able to land each time with reasonable confidence and had no mishaps whatsoever. I know it is inevitable that I will crash at some point in time..but not this day my friends.

I couldn't believe how quickly time passed. Before I knew it the day had come to an end...and I had a whole new group of friends. Thanks to all of you for your words of wisdom and advice. Can't wait to get back in the air again.

Joe

Joe,,

As is said allot here, WAY to go

It really does sound like you had a blast and the day ended well. Time really does "fly" by at the field. I've been known to get to mine at 9:00am and when I think it's time for lunch I'll look at a clock and it's usually 3 or 4 pm [X(]

Then I look at my fuel jug or gas can (depending on what I am flying that day) and realize just how much flying I did.

BTW, I'll bet you are addicted now...I suggest you get another credit card with a nice big limit, drive to your LHS and hand it to them and tell them to keep it for those times you walk in to buy something small and go home with all the other items that were just to cool to pass up. like new planes, engines servos, radios, etc...

Congrats and welcome to the hobby/additcion [sm=thumbup.gif]

I bet you still have that silly grin on your face, don't you??!!! Great job.

Welcome to the addiction.

Joe,

Nothing quite like that first flight feeling (not to mention that perfect landing)

And, that feeling keeps coming back. Sure there will be times when you feel like your flying is not quite as good as the last time, but there's always that perfect landing, roll, loop or hammer head turn etc. that keeps giving you that feeling. Not to mention, you never run out of new challenges.

Have fun, and keep flyin.

-tychoc

Taking mental note....must get new credit card with huge limit....I like this idea a lot!

I must confess...I've already purchased my second plane...it is a used Lanier Mariner with a Saito .72. (I'm surrounded by large lakes where I live...I can be at a lake in about 4 minutes from house...whereas it takes about 40 to get to the local flying field.) I probably won't fly the Mariner until the local float fly at the end of this month.

By the way if you guys want to check out the club I'm joining here is the link.

http://www.homestead.com/prosites-ai...eewebsite.html

Congrats. The first landing feels so cool. I loved it. You seem pretty good. My first flyight i went inverted on many turns and my instructor probably saved me about 8 planes at least.

Joe, good job man!!! Its great when you first join a club and about a billion members help ya out. BTW, I fly with the Hubbard Wingsnappers which is about an hours drive from you going east on 76. There is also a club in Columbiana Ohio that has a "lake" flyin thats pretty cool. Anyways, keep your Nexstar for those particular days when you wanna just lazy it around the field.
I feel its one of the nicest looking trainers out.

Dave...

Congrats Joe! It's always good to hear about success stories, and to hear of another club that embodies the true spirit of RC flying.

Our club is like that, and it's a great feeling going there.
Dennis-