About 15 years ago I built a trainer and a couple other airplanes but I never did learn how to fly and finally sold all my rc stuff. Well a couple of months ago a new hobby store opened in town so I stopped in to look around, now I`ve got the rc bug bad. I purchased Realflight G2 and have been practicing every day for about a month. Last week I ordered a ARF trainer and a radio. My question is what are my chances of being able to fly the trainer after practicing on Realflight, slim to none or what.

Mudman, Without writing a book, Ill tell you you need to get help with an instructor.
Good news is, youll learn quickly and likely be off the cord in no time at all.
Instructors will pick up where the sim left off, balance, cg, correct connecting rod attatchment and setup ect ect ect. Plus youll likely enjoy some engine tuning asistance.

I think most will agree, the instructor is the way to go. I think I would have gone through about 2 or 3 planes just learning to take off.
No telling what it would have took for me to learn to land on my own.
I may have never learned because I would have run out of money and had to quit.

Flying looks easy when you are watching, and to be honest its not hard once you learn.
The simulator is good experience but I never looked at it as a way to learn how to fly. I think it can enhance your skills once you get out to the field and learn. I would also agree that it can help speed up the process but no way can it be the only thing teaching a person to fly in my opinion.
Instructor!

Dbow

G2 has helped me alot. But there is so much more than just how to work the sticks, sooooooooooo much more! Get help. It will save you money and help retain your interest.

Remember, it only takes one little mistake to turn your beautiful trainer into a pile of broken wood. Get an instructor.

Mudman,

Here's a copy of my reply to a similar post

1. Start out with a high-winged trainer...you can get all the info you'll need by searching the threads in this forum and the ARF forum.
2. Get hooked up with a good instructor and a buddy box. They'll help you avoid a lot of stuff you don't want to happen and will probably be a tremendous source of information to you. Also, try out your local club, you'll probably find a bunch of the best folks you'll ever run into there.
3. Get a copy of the Real Flight G2 simulator. That way you get to crash your airplanes on the computer where they don't cost you anything to replace. I'm also a "full-scale" pilot and the G2 got me to the point where I solo'd on my third flight. Can't say enough good about it.

No such thing as a stupid question...

Hope this helps.....good luck with the flying...

Rick
Albuquerque R/C Club

NONE.... I have taught many folks to fly. It is like learning to ride a bike the first time. (you have to rewire your brain) You got to have someone to hold you up until you get the hang of it. It takes many weekends for the average joe. I taught a navy F4 fighter jock to solo in two weekends.
The best trainer is the Goldberg Eagle (40) or Eaglet (20) or the Sig trainer. They are very rugged and stable. ARFs are usually Lead Sleds which makes them too fast for beginners. Most ARFs have serious balance problems. Another good cheap plane is the Balsa USA Stick 40. Get the one with ailerons and convert it to a tri gear. Ugly plane but a fantastic rugged trainer.

Mudman,the only stupid question is the one not asked.
Heres a general rule that applies to almost everything.
If you feel that you have to ask or feel uneasy then that your brain telling you something.
Go with some instruction

Whirley Bird is right, there is no stupid questions. G2 will definetly give you a head start, as did with me, but you will still need an instructor. Ask your LHS for local fields in your area, or check out the AMA's website for club listings.

Thanks guys, I think I`ll get some help.

.
Good I'dea,
You just may find yourself flying big circles and doing some slow landings by the end of the day.
Some times even the big trainers require some minor attention and like anything else things start to become second nature.
Soon you'll be flying those 200 MPH planes and crashing them JUST KIDDING but when them planes go in they do put on a nice show.
Just don't ask me how I found out

I flew for a couple of months on G2 but I can tell you that it's NOT plug and play. You will need help from an instructor. Don't crash that new plane. That would be a shame.

I started out with Realflight and i can personally say,it definately makes a difference..I would suggest finding a instructor...The sim jus gives you the main idea of how flying works...Definately find an instructor...+u will learn quicker because of G2

NAAAAA, you guys are way to worried!

I taught my self to fly, so can you. So there's a cost to it (I crashed a 40 size cessna and a trainer, then I got a powered glider, finaly got one airborne!!!!)

The good news was the powered glider moved so slow that when I crashed it (over and over and over) it didn't break into too many pieces!

Well, maybee a budy box would have been easier, but think of the stories I can tell my grand kids! (while they are learning to fly from me!)

Gordon

.
No!!! Not the Grand Kids
Let them get the right instructor.
I guess you had a good supply of glue huh? hehehehehehehe.
I think your just joking but theres nothing like coming back home with an uncrashed plane

well,u picked what you wanted to do....learn yourself...But..from my guess...i dont think MudMan wants to crash...i know i wouldnt ..i would want to learn to fly and not go home evry week with my plane in pieces...

.RC_Boy_
When ya going to fix the bugs in your web page so we can see what ya got there?

it is wworking now...check it out

Actually, no joke at all. But that was 15 years ago and I'm WAY more mature now! (Don't tell my wife that though, she thinks building PBF's while I have thousands of dollars worth of planes is VERY immature!)

I don't really remember how I happened onto this thread or why I decided to put my $0.02 but I thought the cynical attitude would show though without explanation, was I wrong? I wasted tons of money I didn't have then, didn't even know there were buddy cords, and the other fliers in Marin Couty, CA treated me with distain when I visited the local club.

Of course, get an instructor, or spend your money on RC cars and Boats, NO JOKE! The thought of crashing shouldn't bother you as much as the HUGE danger you would pose, and remember, the AMA wouldn't cover you since you would be violating one of the saftey codes. There, serious enough?

.I just tried it and the first time my machine locks up.
The second and third time I received the massage as I did before.
The first time I did see the nice dark blue and links and was going to submit a picture but it locked up at 15% loading