I got bitten by this bug big time about a month ago, and registered here shortly thereafter.
Thanks to the advice, tips and deals here, I have a radio, plane and engine enroute that I am confident I can build and learn to fly; I know where my local club is and have been there and met people who are friendly and helpful; I am a new AMA member; I have downloaded a free simulator and have dozens of hours in already!
You guys rock! Thanks to all who contribute!

Welcome Taildraggin, it's a great past time is'nt it? A little expensive but very enjoyable. Good luck on your maiden flight and be prepared to be hooked for life.

I found once you get the equipment its really not that expensive of a hobby and you meet lots of great people!

The more you fly, the more you buy.

Please don't let me wife hear you say that! I sold her on the idea of me getting into this hobby by telling her that the plane was only $100. Well, as of this momment, I have yet to fly the plane (hoping to do that tomorrow or Saturday) and I have spent close to $1000 on the radio, engine, glues, foam rubber, props, wheels, field kit, fuel, MonoKote, iron, AMA mebership, and etc.

The only thing that is saving me now is that I kep telling her that with the exception of the plane and fuel, everything I bought this time will work in future planes. But if she hear you say, "The more you fly, the more you buy," I might as well file for divorce!!!

Oh boy . It's addictive.

You can reduce the costs some by building SPADs, you can build the airframe for $10-$15. Yes, ten to 15 dollars.

However, be warned that many SPADders wind up spending more money in the end because it's so fast and cheap and easy to build new airframes that they wind up with piles of them, and not enough engines and flightpacks to go around.

SPAD website:
www.spadtothebone.com

When you take into consideration clubs, balls, lessons, club memberships, greens fees, etc., there's no doubt about it.

This argument works well in my house.

At my field, on any warm evening, you'll see a handfull of guys sitting around BSing, and taking turns flying 1 or 2 airplanes.

When you ask them if their wives mind them being at the field almost every evening, the answer is almost always "well, she prefers this to sitting in a bar somewhere, and at least she knows I'll be home shortly after dark." No fluzzies at most flying fields either

There are, in fact, many worse things you could be doing instead of spending a few bucks and evenings standing in a field watching a little airplane go around in circles , she just needs a reminder

(Oh, I hope my wife doesn't read that one )

I fly AND play Golf.

My bank account is doomed!

You must be single (unless your wife/gf golfs or flys too)

waagbuck....good point..I've used that one often.....I also have my wife convinced that a plane, flight pack, and engine all can be had for "about a hundred dollars..." he he he.......boy I hope she doesn't find this website.......

Mike

You can download a free simulator? Where?!! I really dont want to pay $200!!!!!

Simulator is at www.comeparkfly.com

My Signature says it all.