First I'd like to say "HI" to everyone, this is my first post on this site. I guess I'd call myself pre-new to this hobby as I don't even have a plane yet. Im not new to RC though as I have been running a couple of Nitro RC trucks and cars for a few years now. But I'd love to learn how to fly a remote controlled plane, problem is I know NOTHING about them, I don't know enough about them to even ask an intelligent question, but I can tell you what I'd like. I'd like to learn with a trainner that is nitro powerd, I'd like to get a QUALITY RTF kit with everything needed to start flying, I'd like to get a good flite simulator and get very good on it before I even think of going to the field with a RC plane. Am I on the right track so far, or do I need to "alter" my thinking? Is it possible to learn to fly with just a flite simulator, or is that a perscription for disaster? Is it better to get a GOOD trainner that comes with it's owe flite simulator? Now that ya all know what I'd like, any advice will be greatly appriciated. I remember back in the late 50's I was just a little kid, and my father, bless his soul always wanted to get into RC aircraft flite, he even bought a stick kit but never finished it, he just worked too hard, and too many hours. he passed away Jan 1, 2000, but up until the day he died he always talked about how "wounderfull it must be to fly those RC planes".
Paul

Well, welcome to the addiction. 1st I would look at joining AMA and then you can find a club that has intructors to help you learn. I think flight sims are ok but not the real thing. Don't spend lots of $$ and then try to fly by yourself. Must be some clubs close to you. Take a ride out to one of them and talk with some of the members. You will be amazed at how much they want to help. Good luck.

Join a club with an instructor. I'm over 40, never played video games much, never used a flight simulator and had no problem learning to fly WITH an instructor. Took about 3 weeks to get my wings. You might be able to do it in a week less if you spend months on the simulator.

Welcome,

You came to the right place for information. I'm to new to make any myself but I'm sure you will get plenty.

If you look at the second or third thread on this forum you will see one about getting started with a trainer, take a look at it.

Gary

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm] Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 2-20-2008) [/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

I've been in th hobby going on 13 years now and I recently purchased the RealFlight Simulator from the LHS and it has been an amazing training tool. Of course nothing beats the real thing but using a simulator is a worry free way to help develop the muscle memory needed for basic and advanced manuevers. There is no way I would be at the level I am at now if it wasn't for the sim. I have easily tripled my skill level due to the Simulator. The biggest downside is the cost. My Real Flight G4 cost just under $200 for the whole thing. Kinda pricey but to me it was well worth it.

I came to flying from driving, and I haven't touched my cars since except to put plenty of after run in them! The sim can be helpful to learn your sticks definitely, but I wouldn't waste money on the $300 kind. I was a master of the G4 sim at the LHS, and the transition to actual flight and landing was definitely more than I expected. I would definitely check out RCKen and MinnFlyer's website www.gettingairborne.com it helped me out. I soloed 'bout 5 weeks ago and my instructor says I need to skip the traditional 2nd plane and go to the third plane.

First thing to do is go to your local club and introduce yourself. You'll meet a lot of great people and get to check out what this hobby is all about. Most clubs have a designated instructor(s) and he will be able to help you learn to fly in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of frustration and expense. Check out the sticky at the top of this forum for equipment choices that RCKen has put together. Your instructor can also be helpful in this area. Simulators are usefull but they are not a substitute for a good instructor and a buddy box. Most of all have fun!!
Best of luck and welcome to the disease.

Well I just got back from the local modle airplane field, I tolked to a couple guys and next Thursday Im going to the meeting. The guys out there told me basically the same thing you guys said, and that is a sim is very good, but not a substitute for an instructor. One of the guys out there told me he would teach me and showed me how the buddy-box works, they even told me which hobby shops are good, so I guess all I have to do now is get my plane, starter, fuel pump, and 15% nitro fuel and Im good to go, at least for now. I'll let you guys know how things are progressing, and thanks so much for the warm welcome and all the advice.
Paul

Welcome!!

It sounds like you found a good club. Keep us informed, and feel free to ask any questions. [8D]