I just wanted to thank everyone for the advise about using an instructor. I found a very helpful gentleman at the field today who was more than willing tio help me out. It's a good thing he was there to help. I couldn't believe how touchy the radio was. He had to save me numerous times. We were able to get two good flights in. After a few minor adjustments to the throws and my Avistar flew like a champ. If anyone attemps this hobby w/out an instructor, they would have to be crazy or made of $. I would have crashed right off the bat. I thought I was hooked just watching people fly, but now it is like an addiction. I can't wait until next weekend. Hopefully things start to dry up around here and we can get out there again. I'll stop babbling now, I just wanted to thank everyone for there input and advice. It was all greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Shane

Shane,
Glad you had a good day! The rain around here really has been a pain though hasn't it?

Did you end up with a club or field around Sturbridge? I remember you asking recently.
Dennis-

Yes I found a club at Hog Heaven. They use a field in Strubridge. They say it gets a little windy up there but I guess that would be a great way to learn. Oh man, that reminds me I have to fill out the online AMA form. This week is looking much better, let's just hope it continues right through the weekend. Where do you fly Dennis?
Shane

CMRCM field in Westborough mainly. Also a club with limited membership in Oxford.

Looks like a couple of decent days, but windy.

Windy days do offer the best training, but I think you need a couple early flights without it first. If you DO handle the first couple times at the sticks in windy weather, you're well on your way! Just make sure your instructor teaches you how to use the rudder.
Dennis-

Will do. He (instructor) said we will work on the rudder down the road. I'm not sure if you posted when I was aking about flight sims, but do you use them, or have a preference to which is the "best"?
Thanks again,
Shane

Men I got my second fly this last Sunday and was great, I even land my plane(a good landing I must say) was awsome the other club members came and congratulate me, the people at my club is so amazing friendly, that is something good about this hobbie there is always someone willing to help you.

I'm glad to see that SOME people actually take our advice and find an instructor. As you have seen, this ISN'T as easy as it looks, but when you do it right (by finding a club and instructor) it is a LOT of fun!

Happy Landings!

I couldnt have possibly done it without one. Much tougher than some of the more experienced pilots make it seem. Im sure there will be many more flights before I solo.
Shane

Shane,
I find RealFlight closest to the real thing. I also have FMS (the free one) and it's okay, especially at that cost!

Rain the next few days I guess.
Dennis-

Real Flight Rocks!!

Listen to Minnflyer, The man has so much knowledge!!(Great graphics to!) Thanks Minnflyer!!

Well I just ordered a new computer so now I know I can use Real Flight. Now the search begins for a used Real Flight. 200.00 is a little high. I think this has to be the most wet spring we've had in a long long time Hopefully one day this weekend will be okay.
Shane

FMS is a freely downloadable simulator. It might not be quite as good as Real Flight, but at "free" the "bang for the buck" is hard to beat. Adapter cables for FMS can be found for around $20.

Very true. Do the planes fly as fast and are the stick responses comparable to the real thing? I guess I could just download it and see.
Thanks for the reply.
Shane

Here's a link. http://www.mattclement.freeservers.com/fms/fms.html

This guy makes the interface to connect your Tx to your PC. He includes FMS software on a CD, all for around $22 shipped.
Dennis-