He had help putting his plane together by a thirty year veteran that set all the controls and is the one trying to teach him to fly. I don't think it's the plane. I have an uncle who is a brilliant and successful businessman (wealthy). He is an intelligent man but he can't figure out how to change the tire on his car. If he has a flat in the middle of no-mans land, he has to wait for someone to come change it for him. His mind just doesn't work in a mechanical way regardless of how simple the task. I think the same is true of some people who decide they want to fly. The desire is there but unfortunately the coordination is not.

guys I am not trying to discourage anyone or trying to say that instructors are useless. My point was that when I joined Rcuniverse a lot of people said that its IMPOSSIBLE to solo and I will need weeks of flying before soloing. These type of scary remarks tend to discourage people. I know may be Im an exception and since I had no access to instructor so I had to do everything by myself. Ofcourse I had to read more on internet to learn the basics of flying,engine adjustments etc. etc. but if you have an instructor then whynot avail him rather then spending hours and hours reading on internet and understanding things. The point is that learn from an instructor if there is one available but dont say that without instructor this hobby is impossible. It is possible but may be with a little more hardwork, knowledge and luck.

If and instructor can't be found, I'd say a sim and resources like RCU is the next best thing. But I think most of the experienced members here agree that there is no substitute for an instructor.

Case in Pont: I'm helping to train a new member. This evening we flew again. The student has about 30 flights under his belt since he started three weeks ago. We never used a buddy box... just handed off the radio.

Tuned and set his engine. Has some strange issue with low end mixture. He spent over an hour working on it. I showed up and had it fixed in about 60 seconds. (Sim won't do that.)

Did some basic training, aerodynamics small talk, etc. On his 3rd flight he soloed. He now flys on his own, but if I'm at the field I'll blurt out "More Left rudder!" or whatever when I see him repeat the same mistake several times. (Sim won't do that.)

We programmed his plane in my 9ZAP so I could setup some mixes to improve the handling of the plane (Kadet 40.) I explained what and why I had the mixes setup. He loved the new handling of the plane and understands why the mixes help. (Sim won't do that.)

In just 30 flights, he can easily run his Kadet thru loops, both inside and outside, inverted flight, stall turns, rolls, 1/2 reverse cuban 8's, immilmans, etc.

Now I think he is probably better than the average student, but point is, he has learned a lot more in those 30 flights with instructors than a sim will ever teach him. He probably dosne't need and instructor; BUT, I consider him to be in the "Danger Zone." He is more than capable of flying on his own, but could easily get into trouble trying new aerobatics. For this, there is NO substitute for a spotter (i.e. instructor.)

Another Case... Myself: I've been flying for six years. I compete locally flying precision aerobatics. Last year I put on 500 flights. So far this year I've burned 5-1/2 cases of glow and about 20 gallons of pump gas. Even I still use an "instructor", i.e. older Masters level pilot to help me with my precision flight. (Sim can't watch your flight and point out errors.)

Cheers

I think faisalk has clarified his statement to show that he is in agreement with our opinions as well. I think that we, in the U.S. take for granted some of the benefits of living in this country. I sympathize with those who do not have access to the resources that we have here. If you have no choice, then ya gotta make the best of it.

True falsaik, it is not "impossible".

I certainly understand that when you have no access to someone to a teacher, telling someone they have to have an instructor is a mute point.

I am glad you learned to fly and did not get discouraged. Most people would not have the money to counteract thier learning curve if they chose to try it on thier own, the law of averages is against them if nothing else.

Maybe you could set an example in your area and be that missing instructor.

It sounds like you understand thats the best way to enjoy learning how to fly RC.

flying is not hard.... for the expert flyers, but imgine how nervous newbies are on there first flight no wonder they have instructors, there not only there to teach you but there, there to help calm you and show you how simple it really is AFTER you learn the basics of the controls. sims are great things but i dont think they can beat the feeling of having a good ole fashined instructor by your side.

i thought my self without an instructor or a sim, just me and some glue.......but still flying and loveing it.

only one question and one point,


1 the question, how many times did you crash the sim. understand that the sim resets balsa doesnt.


2 the point, a few hours on a sim is about the same as a couple of weeks with an instructor. think about it, 10 min flight times 20 minutes off while you check everything out, let your instructor fly his plane or help someone else, then another 10 min in the air.versus hrs nonstop on the comp. you really can pack weeks in to five hours at home.


i do understand the point that you learned some valuable things on the comp. no argument, just understand that the PC doesnt give instruction. should the CG be 1/4 inch forward/aft is the motor too lean or rich would it run better on synthetic or castor. i am hapy for you that you learned to fly, the more people in my hobby the more secure it is just dont be fooled in to thinking that a computer simulater "taught" you anything all it did was give stick time. but if thats all that is available to you then i wish you all the best.

Since this subject popped up, I have to chime in. I did teach myself how to fly rc helicopters, first, then rc airplanes. All with the help of RCU & G2. If it wasn't for either, I never would have done it. HOWEVER, I DO Highly recommend having a trainer or someone to show you how to set up/trim whatever, your particular helicopter or airplane, and give you a few lessons. If the person is nice, which most are in this hobby, and they are half way knowledgeable about setting up and or trimming and flying, it will save you a great deal of time, effort, money, and agrivation. I do agree with some previous posts, that this hobby is not as easy as it looks. I've read as far as helis go, that it can take a person days, and another months to hover. It took me about a week real time, but at least a month on G2 first. No two people are the same, so you shouldn't give the "illusion" that anyone can do it lickety split. RC Planes and Helicopters are TONS of fun, but they can also be very dangerous to the operator and the people, property (cars etc) around. Anyway I guess what I'm trying to say is that, yes, if you are intelligent, research, reaseach, research, practice, practice, practice, on a sim, you "might" be able to teach yourself. BUT me and I know tons of other peole here on RCU, want you to have a great first flight and continue with the hobby, with the least expense and frustration, so IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. Find someone to help you out.
Joe

I agree - that's what it looks like to me too. Yet I kept reading to see if the initial post was being supported. I'm glad it hasn't been for the most part. So I'm taking the bait now.

This is a question that everyone should ask themselves before giving advice:

If you give someone advice and it has a bad outcome, what is the consequence to YOU for giving that advice?

Also, what if someone takes the initial poster's advice and hurts somebody? Is the poster going to take responsibility for it or say, "Well you did <fill in the blank> wrong and it's your fault - not mine."

Sorry, but anyone who tells someone they should attempt flying on their own is irresponsible unless they also qualify it with things like making sure that your plane doesn't have enough fuel to make it to where it could cause damage to person or property.

OK, it's cool to learn on your own. So what?

I would congratulate Faisal on going solo on his own. Still there are lot of things which sim would not teach you especially flying in strong windy conditions and why engine quits in air. After couple of flights with instructor in Islamabad, I thought now I can do everything on my own. Came in for landing, over shot the strip than gave full throttle and some elevator + aileron for lift, next thing plane was in countless pieces.

I am sure there are lot of experienced fliers in Karachi who are willing to help new ones. LHS have instructors.

IK

I think this is the real motivating factor in faisalk's post. He's proud of having learned on his own. I DO find it interesting that he would say everyone told him it would be "impossible".

I thought I remembered his original question about his first flight, so I did a little research. If you're interested, take a look at the link below, and read through the first 29 posts.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_72...#726035#726035

By the way, this was the earliest of Faisalk's posts that I could find.
Dennis-

Beside the fact I also soled alone and didn't crash so far, I agree that with an instructor it would be much easier.
There should be a limit to the number of replies to a post. After first page, the subject should be closed.

Nilo

Why do you think that?

There is no point in posting a reply without reading all already posted, so you are aware of what's going on and don't write something already said or say something dummy. I don't belive there is someone that can read all 100's replies on this threat.
It's just a question of optimize everybody's time and the RC's web page space.

By the way, we are now making this threat longer right now!

Nilo

OK, but you know you can change your options to see more posts on one page. So one page to me might be three pages to you. Reading is a good thing. More people should do it.

I agree. I should read more, indeed!

Take care and Merry Christmas!

Nilo

I try to read every post in a thread before posting.... don't you???????? But its pretty apparent who actually read the posts and who didn't

Remember nilo there is an unsubscribe and ignore feature

I try to read every post in a thread before posting.... don't you???????? But its pretty apparent who actually read the posts and who didn't

Remember nilo there is an unsubscribe and ignore feature



That's it. If someone disagree, is suggested to leave the forum?That's great!
Sorry, but I don't agree with all these giant threats, sometimes 10 month old with 1000 posts. Do you read that too?Please!

Nilo

I don't post in every thread but in every thread I've posted I can assure you that i've read every post at least once!!!

My suggestion was simply to point out that if you don't like long threads that grow over several weeks/months don't participate!!!!!
Some people do or else we wouldn't see it happening...


BTW I never suggested leaving the forum just to ignore long threads

You did read my post Nilo?????????

All right, all right, lets put a end to this!
Whoever like it, do it.

Have a nice holiday!

Nilo.

I know I will not be original but here is my position:

I do enjoy flying my G2 and it is a great learning tool, but on the field I do appreciate any help from my fellows club members (and not members too) I can get!!!

In general, if you can get a honest good advice/help from anybody TAKE IT. It is an old saying about who is learning from own mistakes and who is from mistakes of others!!!

In general, being around good people makes WHOLE you (not only you-"the flyer") better.

As for the thread as a whole, sure there are some that can learn on G-2 and then learn on their own, but putting up a general statement that flying is easy and people should try it on their own is just plain wreckless. People can get hurt very easy with this hobby.

If there is an instructor close, by all means use his expertise to learn the hobby and don't chance hurting someone or wrecking your plane on the first flight. Sure some people can do it, but if you can get help, why risk it?

My CFI told me that flying is easy, it's knowing what to do when things go south that makes you a good pilot.

Just wanted to chime in.

It's true that simulators are very helpful getting 'finger memory' to make landing and other simple maneuvers easier.

However, that's not all there is to flying a model aircraft! The best fliers in the world have crashed and, in early stages, instructors will reduce the risk of this crash happening.

What are you going to do, for instance, if you get a tip stall on your landing approach when you move on to an aerobatic plane? Would you naturally avoid using the ailerons, which will make the situation worse, and concentrate on the rudder to recover? An instructor will help you through some of the things that aren't obvious.

Good luck with your flying. Lets hope your obvious and rare natural ability continues!

David C.