Just a note to all you posters out there. About 43 years ago (give or take a year) my dad and I built a Cessna RC model. We built it designed after my dad's real airplane. He liked the Cessna and flew one. In those days it was tough going building an RC model and took us months to build because RC models were just not that well done. Radios were not that good and very expensive. We never did get to fly it. My dad passed away a few years ago and something in me said that I needed to complete the task (fly an RC plane) and to finally accomplish that one feat from all those many years ago.

I decided to get back into the RC and FLY a plane. I needed to complete that flight my dad and I never had. I guess to prove to myself that what my dad showed me in those six months of building that plane was worth so much to me all throughout my life. I still remember taking that plane out in the yard and firing up that engine! WOW....as a young boy it was amazing. I had this vision of that plane flying through the sky.

Some time back my wife was cruising the internet and saw RC Universe and told me to check it out. I bought a Hangar 9 Alpha 40 and all the gear I need based on the research I did mostly in RC Universe. I joined a club and got assistance from instructors. We just used my one radio (DX7) and no buddy box. We passed my radio back and forth when and if needed in flight. I did about 8 flights and maybe 7 landings over a period of about a month (I did no take offs yet, I just did not feel comfortable - grass landing strip, wind, etc.).

I finally did a takeoff and landing without anyone's help. Takeoff was not all that pretty but I did it and the landing was dead on sweet! I have only had one small mishap where I misjudged the final approach some and hit the tall grass before getting to the runway but did not damage my plane other than a small slice under the wing which was easily repairable.

Now to the point of this post. I must let you guys know that you never know who might be reading your post. This forum has helped me in more ways that I can even say with getting the right equipment, reviews, users' experiences, and so forth. I would wager that it helps MANY people out there with the things in this hobby that people just simple don't tell you!

Maybe this is not much to some of you, but please consider those that peruse these forums and yet do not post much (like me!) just how you can save them many hardships and money saving by your tips and experiences! In a world where people seem not to care anymore it is nice to know that there are those who desire to share their experiences to help others grow.

Many, many thanks to all those that post to assist those others with their knowledge and share their experiences!

There is a lot of information available here on RCU. Fortunately, most of it is from experienced builders and flyers. It seems that you've been able to sift through the useful and figure out what was factual and what was not.

When I started back in 1977, there was no buddy box system.. I don't even know if the ability existed. But, I was able to fly with the instructor as he would take it up high then hand over the transmitter for me to fly. When I got "into trouble", fortunately, I was high enough so the hand off was clean and he was able to save the day. So, there is a soft spot for those out there that did their initial flights that way.

We preach buddy box with an instructor, that we do. But, it seems that there are a number of RC'ers out there that have managed to learn without the instructor and buddy box system, and, although difficult, they either managed and flew, which is good, or they quit outright.. which is bad. I think they might have been able to get through the learning phase if they had, at least, followed your lead with an instructor.

Well, congratulations!! Welcome to the hobby. When I came back into the hobby in the late 90's, I got into it with, at first, the Tower Trainer, then, after a short sabatical (due to work schedules), the Hobbico Nexstar Select. I finally solo'ed, my instructor, Ron Lockhart, taught me well. He kept up the basics, then always would say to me "Fly the plane, Captain". SO, I did. He would take me up high and tell me to idle the throttle, then he would say "You are dead-stick. Land the plane, Captain". So, I did.

We try to give information that answers questions, and often, much more, based on our experiences, background, and knowledge. So, now that you've broken the ice and started posting, well, post away! Ask questions, and, if you have opinions (and who doesn't), let us know.

Again, congratulations, and welcome!!

CGr.

I started in RC back in the mid 80's.  But i didnt do anything from 94 till 2002.  Then I built a GP PT60 and flew it around 6 times before I stopped again ( life in general got in the way).  I am semi-retired now and have lots of time to get back to RC.  I found RCU around a week ago and I love it.  The wealth of info here is amazing.  I have spent many hours this last week reading and learning.  I started a tread on my wekest link, covering, and the people have responded beautifully.  You are so right about who may be reading a posting.  About 99% of the postings I have read have been positive and informative.  With 1% sounding like someone was having a bad day.  But that 99% made t a fantastic site for the hobby.  
Great story about your dad.  Reminded me of the times I would give my dad tours of the hanger I worked in.  Welcome back to RC!!   

I remember those days,everthing back then was geared to controline,there was hardly any r/c hardware.we used sewn hinges and silk and dope for covering,had to make control horns and bellcranks out of plywood or phenelic (unclad circuit board).Welcome back

Welcome back to the world of RC. Glad to hear that the forums were of value and help to you. Good Luck, Dave

I have also learned so much from this forum, this is where i come for all my questions and research . I look in most everyday to see questions asked on the beginers forum, It's interesting to read peoples questions and comments .

Which club did you join? I used to belong to Southside Va Rc. Their field was south of you off of Hyw 360.

Thats a awesome story, glad to hear your back into it. Congrats.

Had to? I still am. Just finished etching the copper off some glass circuit boards.

Your post is the best I have read in months! Thank you Luchnia

I joined the Central Virginia RC club. It is located in Powhatan, Va. There are two clubs that are about 25-30 minutes from me. One is in Burkeville, Va. (I am thinking this one is Southside VA RC club) and the Central Virginia Radio Club is in Powhatan, Va. I spoke to a gentleman on the phone and he said their club in Burkeville flies 1/3 scale planes and there are only about 6 or so of those guys left out there. Most have passed away now. He told me I was welcome to come out and fly some while I was learning, and also told me I would probably be better to go with the guys at Powhatan to get my training in with some instructors there. I have been over to the Burkeville field a couple of times many years ago and watched those guys fly. I rode over the other day just to see if I remembered where the field was.

Yep, I remember this. One of my first planes was one of those little line jobs that you fueled it up, cranked it and flew in a circle until you were so dizzy you could not stand up, but man was that cool! I thought I was a real pilot

The Cessna was our first RC plane build out of a box kit. We bought the kit in a hobby shop in Richmond, Va. The material that you covered it with was a fabric and you had small containers with screw on lids that had the material called "Dope" that you painted on this fabric and then you worked that stuff every way from Sunday to try to get it to look like a real plane! The weight of the fabric with the dope on it would make it sag between the ribs on the wing and gave it a great look. When it was done it really did have a "real" airplane look.

I also remembered that the kits were not cut very well from the factory and you did a lot of part trimming, sanding and fitting to the point you wanted to give up. I remember the plane had a wingspan of around 60" (which was a decent size in those days) and the engine was around a 60 size. I am only 54 so things have come a long ways since then. I love these new 2.4 radios! If we had one of those in the old days we might have gotten somewhere with that old plane.

Great story, thanks! And welcome to RCUniverse!

Don't be a stranger!

G'day from oz guys, some memories come flooding back reading this thread. I started in RC back in the mid 70's with my father, when i was knee high. My first memory was one plane he just converted from the old push button TX. Gotta hand it to them back then were spoilt now. Left it alone for a long time, got back into RC with the electric park flyers and helis only a year ago..Cheers Darren