Kennel, don't not stop coming around here because of the reactions of some people to your going it on your own..... there are lots of people out there that taught themselves and there are even more that had help in the form of instructors. While your encounters in the past may not have been satisfactory in getting help i'll bet that this hobby will be different. It may not come in the form of flight training but the wealth of knowledge on here is amazing and it would be a shame to get turned off after just getting started......

"It seems that everyone that wants to be a "teacher" or a docent, doesn't commit."

While that may be true in the other endeavors you have been involved with i don't really think it's fair to say that about RC... at least check it out first.....


Guys like Jetmech are posting their opinions because they have seen and heard guys that have started out in a similar situation to yourself, crashed, crashed again got frustrated and quit and he doesn't want to see that happen to you..... that is the norm not the exception!!! I have taught several people to fly and will gladly teach anyone that wants to learn.....

FYI.... i'm a self taught flier as well, i did put in a fair bit of time on a sim first but i had no instructor either. Good luck with your maiden and hopefully we'll see you around on here with a successful report.

One question..... is your son self taught ??? you have the perfect situation for an instructer right there

geoff

I agree with everyone else, get a buddy cord. On my first flight (even after a whole summer of practice on the sim) if I wasn't on the buddy box I wouldn't have a plane right now (2 years later). But I know some people that taught themselves and it worked fine. Also it takes alot of runway to land when your just learning. So I hope you have alot of room. The pic is of me walking out to get my plane after my first landing. (you can sort of see my plane in the tall grass in front of me.)

Well, I will put my 2 cents in! I taught my self to fly , I think now days anyone with a large enough place to fly can have a great measure of success, Planes have came along way, the morden trainer if set up properly is very hard to crash. There design will self level the wings if you stop fooling around with the ailerons! ( I have flown many a trainer and I all ways take one to the field, from the Alpha 40 - p-51 pts) Landings can be hard to learn, so keep them simple , come in strait your line up with the rudder ( wings will stay leveler ) and slowly ease of the throttle and try to glide in with a little power ( to prevent a stall). I have been told by other pilots that I should try to stay 3 mistakes high, so that there would be plenty of room to recover If for some reason I did something dumb, I don't do it but it make's since. When its time to move up to your second plane have it looked over by a pro, ( because you are not a pro , no matter how well you fly the trainer, I learned this the hard way)


A little side note , I joined a club about a year after first learning to fly, since than I have never flown a new plane's first flight without being attached to a buddy box, its a lot less stressful, and it can save you from the long walk of shame! Good Luck I know you will do fine. It is meant to be fun, let it be that way!

Kennel,

Good luck on your maiden flight.

I've been down the road you are traveling and only wish you the best of success.

RaceCraftRC, I looked at your profile on here to see what your trainer was and was wondering how you got to be and expert pilot in 3 years? I've been flying for 2 years and I just ordered my "second" plane. Kennel, I hope it works for you.

who cares what he claims himself as. its his choice not yours.

as for flying by yourself, it can be done.
most condem it because a buddybox is the safest bet.
what i have realized about flying airplanes is do not over think it.
most get confused about the left/right/up/down, the way i have taught people is push a stick to one side, if thats not the way you want it to go push it to the other side quickly. basically you are flying the airplane based on what the airplane does not how you think the airplane should react. if that makes any sense to anyone

At our club... we had an F16 pilot show up with a trainer and an attitude.... and left with a trash bag and the same attitude about 1/2 hour later. It's not being less of a "man" to ask for help.... it also helps build friendships and you also walk away with skills to last a lifetime.

While agreeing with the OP that teaching one's self is laudatory....(I've done it in many areas) .....I've now crashed many planes while self-teaching.

I now believe that ANY experienced r/c individual standing next to a new flier is worth his/her weight in gold ( or balsa/foam/ etc. )
Good Luck...Rich

Good luck teaching yourself to fly RC. If Iread correctly, you are willing to spend many dollars to get it done. May as well buy 2 or 3 more trainers now so you wont have a break in your flight time. Pictures....please. I really do hope you make it without to much pain.

maiden flight cancelled for tonite, son sick.  I am not stupid enough to go try all alone by myself, though some may disagree.

Makes me wonder though, how did things work before the buddy box.   How much time was spent on sims before they were invented and popular.   Someone must have been self taught, why can't I?   OK, all these things lead to a greater chance of success.  I agree with that 100%.   I DID NOT say RC instructors weren't a great group of guys.  This thread has taken a life of it's own in miscommunication.  Well, welcome to posting on boards.

My first tractor on the farm was an International H.  By todays standards, not much of a tractor.  But at the time of it's production it was considered a pretty good tool.   Things change, times change, technology changes.   But, if I choose to make a fire by rubbing sticks together, why not????   If you choose to use an accelerant and a match, so what??  We will both have fire.  You by your way and my by mine.

My intention of this thread was to share the excitement that I have as a newbie for R/C flying.   I suspect that all the advice that followed was good intentioned to point out the pitfalls and errors endured by others.  I accepted those as good advice but suggested that that was not my way of doing things.  Doesn't make it wrong, just not my way.  Well, apparently when I suggested that I will travel a different course, some took it as a condemnation of their way of doing things.  Then tacit namecalling and accusations started.   Geeze, I've been down that road before.  As a ham radio operator, I joined the local club.  Yep, pretty soon it was, "Ya gotta do it this way..."  Well, I do it my way.  Stubborn, arrogant, attitude????   Gentlemen please accept the fact that in a hobby or avocation many courses can be followed.  How would you like to join a club where the focus is Pattern Flying.  Then, you are looked down upon because all you want to do is Park Fly a small e-plane.

My point is, the hobby has so many facets that each can have his own.  Perhaps mine is being able to conquer RC Flight on my own.  I may get the plane up, do one circuit, and land and say "Yep, I did it" and move on....   But the satisifaction of being able to  overcome an obstacle, learn something new, or challange ones self, should not be criticized by those who do things a different way.

Now, having said all that, I feel I have to say, once again.  I don't expect to open a box, spin a prop, and fly aerobatics.  I have no intention of even trying that.  Lots of study and prep have gone into this endeavor, and, I hope to be sucessful.  Where do I want to go with this hobby???   I want to fly ,my little airplanes around my farm.  I want to design, build, crash, determine the defect, refine, build somemore, and repeat.   It is a mental exercise and a challange for an old man.  Perhaps some neighbor kid will watch and I'll let him crash.

Somewhere in this blathering post, I have offended someone...  Let's see what shakes out.   For those who have publically and privately sent me messages of encouragement, thanks...

I guess I will keep you posted.  I would ask that we continue this thread and future posts with lightheartedness and humor.  For years to come, as the posts continue, you may get a chuckle out of-  "Well, the Kennelmaster made another smoking hole

Glad to see you decided to come back to RCU. This is a great site. Everyone here hopes you make it. Iremember my first flights and how exciting they were. Ialso remember my first crash. Itotally destroyed my plane. But just built another one and went right back. keep us informed on your progress.

Good luck bud!
I say fly it on your own if you want to.
Heck, I never had an instructor either.
I flew a few hours on realflight version one, then went and bought a hobbico duraplane and the rest is history!


And just remember, the guy telling you what to do is trying to show you the "right" way to do it!

Kennelmaster,

Although I am happy that you have entered this fine hobby with an attitude focused toward success, some of your statements have come off slightly negative, and when i read what you mentioned about getting help from others, i can understand how some instructors are slightly offended. I'm positive that eveyone has entered rc in a slightly different way and i see no problem with you teaching yourself with the help of your son. Although this may not create the greatest chance for success, you are correct in saying that you will learn from your mistakes. With every flight that i have had, which isn't many, I have always learned something new, or got to test something new i learned. I'm positive that almost everyone does similar things.

Being only 15, my comments might have no value at all to you, which is fine cuz i'm a "rotten ol teenager" or whatever adults say hahaham, BUT, there is a giant wealth of information available on this site. Be sure to check in the different forums such as kits, gliders, helicopers, cars, twins, giant scale, or any of the other great forums to see what interests you. then get invloved in discussions and ask any questions you have, i guarantee that someone will be able to help you with your problems. They can also help safely guide you down that path you wish to take. I have spent more time on this website than i have on a simulator or out at the flying field, and i have learned a gargantuan amount of new stuff. It is the most helpful RC website that exists and everyone is so friendly. I strongly suggest that you come here for help with anything rc related such as deciding on your next plane!

Welcome to RCU and this magnificent hobby.
Good luck with your flight and remember to breathe (i almost forgot)!

Jake

Kennelmaster,

I first seen a RC aircraft in 1976 as a young kid and always wanted to fly. I never did until last year because I never had access to an instructor or field. I have taken and currently am taking private pilot lessons, but other than the understanding of the principles of flight a limited amount of that translates into RC flying. I had the good fortune to move next door to an avid RC pilot, flyer and builder. Last year he trained me, loaned me his simulator and helped me build two planes for which I am grateful. What took so long? I did not have the drive to be willing to loose an aircraft risking losing my enthusiasm for flying. I have had to self teach myself on many thing such as you have stated but for me I did not want to do it in this hobby.

Your way is not right or wrong just maybe different in my opinion. You sound committed and enthusiastic keep it up I just would encourage you to also be safe and from your posts it sounds like you are not being hasty just as you stated doing it your way. Frank Sinatra would be proud .

I did total my first built aircraft by being too big for my britches and too close to the ground.

Good luck,

Nordicz

so welcome- I also am self taught (of course still learning). I made the mistake of buying an underpowered electric foamie three channel-I wont mention names GWS -for my first attempt. It was so discouraging that I stopped for awhile and almost did not come back. I have been putting in time on The sim and am about to start construction on a 40 size trainer/sport. You do whatever feels right for youI never was much of a joiner. If money was a problem, then maybe I would advise differently. But it seems you want to be a builder and I respect that. You will learn a great deal of aero dynamics etc just by building and understanding why things are built the way they are.
I would advise buying a simulator-just for the fun on days you can't fly. Teach yourself and the lesson will be the more valuable.[sm=49_49.gif]

sorry you couldn't make the maiden flight today, I'll be waiting for a successful flight report tomorrow!!!

There are two kinds of beginner RC flyers: Those who see the need for an instructor and those who will see the need soon. Yes, it does happen that some people learn to fly and land just by reading articles on RC flight and figuring it out. But most who try that wind up with a box of sticks. At that point, they either get out of the hobby or get some help.
How did they do it before buddy boxes? They crashed more. And they flew planes that were slower and less maneuverable. That's why buddy boxes were invented, so that students wouldn't crash as much.

To the OP: I love the enthusiasm coming from you and I hope you wind up successful in the hobby. It sounds like your goal is to destroy a perfectly good airplane, possibly several, by going it alone. If that is the case, I am sure you will succeed. If your goal however is to learn to fly airplanes in the least amount of time and with the least possible expense, then join a club and get an instructor. People on RCUniverse aren't being mean to you by telling you the truth. Every one of us has been where you are and we are sharing facts with you, not opinions. It is a fact that your chances for success are significantly higher if you get some real instruction on a buddy box. If that doesn't work with your vision for what the hobby will be for you then by all means go ahead and do it your way.

from what you have posted without even knowing you, i would guess that you have a good chance of being able to go at it alone.
heres the key and how i taught myself to fly. as stated in my previous post.
if you give x input and the plane does not give you the reaction you want. move the stick to the opposite side. if you are unsure of which way to turn, move the stick one way, if its the way you want keep turning, if not move the stick to the other side. it does take a little getting used to, but if you can think like that you have a good chance of learning how to fly on your own. the only trick to it is when you have to give two or more inputs at once. but if you are high enough you should be able to do one at a time. just make sure that your throttle is high enough that you can fly strait and level.

Hummm, this is an interesting thread we have here. I see it from a lot of different angles because I was initially self-taught, then got an instructor, used several different sims at various times before and during my initial training, and also was doing my initial training in full-scale planes shortly after I learned the basics of RC. I will say going from RC to full-scale works a LOT better than going from full-scale from RC, based on what I've observed from other full-scale pilots (especially my dad) and what others have said.

If the OP were flying at a public place then I might force some advice upon him about instructors and buddy-boxes etc. And, being a full-scale pilot, I do tend to look at models similarly to full-scale in terms of preparation, decision-making, and general safety (like double-triple checking connections and linkages, closely monitoring battery levels, deliberately allowing a minimum margin of error in flight, etc....and I now have two flying planes that are over 10 years old, one of which has NEVER been wrecked and one which was wrecked once). I carry the same mentality in RC that I do in full-scale, and that is, that crashing is the unthinkable, something that absolutely MUST be avoided. OTOH, if he's out on his own huge private property, and is willing to accept the (limited) risk to himself and his son, and doesn't care if he has to replace the model soon, then really, why not?

I initially started out on my own (after my dad, a professional full-scale pilot for around 20 years at the time, drove my first model straight into the ground...yep, it was the left-right reversal thing). My first attempt was quite successful. However, I could tell I was not really in "control". I crashed the plane many times thereafter, and also barely flew/crashed a Butterfly with an OS .20 in it, and a Tower Trainer .40. When I finally did get with an instructor, I saw my progress advance rapidly. Sure I *could* fly before, but now I was in control. From there I learned a lot more on my own (like the correct crosswind landing technique that I'd learned in full-scale, inverted hammerheads, rolling circles, huzzah!), but it was the instructor that got me through that critical early phase. I like to think well of my flying skills but I always keep it in the back of my mind that I didn't get there on my own, not by a long shot..............could I have? Maybe, but it would have been a lot slower and more frustrating. But if it's worth it to someone to do it on their own for their own personal development, or as a goal they've set, hey, nothing wrong with that.

Good luck with your training and please keep us posted! I love seeing new people get into this hobby, it's the sort of awesome thing that you just want to share.

Some of us had to learn on our own not by choice but by circumstance. Here's how it went for me, some 40 years ago.

A kid of just 13 years old, I was befriended by another just turned teen and his dad at the local magazine store while mulling over whether or not I could afford the latest issue of American Aircraft Modeler. That was my first exposure to a small group of guys, old and young, flying free-flight and controline. This was at an old, mine tailings pond, something like a salt flats. It was big enough for free-flight and soon enough, some of us tried our hand at RC. Remember, this was the late 60's. Back then you had analog proportional, single channel, reeds, Galloping Ghost and rubber powered escapements.

Three of us started out with single channel, Jack, my mentor with a push button, single channel Tx and escapements in a Carl Goldberg, Mini-Skylane. I had a Sterling, Command Master, pulse proportional set. Jack had a lot of success with his as the Skylane was basically, a high wing free-flight, inherently stable and the radio was used mostly to interrupt it's natural flight path. I on the other hand, had a Carl Goldberg Skylark, the big one for a .29 to .40 engine and it was a LOW winger. Yes, a low winger on pulse proportional rudder and just an escapement for three position, throttle control. While Jack flew a lot that summer, (with two fly-aways when the rudder jammed) I spent the summer doing 5 to ten second flights that ended up as crashes with several hours repairs each time. I kept adding down thrust and right thrust until the crashing stopped and one day I flew for a full three minutes before the engine quit and I actually landed. Keep in mind that the runway was all around us and you didn't have to keep track of left or right. We did something instinctively that helped a great deal.

But by the middle of the summer it became clear that I wasn't going to learn to fly on a single channel. So I got myself a Citizenship, digital proportional radio and the plans for the RCM Trainer. Not one of the many variants of later years but the original, that was three channel with very simple and LIGHT construction. Jack did the same and decided to build Ken Willard's Headmaster from plans. This time though, I used that new fangled Monokote and Jack stuck to his tried and true, silk and dope/talc finish. Jack was a perfectionist and made his as glossy as mine but he paid a penalty in wing loading. As well, I used mostly what was considered punk soft junk wood. At the time, it was the norm to use Sig contest wood for free-flight and single channel but for serious RC, we were told to use serious wood grades,,, as in heavy. Both our planes were the same size, I used my Enya .29 (from the Skylark) and Jack used an OS .15. Mine was lighter than Jacks and I had a more powerful engine as well.

I learned to fly that RCM Trainer and now it was Jack's turn to spend his time crashing. The difference? WING LOADING. With Jack's plane, he had to run full throttle just to stay in the air. That meant high speed flight and despite learning a lot on his single channel, his new speed demon was just too hot to handle. Myself, on the other hand, needed only half throttle to stay in the air and that helped a lot as I could throttle back, trim in some up elevator and SLOW the plane down to where I could keep ahead of it. The lower wing loading was the key element there.

The other, very crucial item that was included in the article that came with the RCM Trainer was the tip for sorting out the left/right confusion when the plane is coming toward you. That was to always point the antenna of the Tx in the direction that the plane was going. This meant that you look over your shoulder if necessary, but always have that Tx oriented with the direction of the plane. That eliminated, entirely, any consternation about left and right as the plane moved around the sky.

The other tip was on how to learn to land. This one I came up with on my own. That had to do with throttle management. To learn to steer the plane around the sky, set the throttle and the elevator trim to where the plane is just climbing ever so slightly. From there, any GENTLE turns you make will spill off the climb and you will maintain altitude. If you get a bit low, just stop the turning and let her climb to safety. As we had plenty of space all around, we didn't worry about crossing the flight line and this helped a lot. With making turns under my belt, I practiced low passes over the imaginary runway. Each pass got lower and lower till at one point, all I had to do was chop throttle and the plane settled in with no white knuckle hysteria.

Jack did learn to fly the following year but this time he designed and built his own trainer as if it were a free-flight but with a radio on board. He went back to his precious Sig, triple A, contest wood and used clear dope on silk and not a single piece of sheetwood in sight. This plane was smaller and used the .15 but carried a 250 mAh pack and that helped a lot with the wing loading.

So it CAN be done, learning on your own, but you DO need a high wing trainer type that is stable like a free-flight. You need a LOW wing loading. You need a dead nuts reliable throttle. And you need to keep looking over your shoulder during the times the plane is coming toward you.

Sad to hear the maiden didn't happen. Well hope to hear from your successful flight soon.

I taught myself to fly. It was lots of fun! No sims or anything, just good old fashioned dedication and CHEAP airplanes. I lost three for a total of $180. Thats cheaper than joining some clubs and all I needed was a park. Some instructors get their featheres ruffled because they can't see how some people learn on their own if they couldn't or wouldn't themselves. Good luck to you!

My first was a camo solo strike, I was a great plane I out grew it in a little less than a month!! I have no claim to being an expert , but by far am no noob. I thought the average trainer time was 2 weeks?

Wed Morning,

Gents, (and ladies),

Today is filled with other obligations.  The Wx is scheduled to go south later.  But, time and Wx permitting, later this evening I plan to go to a large rural school that has huge amounts of paved parking.  Whatever shall I do there, all by myself????
Taxi, taxi,taxi.....    Ground handling, throttle mgmt, taxi, taxi, and more.  Trimming as necessary and other stuff.
Dense fog here in Ouisconsin now.  So, why not pretend this is in the RC Car section, keep it on the ground, and work with that!
At least I get to smell some nitro!

Hm, what happened the last time I went out for taxi runs, oh yeah...I ended up with a busted 46 engine . My own stupidity for trying to do taxi runs (testing that everything sits secure etc) in 45 degrees celcius. Well, the engine overheated and yeah you guess the rest - need to replace the piston and sleeve. It's still waiting on the cupboard and it's still going to wait a long time hehe.

But yeah Kennel, people can say what they want, taxi run practise does help when it comes to take off. I ran off the runway 3 times before I got my plane in the air when I started