Well, after years of thinking about this hobby but not taking the first step, a nudge from the girlfriend finally put the wheels in motion.

I made sure to take the long way to Wal Mart today so as to drive by the local field where the club flies. We pulled in and watched a father / son team using a buddy box do some nice, gentle flying. It was really neat to watch, and the landing was perfect!

A man was walking around off to the side and I asked about joining the club. John was a fantastic guy, and a huge help. He gave me an app. to join, explained when training days where and gave me the names of two shops who where really into RC with this club.

As we spoke, another guy set-up and John told me that this guy was a hotshot pilot. We watched as the plane went about 10 feet then climbed straight up while crabbing sideways. Power, this airframe did not lack! He would hang it in the air on its prop, and it would do the most tight, amazing stunts. It was really neat. We spoke a bit more and then said our goodbyes.

A few hours later, we stopped by the hobby shop - Pioneer Valley Hobbies in West Springfield and they were very helpful. They didn't have a trainer in stock but he made some nice suggestions. It was nice to have someone just talk to you about training, and not try to sell you $1000.00 worth of P-51D.

I have a nice club located in Western Mass, and a nice hobby shop to deal with. So far, it is looking fantastic!

Its even more fun than it looks like. Better than real planes even.

The simulator is definaly a good place to start. the best one (IMO) is Realflight. the delux version comes with a controller very much like an RC transmiter. it is a great training aide that can get you out of those awkward and scarey beginning days and into those super areobatic days in the shortest and least expensive way. the Real Flight G2 (also known as G2) is a littel expensive, just under 200$, but i am sure mine saved me 5,000,000$ (give or take a few million) I have NEVER heard of anybody whoi got one and decided it wasn't worth it.

I still run mine just about everyday. it has a dozen of so airplanes, a bunch of helicopters, gliders, and you can down load new planes from the internet.

I would also recommend that you get G2 Lite. It is only $100 and as good as the full version.

Also.....welcome to the hobby!