Can I Fly?
 

This is the first time I have ever posted on these forums so i just wanted to say hello to everyone. I have had RC trucks for several years now but i am fairly new to the airplane scene. I have a 3 channel electric seaplane that i have had for about a year and a half. I have become pretty good at flying this and can now fly without worrying about crashing onto the lake. My question is will i be able to handle a 40 size trainer? I recently bought one at a garage sale for thirty bucks and put a little money and time into it to get back into flying shape. I am not sure exactly what airplane it is but it is a 4 channel trainer and i put an O.S. 46 LA on it. Any tips/hints will be greatly appreciated.

RE: Can I Fly?
 

Your best bet is to seek out experienced IN PERSON help at the local club. I'll bet some of the members will even know what trainer you now own;) (and exactly hoe to set it up) As far as can you fly with the experience you have the answer is maybe yes and/or maybe no;)

RE: Can I Fly?
 

Yup, get an instructor It'll save your but time and time again. I had an electric jet and I decided to get a glow model. I got an instructor and I caught on pretty quick but I would have crashed a couple times if not for that instructor.:eek:

RE: Can I Fly?
 

If you have been flying for a year and a half, thats a good start. Fact is though, a 40 size trainer is alot different than a sailplane. You've got more to control. It is also alot faster than you think it is (Especially with a .46 in it). I was out-of-hobby for 2 years, and when i took my 40 trainer up, i was suprised how much faster it was than i remembered. Best thing to do is get an instructor to help you with your first few flights. I bet landing and taking off will be the hardest. having the sailplane is puts you ahead of the game, but an instructor is really needed in your case

RE: Can I Fly?
 

I made the same mistake on the 1st read too, but he said seaplane not sailplane. If he's been flying a seaplane for 1 1/2 years he's not going to have any trouble with a trainer. With that experience I'm sure it would be pretty simple without an intructor but 1 or 2 flights with one might make it a lot more enjoyable and easy.

RE: Can I Fly?
 

He said he had a seaplane, not a sailplane.

RE: Can I Fly?
 

Odds are good that you can handle the .40 size trainer. If you can ROW (and I don't mean in a retrieveal boat) an electric, the trainer shouldn't be too bad.

However, it can't hurt to track down someone to check the plane out with the first time. I'll always recommend working with other people. You may not need it, but having another pair of eyes, and another set of thumbs around can make the difference if something goes wrong.

RE: Can I Fly?
 

hey guys, thanks for all the advice. I am not even sure if there is a flying club but i am sure that there is considering i live very close to a major city. I guess my first course of action should be to go to my LHS and find out where and when the local club meets. I think i could probably handle the trainer but it is probably better to be safe than sorry :)

RE: Can I Fly?
 

cpropes,
First, welcome to RCU! Good people and great info.

I agree that you could probably fly the trainer okay, but an instructor will make that virtually a sure thing.

Check out the AMA website. Most clubs require AMA membership, but they also have a "Club Locater" page. Just plug in your Zip Code and you should get a list of a few clubs within an easy drive.

http://www.modelair.org/

Best of luck,
Dennis-

RE: Can I Fly?
 

Where exactly is "very close"? Austin has some clubs, but most are in the north end of town. I live in Lytton Springs, which is about 20 miles driving distance (from my house) to Lockhart. It is about 35 - 40 miles to some points in south Austin.

I was lucky to find the only club in Lockhart, and by way of local county roads, is only 20 minutes from my house!

Anyway, pm or email, or post here just where you are located, I'll get you a list of nearby clubs.

dano13

RE: Can I Fly?
 

dano13,

I live in south Austin almost in Dripping Springs.

I searched on the AMA website and I found three clubs that were within 30 minutes of my house!! I never knew that there were that many other fliers in my area. I am gonna be out of town for the next week or so but when i get back i am definately gonna check them out cause i can hardly wait to get the new plane up in the air. (its new to me anyways :P )

RE: Can I Fly?
 

That's great news! If you have a choice of three, I would recommend spending an afternoon at each, just to get an idea of the overall feel or attitude of the club in general. Our club is very family oriented. I did things a bit backward from seems to be the norm....I visited the club BEFORE I bought my plane, equipment, etc. My first visit resulted in TWO buddy cord flights on the club trainer! My second visit, two weeks later resulted in the same and my paying club dues to get full advantage of what they had to offer. One great advantage with this club is that the club president is the owner of the field AND has a mail order hobby shop less than 100 yards from the field! Very handy for those minor mishaps. :)

Anyway, good luck with your quest, I hope your's is as enjoyable as mine has been.

dano13

RE: Can I Fly?
 

good luck and welcome bud...this is a great place to hang out and talk bout it all....be sure to balance it....if you dont have the paperwork on it...start out @ 27% of the wing chord and itll fly good./...use the throttle stick some...slow it down and enjoy...Rod