RE: Possible to teach yourself to fly?
 

I taught myself, because I had no choise, but I like repairing planes;).
I raced cars all over the UK for years. 1/5 scale. I found the hardest thing was ground control during takoff. OR steering with your left thumb intead of your right. You will get it though, my G3 sorted me out pretty good. One thing I will say, If you are scared to crash it, don't fly it.

RE: Possible to teach yourself to fly?
 

I can't dissagree more. I am an ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI and the worst students of rc I have ever had were the full scale pilots. They can't get themselves out of the cockpit and fly from the ground. Never had one correlate it. They make good pilots when it is all said and done, but training them has always been more difficult. Not impossible by any means, just more difficult.

RE: Possible to teach yourself to fly?
 

Obviously from everything I've read, a majority of full scale pilots have a hard time with going to RC. I guess I should feel fortunate for not having those problems. Like I said before most of my learning is having to deal with the preperation and proper setup of the RC. As for flying, I guess I'm from the computer/video game generation. I know you may laugh at that but I think it helps with the whole eye/thumb coordination thing!:) Have a great day flying!

RE: Possible to teach yourself to fly?
 

Not laughing at all. In fact I'd attribute your success to your gaming experience as opposed to any Full scale flying experience.

RE: Possible to teach yourself to fly?
 

I was given a World Models trainer three years ago as a gift. I spent several hours using FMS tied to my radio before I attempted a takeoff. First landing was ugly, but with no damage to the plane. I took it slow for the first several flights, focusing on slow pattern flying ( circles, figure eights). Once confortable with flights, I focused on landing and take offs. Once I felt confortable there, I did more verticles (loops, rolls, etc). After the first year, I bought a WM SuperSport 40 as my second plane and worked slowly on faster flights, inverted flight, flying in poorer weather, etc. I'm looking to start to learn more 3D type moves this year and probably going with a new plane.

I've read postings where people were on buddy boxes for a year before soloing. Everyone is different, with different skill sets. However, it is possible to teach yourself and keep your plane intact. I found FMS tied to the radio invaluable with learning how to move the sticks. Take your time and read a lot of postings here on RU.

Good luck

RE: Possible to teach yourself to fly?
 

I've been using FMS too. Don't have an adapter to plug my radio into it, but I've got a Saitek X45 Joystick, which has a separate throttle and stick. It at least gets my brain and hands trained to know that throttle and rudder are on the left, ailerons and elevator are on the right.