9C for beginner
 

Hi guys, i am new to rc flying and had a question. I dont want want to get a RTF because of the radios. I want a radio that i can use on anything i get into as my skill advances. I found the futaba 9CAPS radio for a good price on servocity.com and my birthday is coming up soon. Would i be able to use this kind of radio?
Thanks alot,
rcMitch

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Thats one radio you won't have to replace for some time. I bought the 7UAPS Super 7 on advice that I get the best radio I could afford at the time in 1991 it served me well until 2004 when I bought a 9C

RE: 9C for beginner
 

While overkill for a beginner, it will definitely work for you far into the future and with several planes as it has multiple model memories. All you will need to buy is the airborne (flight pack) portions for your fleet.

barracudahockey - Still flying my 7UAFS and loving it. Great feel to it.:)

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I have to say that the radio is the best place to spend your money when you are first starting.I have been through about 4 radios.I finally broke down and bought a computer radio and have realised that overkill is better than not enough later on.[8D]

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Buy it.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

You will not regret getting a 9C. One of the guys I fly with has been in the hobby for only a few months and has already upgraded to a 9C from the 4 channel radio he got with his trainer. My memories of having a half dozen transmitters for my planes does not fall under the category of the "good old days."

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Ok, so I'm the oddball in the group. I have a bit of a different opinion on new flyers getting the more advanced computer radios. It has nothing to do with cost, moving the radio to an another plane, or anything else. It has to do with learning to fly. As an instructor I've seen quite a few new pilots, planes, and radios come through our field. I've seen new students sit for hours trying to program computer radios for their trainers with exponential, mixes, etc.... IMHO, this is counter productive to learning to fly. All of those "gadgets" are great AFTER they have learned to fly. But while learning all those things can actually work AGAINST the learning process. If the student relies on the radio for somethings then they never really learn how to fly properly. As I said above, I have nothing against the computer radios for a student if they were to leave all the "gadgets" out. But how many new pilots have the self control to not play with all the knobs and switches?? I know I wouldn't be able to resist.

So for new pilots I would recommend staying the with basic 4/6 channel "no-frills radio", and move to a computer radio when they get their second plane. The can always give/sell that first radio to another new pilot down the road, or use it as a buddy-box later on.

That's my 2¢ worth.

Ken

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Another opinion from someone who is just starting out. I started with a 6XAS and have two models programmed into it. I had left my neck strap connected to it one day and the strap caught a knob on my field box and I dropped it. Broke one of the switches off and the right stick is a little sticky around the center. Very annoying. Anyhow, I range checked it and flew with it. I also ordered the 9C, so now the 6XAS can go to Radio South for maintainance and the 6XAS will be my backup.

As far as RCKen's comment about programming, I don't know about the new bread of low end computer radios, but my 6XAS is far more complicated to program than my 9C, at least for what we need to program when starting out. If the new entry level computer radios are anything like the 6XAS, then you will have an easier time with the 9C IMHO.

I guess I just think that when you are starting out, the last thing you want is down time while you build a new plane or wait for a repair to come in the mail. I am all about the redundancy for my addiction :D Yeah, yeah, that is a good excuse to buy more stuff, hehehe.

My $.02,
Patrick

BTW, I never leave my strap connected to the TX anymore. :eek:

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I know I haven't messed with them yet. I bought a 9C as my first radio because I knew I'd be sticking with the hobby. About all I have programmed in is a couple of servo reverses and the throttle kill. And we won't even get started on how long it took me to finally figure the throttle kill out :). (Actually, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying it was hard to program, but for some reason, I never quite got it right at first.)

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Hi,
I'm just wondering if there's a neccessity to buy a 9c? What's the consequences that make you consider a 9c? Why not 7c? Please don't get me wrong and I'm not against anyone buying a 9c. In fact if you look at my recent post, I'd too wanted to buy a 9c. But I had people telling me that is it neccessary to buy a 9c? I just wanted to weigh the pro's and con's before investing.
My question is what application ( what type of plane ) is neccessary to use a 9C? Please don't ask me to look into the futaba website pertaining to the application as I have problem understanding the technical term use by them:)
Regards

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I have not used the 7C, so I am not sure how I would like it, but for me, I wanted to know that I would have the most flexiblility down the road. I wanted the tripple position switches. I also like the menu/programming system. Plus I am a geek, so it was just a cooler gadget :D

Patrick

RE: 9C for beginner
 

if you think you'll fly for a long time the 9c is the radio to get if you're not sure and are kinda playing with the hobby to see if you want to go further get a 4 channel

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Futaba has just released a 4-channel computer radio, and it's very affordable. Only $149 at Tower Hobbies

[link]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKJD8**&P=0[/link]

In spite of what my last post said, I do understand that some need to get a radio for several model because of the money issue. This could be a low cost starter computer radio. It's got a 4 model memory and should be plenty of radio for the starting pilot, and should be fine well into your 2nd or 3rd model

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I've been with the hobby for a long time :-) I've yet to need more than 5 channels. :D

The typical compelling arguments for a high end radio are memory for more models, mixing that's not available on lower end models, or an actual need for more than the basic 4-5 channels. If money is an issue, a basic 4 channel, or the new 4 channel computer model Ken mentioned, can actually go a long way. It's unfortunate, but way too many people try to convince beginners that they should go out and spend $300+ on a radio before they even know if they'll like the hobby.

Quite often it's better for a beginner to go out and buy a basic radio and use it for the first couple planes. If they decide they like the hobby, and can afford it, they can upgrade at that point. Little to no money is lost with this approach because the cost of their first radio was about the same as a flight pack.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Piper_chuck,
I couldn't agree with you more. I've been in the hobby for 10 years and I've never needed more than 6 channels yet. I've got 3 computer radios, but I have a 5 of the "plain jane" basic radios too. In fact, the plane that I fly the most has an Airtronics Vanguard 6 channel radio in it. In case anybody isn't familiar with this radio it is a no-frills basic radio. I bought it at a swap meet for $60, and it was still "New in the box". The sticker on the bottom says that it was manufactured in 1994. This radio has been rock solid and like I said above, it gets more use at the field than my computer radios.

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now!! :D

Ken

RE: 9C for beginner
 

My reasons for buying the 9C were:

1. My trainer came with a JR 431 computer radio and it only had two models.

2. The JR radio that I had didn’t have any exponential programming.

3. 3 years ago the 6XA and the 9C radio package were only $100 difference.

4. The 9C offered me more models, more programming options, granted I am still not sure that I need all of them.

5. The 9C has a frequency module that legally allows me to change my frequency. I believe that I can even use the ground 75 MHz frequency.

I have been in the hobby for 4 years.
I own:
( 2 ) Futaba 4 channel radios
( 2 ) Jr 5 channel radios
( 1 ) Futaba 9C

I still have the futaba 4 channels because I use one on a flight SIM., and I keep one in the van to buddy box with.
I still have the JR 5 channels because I still have the trainer planes that they came with. I also use theme as buddy boxes if needed.
I only fly the 9C! I believe that once you try it you will understand why nothing else compares.

My wife has taken a very large interest in the hobby and we are saving up to buy her a 9C as well.

Please understand that I have nothing bad to say about any brand of radio. I personally prefer Futaba transmitters.

I bought the 9C because other friends had the 9C. I enjoy its ease of use and it gives me more options than I will probably ever use.

A few amenities that I like about the 9C:

1. I like the timer option. I can make the timer start when throttle is applied. I can
make an alarm sound at a pre-set time to tell me when I need to land.

2. It allows me to use two separate servos on the wing and have them adjustable independently.

3. Throttle kill is a very big plus for safety and convenience.

4. I can assign rates to virtually any switch I want. I usually assign all servos to one of the triple switches. Insane throw, manufacture high rate, and manufacturer low rate.

5. Exponential allows me to fly planes more relaxed. It allows me to fly very touchy planes without being touchy.

It has made me a better pilot!

Sorry for the long report. I guess my coffee just kicked in!

RE: 9C for beginner
 

If your going to do anything more than a trainer you will eventually want dual rates and exponential. This means you will at least need 6EXA, but for a little more you can pick up a 7c, which has timers, more mixes etc... So to answer your question, spending money on a 7c is plenty worth while if you are going to be in the hobby for a while, a 9c is even better, but unless you need the channels or dual elevator servos, you will be fine without it.

I have a 9c, and while I don't need everything it does I found the throttle idle-down and cutout features very handy.

schu

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Hi rcMitch, I have been RC modeling for around 25 years. I first bought a standard 4-channel and learned
to fly.......of course computer radios were not around then. I ended up with a bunch of radios that I
accumulated through the years. I now own a Futaba 8U and a 9C and have all my planes on those
two radios. I find it very nice to have everything in 1 (or2) spots and have since divested myself
of all my other radios. In response to RCKen's objection for beginners to use a programmable radio
to learn on.........I agree......beginners should learn the basics without crutches, but you do not have
to use any programming that you do not want. I don't know if I will ever utilize all of the functions
of the 9C but they are there if you want them and you never know what you will be wanting to do
tomorrow. I do not believe there is a more versitile radio around than the 9C. More and more of
the people I fly with are buying them and are very happy with them.
Of course this is just my opinion and everyone has one, but I'd not hesitate to encourage you to buy
a 9C

Very Best Regards,
Andy

RE: 9C for beginner
 

If you can afford it, sure! I'm an experienced modeler but new to R/C. For my trainer (Sig LT-40) I bought a Futaba 6XAS computer radio since it was on sale ($219 for the PCM version). Only problem with the PCM was it wasn't compatible with all the FM trainer cords used by our instructors so I wound up buying a R127-DF receiver.

No regrets and the additional features were worth it. Learning curve wasn't bad.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Comments from all of you are fantastic! Guess I need to sleep with a higher pillow tonight and see what I want in the end:D

RE: 9C for beginner
 

If you want the 9c and can afford it and figure it out on your own, go for it, but as an instructor -- don't bring it around for me to figure out for you. I spend my time teaching you to FLY and if we aren't doing that I want the time to fly my own planes. I also have the hard head thought that I'm not interested in spending all our time tuning your plane -- there are to many loffers sitting around giving advice that can help tune as they WON'T teach just *****.
Don't get me wrong - I do all those things when needed but it better be limited as I have a life also. I've been teaching for 25+ years and if there is anything that will turn me off real quick, it's someone that went out and bought that SUPER duper what ever and then wants me to spend my life figguring it out for them. I don't even figure out the remote for my wife, if she wants to use it -- figure it out.
I've seen to many good instructors spend WAY to much time setting up things up for someone, only to have them take it home and PLAY with it and get it all screwed up, then want the instructor to fix it again. ( or crash because they did someting and didn't say anything about it )
You say that's what an instructor is for --- I say BS. They taught me to DRIVE not fix the car or tune the radio.

Now if you want the 9c - go for it, but while you are learning LEAVE it in the BASIC mode.


rc ken -- you thought you had a band stand -- HA !!!!! ENJOY !!! RED

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I agree with RCKen in that I feel you should learn to fly without any "help" from your transmitter. There's no need for dual rates, exponential, programmed maneuvers, etc. on a trainer. And if you use these features when you learn, they will be a crutch later on that will impede your progress.

That being said, if you are serious about the hobby, get as much radio as you can afford. The 9CAPS should last you for many years to come. I've been happy with mine so far.

Kerry

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I prefer the 9c over the 7c because the programming menu is easier and more intuitive then the 7c. The 7c is a very good radio though but I like the ability to change frequencies in the 9c

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I've had the 7C since it came out, it is a great radio. But for a beginner, just get a basic radio for now, and wait until your ability/needs warrant a better radio. At that point, you'll likely find it is worth jumping up all the way to a 9C.
My 7C does all that I need it too, even for my two helis.
For now, just get a regular 4 channel set ($130), and in the future, you can still use all the gear with a better radio, and the transmitter can be used for training others! Getting a Futaba 4 channel radio set is only $10 more than getting a flight pack, so the 4 channel transmitter is cheap and smart way to go.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I'm a little late, but just wanted to say, depending on your field, you may be doing yourself and your instructor a favor, and also if you can afford it, if buy the RTF package, trainer cord and 9C. I say this since while I do keep a buddy box and cord in my car at all times, one can save the frustration of looking for one and trying to borrow one. More importantly, when I am instructing the first flight of each day for a student usually requires a trim flight for both the slave and master, wasting more time. Also, it is much easier to set throws, especially for the motor. I realize not everyone whats to spend a lot of money on stuff, but just wanted to point out that the more money you save, the more work you tend to create;)

RE: 9C for beginner
 

"The more money you save, the more work you tend to create." - I tend to agree with that.

There is no doubt that the 9C will allow you more flexibility with future planes compared to lesser radios. Not so much the 9 channels, but the programming and model memory are a plus. It's not so much that a lesser radio wouldn't work, but that it is easier to setup and store some configurations on a more advanced radio. Typically, there is always a work around, such as Y-cables, reversers, programmable servos, matchboxes, etc. It is just cleaner, simpler and more reliable IMO to avoid the extra fiddly bits inside a plane.

I take the same tact with radios as I do engines. They are items you keep a long time and can/will be used across many models. They are also items that if they misbehave, or don't or can’t do what you want, they can really cause a lot of frustration in what should be your fun time. My opinion is to get the best you can afford that meets your needs over the next 5 or so years.

This is where the problem exist with a new pilot. Who knows what you will be doing in 5 years. Will you stick with 4ch sport planes, move to giants or jets than require 10 channels, go into pylon racing, combat, scale, pattern, etc? Or possibly drop out of the hobby? If you are serious and the type that sticks with something, I'd say the 9C is a great radio for you. If you are unsure about the hobby, get the RTF, then sell it later and get the 9C then.

I started with a Futaba 6AX. At the time it was a nice 6ch computer radio. It was overkill my first season. Once I had a plane setup, I rarely messed with the settings. On a couple of occasions I played with flaperon, airbrake, etc. just to see how they affected the plane, but in general the extra programming did not detract from my learning how to fly. I used it for 1-1/2 years, at which point it couldn't handle all the mixes I was using. At 1-1/2 years, I was flying advanced aerobatic planes and trimming them for aerobatic flight. I actually ran out of mixes on the 6AX. For me, I quickly went from overkill to not enough on the 6AX in less than 2 years. So I sold the 6AX and got a 9ZAP, top of the line in the day and still a killer radio. Been using it for 6 years now. Love it so much I could never go back to a lesser radio. However, others I know have been flying for decades and still use their original 4ch or 6ch radios without a problem. There is no right or wrong here. It really depends on the person, they type of flying they do, etc.

My final word... it's your money, get what you want.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Yea, I took the plain old 4 channel route with my trainer trying to save a few bucks. I outgrew that by my second model and found out that I should of purchased a better radio. My next radio was a 6XAS which served me well for about 2 years. When I moved up to the more advanced scale aerobatic planes I found out how fast the channels get used up. I replaced my 6XAS with an Airtronics Stylus with all the upgrade cards. It took me alittle while to learn what all the functions were for but now all I can do is say nice. I have also programmed a 9C and believe it is one of the easiest to program radios I have seen. Much easier than my 6XAS was. If my students were to inquire about the 9C I would not try to sway them away from it. All the extra functions can just lie in wait till they need them. This is of course if I picked up that they were serious about staying with the hobby. If they were just trying it out then RTF all the way.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

I started out a couple years ago with the basic 4ch radio but upgraded to the 9c after a month or so. IMO the 9c was the best money I've ever spent in the hobby, although the old 4ch wasn't really a waste because the servos, receiver, switch etc that came with it were worth almost the price I paid for the whole thing. I ended up selling the old TX on ebay for $20 or something and came out about even. I'm certainly glad I didn't bother taking a step in-between and getting a 6x or something like that because I would have just ended up having to buy atleast a 9c anyway and end up being stuck with a low end computer radio that I would lose money on trying to re-sell.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

If ya got the $$, go for the 9C. If you don't, go for the 6EXA, If you think you may not stick with it, the 4chnl Computer Radio will fill the bill, better yet a skysport, from a swapmeet for about $30. Just depends on personal taste. You have two sticks to use on a trainer. leave the rest alone until you can do inverteds with a LT40 a foot off the deck, at WOT. Then go with a plane that uses 5 channels(two seperate aileron servos) and read the book 9-10 times cover to cover.

My first Radio was a 9CAF, with standard flight pack. that was two years ago. I have just now tried my hand at programming some simple mixes into it. my buddybox, for the wife, is a 6EXA.

And remember, just because we had all those nukes, didnt mean we had to use them. Just because your engines high end will peel the mono off the wings doesnt mean thats the only speed you have to run. Finally, all the switches on a 9C or for that matter a 14MZ do not have to necessarily be utilized, until the pilot has a total understanding of how and when to use them.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Ken, You mentioned that new 4ch Futaba. Will that let you adjust aileron differential with a y harness? The Futaba 6DA I have now (no computer) will only do that with Ch. 1 & Ch. 6 for the ailerons, not a y-harness into one channel.
Now before y'all get started, I'm currently using the 4 channel Tower radio that came with the Trainer & a buddy cord to the Futaba, but I do want a computer for the model memory, as I allready have a number of planes & not enough sense to stop accumulating more!:eek: This 6DA is a pretty nice radio for not being a computer, it will do some mixing, dual rates, & flaperons, again requiring Ch.1 & 6 for the ailerons, & re-tracts, but no model memory[>:] Any suggestions for my next radio??


Mark


P.S. While I'm stilling learning to fly we don't mess with any of the features on the Futaba. He just trims it in conjuction with the Tower radio & off we go.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

elenasgrumpy,
Not even a computer radio is going to let you adjust the aileron differential if you are using an Y-harness. That is because you are using only one channel to control the ailerons with. Differential is when one aileron moves less in the up direction than the other aileron moves in the down direction. When you use one channel to control the ailerons the up and down movements are going to be the same distance of travel.

I know that I'm an odd duck in the RC world when it comes to radios, in the fact that I have so many radios and don't want to put them on one computer radio. Part of that comes from how I got most of my radios. I got into RC at the same time that I was also starting a business. At that time money was very very tight, so a lot of the things I got in RC (i.e. planes, radios, engines, etc...) I got in trades. So I wound up with a lot of different radios (all Airtronics). Now that I can afford to buy equipment I really don't see a need to go to the hassle of trying to get all of my planes into one computer radio. I still have very valid reasons (at least in my warped mind) for not having all of my eggs in one basket. And they are, if there is someone else on my channel at the field I'm not always stuck waiting for them to clear the channel, I can just fly something else on another channel. Also, if I ever have to send the radio in for repair I'm not stuck not being able to fly while I wait for the radio to be returned.

Ken

RE: 9C for beginner
 

RCKens says
Repectfully, I would personally reword that to say...
If the student relies on the radio for somethings then they never really learn how to TRIM properly. mixes are use to correct trim issues, not pilot issues unless its because the pilot os too lazy trim the plane out right..;)

Ken is right,,, there are a LOT of lazy pilots out there that never take the time to learn how to mechaincally setup a plane correctly which results in a plane that doesnt fly well regardless of how much mix you put in

BUT>>>

Computer radio mixes can help to make up for inherent trim deficiencies in an airframe. However, If the new pilot ( at the 2nd plane level IMO) learns to adjust the basic mechanical parameters (thrust, cg, lateral balance, properly set throws) to get the plane flying as true as possible and THEN use the radio to mix out that what cannot be trimmed out by having a well setup airframe, they are WAY better off in the long run..... There is no way anyone should need to mix out a trainer, cub, cessna or whatever.. They all do fine for what they are designed to do without using computer mixed trimming....

BUT if you are flying an 3D Ultimate Biplane and you want to take the inherent pull to the canopy that cannot be corrected with any amount of mechanical adjustment without sacrificing other qualities then a computer radio is a priceless tool.
Learning to fly an airplane that flies like crap even after the person trimming has done everything in their power to setup the plane correctly, is not learning to fly properly its just being heardheaded.

I will repeat what I have said before as a comparison.. Who in their right mind would try to drive their car down the road with the front end 6" out of alignment and the car pulling hard to the left just to prove that it makes them a better driver... NOONE. Why should you not use mixing to fix what you cant fix mechanically...



So in short..... the 9C is PERFECT for a beginner if you want a pretty simple radio that you can use for anything you could ever want to fly including a basic trainer,,, to a pattern plane, to 3D planes and complex heli and glider setups... The radio is ridiculously simple to use,, all it takes is sitting with the radio and the manual for about 30minutes to an hour to be able to setup the basic parameters with relaitve ease..
Respectfully, some of the older guys that arent computer saavy do struggle a little with computer radios... But the typical person from 15- 50 have no problems mastering the 9C really quickly.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

bigned,
I agree with you 100%. The problem that I have seen is that a lot of times the student just can't help playing with all the "bright lights, bell, and whistles" on that "fancy radio". If they can set the radio at just the basics and LEAVE it there I have no problems, but if they start trying to play with it then I have problems with it. You have to admit that most people who get into this hobby aren't the type to wait. They have just bought this fancy new radio and they want to play with it!! Having the basic 4-channel no frills radio keeps them from playing with the bells and whistles, because there aren't any to play with.

Ken

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Ken, Thanks, That's what I thought as far as being able to adjust the differential, personally I'll be sticking to six channels or better after I'm done training. What I don't understand is why the amount of model memory seems to coincide with the number of channels you buy, ie: 6 channel gets you 6 model memory and so on & so forth in most of the Futabas I've been looking at. I'm sure there are exceptions to that. Just seems strange to me. I can't see myself ever needing more than 6 channels, I can see myself needing more than 6 model memory. Or am I just not looking at expensive enough 6 channel radios? Probably the case.


Mark

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Yes, when my computer radio needed service, I was toast for a bit, had to fly my plain jane radio and limited myself to one plane to avoid the hassles of re-setting other models. But when I think about how many students mess up the trims from one weekend to the next and all the time wasted trimming both the master/slave, at times having to call a more experienced pilot to trim out the buddy box, well I wish more students came by with a 9c. Sure its only a bit more extra time, but when you have 5-6 students and only you around, every little bit helps. All you have to do is neutral the buddy box trims, and make sure that all the surfaces are going the right direction. It also allows easy buddy boxing with a heli, all the mixes can carry over.

I do always have the student set everything mechanically, besides there aren't a whole lot of things one can program on a trainer with four servos. Oh yes, another thing I like is having a timer built in and tied to the throttle.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Good point San Francisco San Jose Kid, I'd forgotten about the timer, I'm sure someday it will save a plane or two for me:) If ya ever make it out to Tracy, maybe you can teach me some things too. We fly with the Tracy Skyliners, hope to become a member at the first of the year, currently impatiently waiting my turn to join.


Mark

RE: 9C for beginner
 

This is actually part of my training student. After the first flight for a student they learn to trim their airplane every day at the field. I have a bunch of buddy boxes, so I can usually have a buddy box for each student (so we don't have to mess with servo reversing each session). What's really funny that most students don't catch on to why they have to retrim their plane every session. :D As I put away the buddy boxes each session I intentionally change their trim settings, so they have to retrim every flight. I feel that having the skills to do this makes them a better pilot down the road. They won't be afraid of doing a maiden flight because they know how to trim a plane.

Ken

RE: 9C for beginner
 

My instructor used to intentionally set the trims on the buddy box off a little bit. We'd get up in the air, he'd let me have control and ask "What's it doing? Does it need any trim changes?"

It definitely is something that needs to be learned otherwise you will be asking for the rest of your flying career for someone else to trim your plane for you after you make any kind of change.

I have a 9C but I bought it just before my 3rd plane was assembled. I used a computer radio before but it was the 6EAX so mixes and things like that were not as available. I love my 9C and the only thing it would have done for me at the beginning would have been to save me money up front. Now, at least I do have a backup radio if my 9C goes bad.

Really it's a personal choice on how much money you want to spend in my opinion but the bells and whistles won't start being useful until about the 3rd plane (if even then).

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Hey Ken,

You know the thought never occured to me to do as you suggest, I think I'll start doing that as I feel appropriate. I agree, that there are far too many flyers that are afraid of the maiden flight. Also, I lost a couple of planes when I first started since I insisted on handling the first flights by myself, your little exercise would have helped immensely. Any suggestions for the wind challenged flyer?

My comments thus far were made with the first time, or close to, pilot.

RE: 9C for beginner
 

Unfortunately I can't help you with the wind challenged students. I don't have any of those. I'm not bragging about my skills as an instructor, it's just when you learn to fly in Oklahoma you learn to fly in the wind. our normal days are usually too windy for a lot of other pilots. A normal flying day will have the wind 10-20 mph, and we don't consider it being too windy until it gets 25-30 mph. So by defualt they learn to fly in the wind.

Ken