Beginner??? Probably!
 

Well ladies and gents, I did it! Today I went to LHS and bout a Hanger9 Alpha (40) Trainer. I have always been interested in the hobby and made furtive attempts, and some spectacular figure nines!

Tonite the plane is charging and I will build tomorrow. Then, in the evening, when the wind is down, my son will maiden the bird.

I am going against convention here. I will not have an instructor or buddy box system. I own acerage and have plenty of large fields to fly on. In fact, before a windstorm destroyed my previous (full-scale) bird, I used to fly out of my farm around the countryside. Two things will happen tomorrow. We will end up with toothpicks, or, we will gently fly the Alpha and build the skills we need to progress. Hopefully it is door #2.

Being a retired old coot, I am in no rush. I am, however, fully committed to spend the $ needed to put me in a correct trainer. No offense to the electric advocates but the small two channel foamies just dont give a newbie much of a chance. Something a bit larger and heavier shall be more steady, IMHO.

So, thanks to all who regularly post here. It's your (fault) that I am taki ng the plunge. I love building and have grandious ideas of designing and building my own, as my skills of flying improve. I will continue to scour the pages of this forum since it seems most of you have forgotten more than I will ever know. Thanks for being willing to share your knowledge and encouragement to all us newbies! You guys (and gals) are great!

I'll let you know how Tuesday nite goes!


Paul</p>

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Talk about fast.... ummmm...may the force be with you!

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

good luck!!! make sure to give it a good once over before you fly. check the CG, make sure control surfaces are moving in the correct direction. take off and land into the wind. and don't over correct. let us know how it goes!!!:D

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

I've got to repeat, CHECKTHECG. I've got a home built, a Ruperts Dad from plans in RCModel World Magazind from about four years back. Ibuilt it from plans, and the first flight by an club member was great. A couple years later, after I got my wings, I put it up again and then I had a problem, battery failure I think and i plunked it into the pond behind our field. Ipulled it out and there was just some damage to the lower sheeting on the wing. Ipatched that up and flew it for a few weeks and then that battery really died, mid flight and Ireally crunched the wing this time. I built a new wing and gave it a snazzy covering and after two full system checkouts, the third maiden of the plane was about as white knuckle as you can get. Turns out that I was almost 8 oz light on the nose. I don't know what changed during the rebuilds, and I even added wheel pants this time, but it was way tail heavy. I got it down with out damage, but I never want to fly a plane like that again. CHECKthe CG.

Don

PS, welcome to the addiction.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

thanks guys,

I just completed about 90% of the construction tonite. Tomorrow will "nut and bolt" ever thing again with my son as an extra pair of eyes.

Don, do you think I should bother to check CG??? ;)

I plan to to CG and lateral axis check with son. Then, with that completed, adjust all the throws.

Guess I'm kinda lucky with a "workshop". I own and operate a boarding kennel on the property so I have LOTS of space that is heated/AC'd to do all this work in. Then a few hundred yard walk to any of my fields...

I am excited for the maiden flight but not too excited to overlook thorough pre-flight or, if there is wiund, to "push the envelope" and try to make a flight in conditions that will equal $$$$.

Thanks for all the advice, it is heard and acknowledged.

Tomorrow nite I'll be back with another installment entitled, "TOOTHPICKS" !

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Is your son a RC pilot?????? if he is not don't forget the trash bag...for the toothpicks......
flying full scale is not the same as RC...full scale the controls are never reversed...but they are in RC....everything in RC is by sight...no seat of the pants flying...
Please don't be one of those I'm a full scale pilot...I can handle this.....flyers......usually the airplane goes down the runway lifts off begins a gentle roll one way or the other, never recovers impacts inverted.....the amount of land to fly over would not have mattered...it didn't last that long....
Don't get me wrong I truely wish you the best....but an instructor is the way to go......

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

I second the instructor advice. You'll spend many times in broken equipment and time what it would have cost you to join a club and get an instructor.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

At the very least, spend some time on a cheap simulator first!

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Can you learn by yourself? Yes, and you might not crash at all, but even Chuck Yeager had a flight instructor. It is mostly about muscle memory just like full scale, so you are having to teach yourself to move your thumbs when you want to move your arms and feet. I have seen many try this and some got it for a few flights but the muscle memory is not there and it costs $400.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Good luck Kennel - I truly hope all goes well. I do however have to agree with the others - at the least get a simulator, just to get the controls down (especially when the plane is coming towards you). If your son is an rc pilot - then get a buddy cable and hook it up - it's worth it just as a precautionary method.

Well, good luck once again and perhaps it will end up being a brilliant day.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Good luck! While I am in agreement with everyone here about the instructor or sim I know it can be done without either. A buddy of mine did it and he has quickly caught up to me in flying skills. I have dedicated hours on my sim at home just to keep one step ahead of him! : )

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

well you could get a buddly box and have your kid teach you to fly, seriously most kids have a least a marginally better chance at teaching themselves, kids aren't thinking analytically about it or over thinking it at all, just react. As an rc instructor and a real pilot I can say real pilots are the hardest to train to fly rc, thing are ok until it comes back at ya.
remember when it comes at you to move the stick to the low wing.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

This is one of those times I've got a little angel on one shoulder whispering, "Tell him it's not worth the risk of losing the plane and injury to his son, himself or their property," and on the other shoulder a little devil is whispering, "Don't say anything and see what happens."

When I was learning to fly, flying alone, I actually dive bombed at myself full speed, not once, but twice in the same flight with a wildly out of trim airplane. Both dive bombings I was within a second of hitting the dirt to save myself lol. I saved the plane. What are the odds of dive bombing straight at yourself twice when there are a million other directions a plane can go? LOL, that would've been pathetic if I'd hit myself with my own airplane.

Anyway, my advice is go find a club to learn to fly.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

ok guys, I hear you all....   Son is an RC pilot...   Tomorrow you can come back and say I told you so.  But as for myself, I have taught myself nearly every skill I have, and that is limited, but out of necessity.

Throughout my life, when I have wanted to learn a skill, I have looked to others to assist.  I have gone to the "pros" and paid $$$ and dues for learning.   I can't remember if I have ever had any luck with that.   "I can't today"  "I'm busy"  "go buy this go buy that".
It seems that everyone that wants to be a "teacher" or a docent, doesn't commit.

I have adopted the philosophy of learning skills by myself.  I do not disagree with any of your advice but it is just not for me.

But, on the otherhand, thanks for all the advice and encouragement.

Will I crash and destroy the plane.  Yep, I'm planning on it.  Who amoung you hasn't?   But, I also plan on learning something from each and every flight.</p>

Again, thanks for the advice, come back tomorrow and say, "I told you so" or, with any luck, concentration, and aptitude, I'll report that the maiden flight was a success....</p>

</p>

Paul</p>

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Another vote for an instructor - except you said you wouldn't so....

Time on a cheap simulator will materially improve your chances of success. Success would include minor damage IMO..

You will also need something that hasn't been mentioned - a plan.

You should have an image of the entire flight in your head. This includes what you should be doing and how your intend to accomplish it.

My suggestion would be to break the flight into 7 phases

Phase 0 - Pre-flight

- Controls move in proper direction
- CG is correct
- Batteries charged
- Fuel full
- All control surfaces secure
- Push rods and keepers in place
- Wind is light
- Sun is not in flight area (you'll fly through it, blind yourself, and crash if not careful)
- etc.

Phase 1 - Ground Handling

- Plane "drives" straight
- Rudder control results in useful steering (instead of over control or no control)
- Runway is smooth enough for flight
- etc.

Phase 2 - Takeoff

- Into the wind
- Light controls
- Prepared for trim issues requiring you to hold some stick to keep level
- Full power
- Altitude altitude altitude
- Wings level with ground
- Altitude altitude altitude (to about 120 feet or more)

Phase 3 - Trim and Turn

- Once upstairs *reduce power* - you'll forget this one, but try not to - 60 - 70% power should work fine - no need to chase a speed demon
- The airplane may be very out of trim in which case you'll be controlling it a lot
- A helper to move trims might be helpful
- Often trimming elevator first is easier
- Then aileron trim
- If rudder is straight on the ground you can probably forget about trimming it on this flight - you'll have enough to do...
- Objective is a plane that flies straight and level at 65% power and no control inputs
- You'll need to be turning so remember to turn away from you to make an oval
- if you take off headed to your right then it'll be all left turns
- otherwise all right turns
- if you find yourself in a "fire fight" an airplane gaining altitude usually is an aircraft buying you some time - translation if your in a panic and the plane is headed up don't stop it until its nice and high

Phase 4 - Flight in Oval pattern

- if you've made it this far then it's time to let the heart slow a little
- keep it high (120 feet or more) and make turns to fly an oval
- keep it simple - all left or all right turns

Phase 5 - Slowing down, learning stall behavior, and practicing decent

- Be high - 120 feet or more
- Reduce power and keep the plane level (constant altitude) w/ elevator until it stalls
- It should fall forward with neither wing dropping
- Increase throttle and climb back to original altitude
- Stay in oval
- Do this several times
- You now know the absolute slowest it can fly
- Now reduce throttle and use elevator to slow decent from 120 ft to 80 ft - don't stall
- Repeat several times
- Now try the 120 -> 80 foot decent as you round the last leg of your oval and are lined up with the runway
- Don't land yet
- Repeat as necessary

Phase 6 - Landing

- Fly downwind and turn to final at about 50 ft high and a good distance out
- Reduce throttle to 5 - 10%
- Control decent speed with elevator - don't stall
- As airplane gets lower focus
- Is it going to fly past the runway? Don't force it - power up and go around
- Is it going to land short of the runway? Don't force it - power up and go around
- Is your decent too fast? Don't force it - power up and go around
- Is your decent too slow? Don't force it - power up and go around

- When your on a good glide path wait until low over runway (4 feet) and cut to 0 throttle
- Continue decent, as airplane gets close to runway use elevator to keep right above surface (i.e. fly level)
- If plane blooms (i.e. nose points up and it starts to climb) ADD Power and go around - it'll stall and crash quickly - use less elevator next time
- Otherwise plane will slow and land.... Ideally on rear gear - even better softly...
- If plane hits hard and bounces you'll have a choice - add power and go around or continue landing - often going around is better, but you'll have the airplane close to earth and your nerves may be shot so use your instincts


Knowing in advance how your plan to handle that various phases of flight is critical. I would suggest mentally rehearsing the plan several times...

I would also suggest a helper who has the plan printed out to remind you of the steps.

If the maiden pilot is your son and you're the helper you both should have an identical flight plan in mind and be prepared to work as a team...

Good luck

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

I just let the devil say "Please bring a camera, a picture is worth 1000 words." The little angel on my shoulder gave up after about 100 of these threads. Nowadays, I'm pretty sure even he gets a laugh when things go south!

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

OK, you don't want to buddy box it. That's fine, but at least let your son take it off and trim it out. Passing the Tx back and forth seems like something you should consider - why waste your money?

Good luck, and have fun! I'm sure your heart will be pounding, it'll be a memorable experience - an experience everyone here relates to.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

:D Great post!

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

If your son is an rc pilot get the buddy cord! in essence when you learn to fly you are teaching yourself with a little coaching from the instructor. The great part about the instructor is that he can prevent you from burying the plane in the first 30 seconds then give it back too you so you can try again. It takes a long time to learn to fly in 30 second bursts once a day. A simulator will allow you to learn some stick control on electronic models that can be rebuilt by hitting the space bar. IF you consider learning all by yourself when you have a son who is a pilot then I think you are either a little crazy or that you are intentionally trying to startr a flame war on this heated topic and therefore some kind of troll

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Good luck, any chance of video?

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

You know what Kennel...You have come on here and posted that's ok...you disagree, that's ok as well......
But to come on this forum and in a round about way blast those that teach others when you have had no expierence with an RC instructor is not a good way to start a hobby that is as social as RC flying is......instructors don't commit??????? I have never once charged for instruction, most instructors don't.....I have given my time and flown with a student instead of flying for me...alot......I give common hardware like nuts bolts and screws because a student hasn't learned what to carry yet....I have my own buddy boxes and cords, because I don't trust the clubs.......I have gone to the field and stood because a student didn't show and didn't call......not just me...every instructor has stories like this.....
You never learned a skill that you didn't teach yourself...perhaps the problem lies within the mirror, instead of the instructor......sure we all crash you are correct...but I didn't crash my airplane learning to fly...my instructor saw to it......
Good Luck on your flight.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

That is great that you are getting into flying. If your son is a capable instructor then you should do fine. Take it slow and enjoy it. That is the point. I learned with an instructor and it worked great for me, probaly the reason I am still in the hobby and am progressing as fast as I am. A friend started same time as me bought the same plane but said, oh I will learn on my own. He crashed the plane first flight after barely getting it in the air. He was doing pretty much everything wrong, but he ended up quitting. His plane is now a pile of sticks and an air boat motor lol. Anyways if your son is a rc pilot then you should be alright. Let him take off, trim, and pass the sticks. Someone else said it but ALTITUDE ALTITUDE ALTITUDE especially if your passing the stick back and forth.

Enjoy!

Jetmech05 - I don't know if he was trying to flame instructors but there are good and bad out there. He just sounds stubborn to me, the guy not ready to let anyone help. Luckily of the 2 clubs near me 1 was willing to help. Not everyone has a great experience with instructors, I did. I do see your point I know how much instructors put into this hobby and i appreciate every second of it! Thank You.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Sorry, but I tend to agree with jetmech. I can safely say I did not crash and destroy a plane when I was learning to fly with an instructor. That same instructor is now my mentor/coach. I've learned so much from him that I would not have on my own. Now, that's not to say I haven't crashed. I have crashed when mechanical issues arise, or control of the plane is lost, or from pushing the limits in aerobatic flight. But I have never "planned" on crashing and destroying a plane to learn something new because I was too stubborn/proud/etc to ask for help.

Please don't take offense to this, as I really do wish you the best and hope you succeed. The more the merrier in this hobby! However, please don't generalize others.

Good luck, you've received a lot of good advice here! [8D]

PS: Dont forget to take pictures of the plane before its first flight, just in case something happens! :D

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

balsaBrkr,  Your advice is great.  Tonites flight will be just that.  AFTER thorough pre-flicght, taxi testing.  Then take off rolls, then take-offs....    BY MY SON....

We are taking baby steps in this.    Thank you.</p>

</p>

JETMECH,  Wow, I am excited about rc flying.   But, having been down the path a few times IN OTHER ENDEAVORS, my reliance on others is limited.   Been there done that.   NEVER once did I say anything about RC instructors and you made that assumption.  I applaud you in your dedication to assisting others, but I haven't found that in other avocations I have enjoyed.

Example:  I started racing Outlaw Karts three years ago.  Was assured that I would get all the help I needed.  Didn't happen.  So I taught myself about a few things and have become the go to guy at the track for carburator troubles.  Before three years ago, I did not even own mechanic tools.  Now, I will miss a race in order to help someone else out at the track, especially competitors in my class.</p>

I am not stubborn, just realistic the IN MY EXPERIENCE the best way is for ME to do it.   Ya want it done, ya got to do it yourself.  I believe that you misinterpreted my comments as a slam on the RC world and RC instructors.  Nothing could be further from the truth....   until now.  JETMECH, you don't know me.  You don't know my life experiences.  Yet you condemn my philosophy on life and learning.  You suggest that you experience RC Flying as a social setting.  Good!  I hope you enjoy it and have great social experiences.  But from the tone of YOUR post, it seems that to get along you have to go along.  Sorry, I don't live my life that way.
I march to my drummer.

So having said that,  I guess I'll just enjoy time and fun with my son.  Crash/no crash, who the h#ll cares.

To those who urged and offered sincere advice, thank you.  To those who know it all and "condemn"  my actions or attitude, thank you for reinforcing the fact that there is one in every avocation.

Soured by the reactions, I may not return to this forum.  I just will be an old retired guy having fun, the way I want to have it! </p>

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

One thing that many miss about the hobby is that, most who are in it to stay treat it just as you would a real plane not the toy that the public is wanting to see. About 3-4 years ago, 2 people were killed by their models so it can happen. Another point, the government is now coming in to define what is hobby and what is not for us; they would like to shut us down because of defence contractors; right now they are watching closely. We want to help or we would not respond; we also want to protect a rite that can be taken away.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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.)

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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!

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

Kennel,

Good luck on your maiden flight.

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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.;)

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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.

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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! ;):D

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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

RE: Beginner??? Probably!
 

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]