I've been back building planes for the last year after about an 18 year absence. I always loved to build but never felt comfortable flying my creations. I got started back into planes after I bought Real Flight G2. On my first computer flight I was amazed that it brought back the same nervousness that I had when flying the real planes. Very realistic I thought. I've had a few planes ready to fly but always found reasons not to take them out. Only thumb surgery was a valid reason. All the others were just plain fear of crashing. I've been very proficient on R.F. to the point that I can fly and LAND any plane on it without crashing. I just wasn't convinced that it would be the same with a real plane. Today I got proof that it was.
I put the Slow Stick and the Crazy Max in the back of the P.T. Cruiser and set out looking for a LARGE field to possibly destroy both planes in. I drove around for almost an hour and settled on Apache Junction High school (east of Phoenix) behind the running track. I put the Slow Stick on the ground and watched it get blown over and drug down the field because the wind was well in excess of 10 mph. I knew it was too windy but I had finally gotten myself this far along and I wasn't giving up. After a few more attempts I finally gave it full throttle and it broke ground and did a graceful climbout. I immediately realized I was no longer nervous and was in full control even though I really had to work the sticks because of the high wind. I was enjoying myself big time! Less than a minute into my first flight and I was looping it and doing touch and goes at about three minutes. I realized the Crazy Max would be much better at penetrating the wind so I landed the Slow Stick and chased it down the field again after the wind grabbed it.
I set the Crazy Max down and did a r.o.g. with it also. It too was getting beat around by the wind but it was much faster and MUCH more responsive. Holy cow! Rolls and inverted flight, tail slides, touch and goes. I ran the pack down and landed. Walking back to the car I was smiling so hard my face hurt. I couldn't stop now. I put another pack in it and launched from the much more confined parking lot (right next to my new P.T. Cruiser I might add)I had that much confidence now. Took off and flew the cr@p out of it. The only misshap came when I misjudged distance and just clipped a light pole while shooting a touch and go. It cartwheeled in and I just gave it throttle and took off again. Keep in mind I've been doing all of this after less than 15 minutes total flight time in 18 years. This is all due to my practicing on Real Flight G2. Nothing can replace a good flight instructor but I you don't have access to help this sim will help prepare you for that critical first flight. Or if you just lack confidence like I did this is the cure. R.F. G2 is 100% responsible for my success. I'm already thinking of moving up to the Wattage F-86 ducted fan jet. That's how confident I am in my flying abilities now.
I wish I could get that smile off my face. It's really starting to hurt bad.

Hey Hakkinen. I tried to reply to your P.M. but you've been blocked from receiving. It a real shame you got so much flack for your story. :disappoin