The Top 5 Things To Help You Get Started
by Todd BredaGetting started in electric R/C flying can be an extremely fun and rewarding endeavor. That wasn't always the case. Years ago technology was limited, especially in electric flying. Thousands of potential R/C flyers undoubtedly walked away from the hobby in frustration after not seeking the appropriate guidance and training. We've all heard the stories of the guy (let's call him "Bob") who invested in a nice model, took it out to a flying site (or perhaps NOT a flying site!) with no flying skills whatsoever and proceeded to smash it into pieces.
Angry and frustrated Bob decides the hobby is a waste of time and money and is just not for him. Little did he realize had he taken some time to seek out a local R/C flying field looking for flying instruction, or purchase a R/C flight simulator and spend some time learning how to fly, Bob would have no doubt saved his model from the trash bin after the first attempt and might be fully immersed and happy in the hobby to this very day.
Don't be like Bob!
So if you are new to the hobby and not quite sure how to go about it, here are the Top Five things you should know to help you get started in what can be an incredibly immersive and rewarding hobby.
Number 1: Your First Model Should Be A High Wing Trainer
These days the technological progression in the hobby, including low cost aircraft that are easy to repair and easy to equip with a “gyro” flight stabilizer, make it easier than ever to start flying safely. However, when it comes to starting out, I am old school. Nothing beats learning to fly on a slow and easy high wing trainer. High Wing Trainers (HWT for short) aren't very complex, nor too powerful. Good traits to learn on. And the best part about starting out on a HWT is their inherent stability. These are aircraft that fight stalling at every turn. This affords the beginner room to grow and improve their stick control without the higher risk of stalling while learning to fly.
Those "must-have" jets and warbirds that most flyers eventually gravitate to will be there for you when you are ready. More importantly, the stick time you put in your HWT will eventually carry you over into the next level of skill that will allow you to ultimately fly those sought after aircraft.
This is absolutely a "learn to walk before you run" hobby. Trying to run out of the gate simply leads to a road of frustration and misery.