Teaching Myself to Fly

[mcriley2]

Having signed up to Hobby Squawk three years ago but only posted twice, I'd say "Welcome to Hobby Squawk" but you've been a family member for a while now!

Thanks Alpha'
Basically a beginner for about two years now, learning from others experience's. Since joining squawk, most of my time is going from different forums to catch up and update to present posts and trying to cram as much information in my head as possible without much of it oozing out my ears(that's about two years of catching up). Very happy to be able to be privilege to so much good advise.

[thebbqguy]

I received my March edition of Model Aviation yesterday. There was an article on Free Flight contests. That led me to a club in my home town I didn't know existed. That contact led me to J&H Aerospace online. The catapult gliders like the Aleda might be right for me. It looks like you can progress from 8 in to a 19 in pod launched RC glider. This might be the path for me.

Meanwhile the UMX Radian and Dx 6 arrived yesterday. They are in the closet for now.

The club here doesn't seem to be an RC club but I am hoping to make a contact there who can help me.

[Grossman56]

Good choice Blues Dragon! The biggest thing we all had in the beginning was an addiction to warbirds and wanting to hop right into one would be akin to getting your private pilots license and hopping right into a P-51. We instinctively know that would be foolish, right?
Just think of this as going to the local airport to begin flight training, which in fact, is exactly what you're doing. To quote my buddy Dave Scott,"Learn to crawl first, then learn to walk before you learn to run"
An interesting point also, when I started flying Ol' Weedwacker, she seemed fast. Then when I switched to the Pandoras, they seemed fast. After flying the crap out of both of them, the transition to the P-51s wasn't as big a deal as I thought it would be. Its a matter of developing the program in your brain that allows you to keep several steps ahead of the airplane. The Pandoras seem so slow now, they can't get away with anything!!
Going up to jets is the same thing. Now, when I flew the Avanti for the first time, it was like flying an old friend because she's not much faster, if at all, than my Bearcat (I have a 650kv in the Bearcat, she hauls!). My only problem was getting the dang thing back on the ground. A trip to Nefi and hanging out with Charlie, Mike, Steve and Ryan solved that to a big extent.
To sum it up in a word
Patience!
You'll get there!!:Cool:

Grossman56

[BluesDragon]

Yeah, I'm one of those noob's myself. Been RC'ing for a long time... at ground level. Although I have always had a fascination with flight. So I bought a drone a while back that helped build my confidence in the air. Not to mention I've been a gamer for life. So I've always had one type of stick controller in my hands at one time or another. Was even big into the MS Flight Sim years ago... as well as the WWII Flight Sim. Loved flying those P-51s! Only difference being these Sims where flown with a joy stick. So anyhow, since joining the local fly club for a safe place to fly my drone, I started getting that itch for the fix wings again. My love for the Warbirds sent me right to the Dynam F4U Corsair (1270mm). Just finished the build a couple days ago. She is just too sexy! Just been running 'er up and down the road in front of my house getting a feel for the controls and the power. Even with what confidence I have in my 50(+) years of playing I feel I can take to the air, but getting back down and keeping 'er sexy... yeah, not so confident. So today I purchased the Mini Apprentice S (with SAFE tech). Until I'm feeling confident getting her down safely, well, as Grossman56 so eloquently put it.. the F4U Corsair will grace my shop.. with her sexiness. ;)

[OV10]

Gonna miss being there this year, but by god, next year............
Grossman56

Still waiting to hear what the alternative excitement is gonna be to fill the NEFI void. :Smug:
Don't tell me that Diane has you digging her a posie bed. LOL

[Grossman56]

Grossman56, It sounds like I need to leave the UMX in the box and on the self for awhile.

I read a little about the Hawk Sky and watched some videos. It might be a nice compromise. I'll be happy when the weather turns and I can get off the discussion board and take some action to finally get in the air. To paraphrase the Rolling Stones, " We don't always get what we want, we get what we need."

Yep, the results speak for themselves, for me and several others on the forum. When I started on the forum back in June of 2014, I was exactly where you are right now. I started a thread called,"All Us Newbies, Let's share" and let it go a while back as it was pointed out that I was no longer a Newbie.Once I started moderating and rewriting manuals as well as living a regular life and above all, flying my planes, I tend to be more of an adviser rather than an instigator of threads, still, I, like a lot of people here, am drawn to to new guy in the hobby. There were a couple of guys at Nefi last year that were just starting out and had Apprentices. I had a great time giving them some advice and when it worked for them, they were thrilled. Kind of my forte.
Not that 'm anywhere near the advanced level, I'd say somewhere in the middle of the intermediate group. That's why Nefi and the club at home are so valuable. Get in with a bunch of guys who share the same passion and you'll pick up things a whole lot faster.
Another big tip, never hesitate to ask a question, there are no dumb questions, heck, we all probably asked them ourselves. And watch Pilot Ryan's videos. You can pick up a lot of info from him, especially the t/o's and landings. Look at the angle of the fuse and just how much throttle control makes a difference. When you see him and Mike and Warbird and Steve flying in real time at Nefi, its even better!!
Gonna miss being there this year, but by god, next year............

Grossman56

[TiredIronGRB]

Grossman56, It sounds like I need to leave the UMX in the box and on the self for awhile.

I read a little about the Hawk Sky and watched some videos. It might be a nice compromise. I'll be happy when the weather turns and I can get off the discussion board and take some action to finally get in the air. To paraphrase the Rolling Stones, " We don't always get what we want, we get what we need."

The Hawk Sky is a good plane, I have several that I use to FPV with and they are also a good first plane. They are also easy to fix ;)

[thebbqguy]

Grossman56, It sounds like I need to leave the UMX in the box and on the self for awhile.

I read a little about the Hawk Sky and watched some videos. It might be a nice compromise. I'll be happy when the weather turns and I can get off the discussion board and take some action to finally get in the air. To paraphrase the Rolling Stones, " We don't always get what we want, we get what we need."

[mcriley2]

Having signed up to Hobby Squawk three years ago but only posted twice, I'd say "Welcome to Hobby Squawk" but you've been a family member for a while now!

You're flying a capable trainer from FMS, keep at it and don't lose hope. You'll do just fine, I'm sure! I recommend making a flight plan and sticking to it, flying the same routine over and over again. Consistency is key. Gradually add new maneuvers as you master familiar ones.

I'm the guy who literally points at the sky before I take off and talks to myself, narrating everything I'm going to do once I take off all the way to landing. "Power up here, rudder right here, manage the tail, tail up here, release rudder here, beware pitch over here, throttle gradual not sudden, liftoff here, shallow climb, gear up here, 80% power by here, turn here, wings level here..." I talk myself through that process for maidening prototypes here at the factory, which is important since they're most often the only one in the world at that time and a crash would be costly in time and money. The same principle applies for teaching yourself how to fly and working up the ladder. Preparation and Consistency.

Thanks Alpha, your words have given me another boost of confidence.

[mcriley2]

Finally, good to know, I'm not alone in wiping off dust before considering flight ...

[Grossman56]

Hello everyone,

I've been following the discussions on this tread for some time and now feel confident enough to add my 2 cents worth. I'm basically a self taught beginner pilot. When I decided to indulge into this hobby, I went in, eyes wide opened. My first two planes was the Dynam Corsair and FMS P-51B. After two years to date, neither has had it's maiden yet, for I too, am a slow cautious flyer. I purchased the FMS Easy Trainer, to begin my actual flying experience once I tore myself away from the sim. My major transition was being able to distinguish distance and depth, landing follows close behind, as making mistakes on the sim was much more forgiving. I ALMOST hate that I'm babying my Corsair and P-51B and treating the Easy Trainer, as a bald-headed step child. She has been up numerous times and came down hard numerous times. She's been under repair so many times, I'm thinking of nicknaming her:
Evel Knievel:Dizzy:(for those of you who knows).

For now, she'll take all the bumps and bruises, until the time's right. Even though, I do consider myself a self learner, that's not entirely true. I have a great many instructors helping me here on this forum as well as those we may encounter at the field. With that being said, thanks to everyone who spend the time to educate those of us, who benefits from your experience and helpfulness.
As long as you keep giving, I'll keep coming back for more ... :Cool:

Hey guys, especially the new fellows, welcome!!
Sounds like me in the beginning!!
Right of the gate, bought an FMS P-51D and a Dx6. Then thought the better of it and bought a HH Super Cub S trainer.
And the P-51 graced my basement....
Finally go the Cub in the air, no one told me about prop torque, especially not the Sim!
And the P-51 graced my basement.
Got the feel of the Cub finally and decided I needed a 'real' airplane, one that had ailerons!! So I bought a Pandora.
And the P-51 graced my basement.
Pandora One crashed several times, caught on fire, I learned to be a repair mechanic long before I learned how to fly.
And the P-51 graced my basement.
After the fire, I got a second Pandora, but figured out how to repair the first one, so had two to fly, wow, multiple planes that I can actually get in the air most of the time. Spent the second season getting them down to where they were simple to fly.
And the P-51 graced my basement, along with the a sister, a P-51B.
Third season, got right into it with the Pandoras and went to US R/C Flight School in Shawano, Wi. Took the P-51B and flew a WARBIRD for the first time, buddy boxed with Dave.
And the good ol' P-51D, well, you know by now......
Got home and finally got up enough nerve to fly a Mustang by myself, a challenge, but not a huge challenge because I took the time to learn to crawl then walk then run.

And the P-51D's, the P-51B, The P-40, the F8F, the F7F, the Spitfires, the Pitts, the Avanti (have I left anyone out??) They all grace the skies now!

The first and the last, so far....Ol' Weedwacker and the Avanti:



The Pandoras, still in great flying condition:



And the Mustangs, Big Beautiful Doll graced the basement for the better part of two years:



And Shangrila, the first 'Stang in the air, after landing from another successful flight:



It can be done! Patience and learn to crawl before you walk, learn to walk before you try to run!!

Grossman56

[rifleman_btx]

All I will ask is don't give up on the hobby if the plane you of your choice out of stubbornness is totally destroyed. Soldier up get a good beginner plane and Charlie Mike. We here will show the path to success, it's you who must decide to take it. With that I'll say good luck, may the lift be with you! :)

[thebbqguy]

I'm sure my ego is heavily involved. LOL.

I've been flying on the Phoenix simulator for quite a while.

I decided I want to fly Sailplanes but that club field is closed until May due to the road situation.

So I'm starting down the path. I decided to take action and that's what I'm doing.

I will still go the club route but I'm not going to wait till May to do something. LoL.

I have appreciated and actually spent a lot of time looking at each suggested plane.

I can fly the little Radian in my back yard. If I break it out of the gate, it was a $79 learning experience.

Then I will have a good story to tell about my stubbornness.

[crankestein]

There are many good simulators on Ebay. Let me see if I can find the one I purchased a while back. It cost me around 30 bucks or so.

There is no pain and ridicule, not sure if its you who is putting a wall or if ALL the clubs are as you say, which I think its just a matter of accepting the noob status. Most fields have a trainer for new members, which brings to paying a fee and having your AMA license. As long as you have those and follow the guidelines nobody can say anything. There should be specific dates and/or designated instructors for esch club. Visit their websites and go through the policies section.

I have been following your postings and to me the learning barrier is been put by yourself. You posted a while back that you dont like such and such airplane because it uses rubber bands. Of course buddy, you are a noob, so? No big deal. This is similar to the person who is frantic on walking into a gym because its intimidated by all the muscle testosterone hitting the weights.

If been a noob in the field with a "horrific" rubber band plane, much worst is been a senior pilot and crashing when teaching someone else to fly. A friend of mine went through that, and it was very very humbling for him, did not see him for a while at the club.

People have posted many recommended airplanes and you still deviate and go for something else. Looks like you are not listening to others and stuck into your "should be logical" decisions.

I am sorry, but the main barrier to overcome is your ego.

[Alpha]

Hello everyone,

I've been following the discussions on this tread for some time and now feel confident enough to add my 2 cents worth. I'm basically a self taught beginner pilot. When I decided to indulge into this hobby, I went in, eyes wide opened. My first two planes was the Dynam Corsair and FMS P-51B. After two years to date, neither has had it's maiden yet, for I too, am a slow cautious flyer. I purchased the FMS Easy Trainer, to begin my actual flying experience once I tore myself away from the sim. My major transition was being able to distinguish distance and depth, landing follows close behind, as making mistakes on the sim was much more forgiving. I ALMOST hate that I'm babying my Corsair and P-51B and treating the Easy Trainer, as a bald-headed step child. She has been up numerous times and came down hard numerous times. She's been under repair so many times, I'm thinking of nicknaming her:
Evel Knievel:Dizzy:(for those of you who knows).

For now, she'll take all the bumps and bruises, until the time's right. Even though, I do consider myself a self learner, that's not entirely true. I have a great many instructors helping me here on this forum as well as those we may encounter at the field. With that being said, thanks to everyone who spend the time to educate those of us, who benefits from your experience and helpfulness.
As long as you keep giving, I'll keep coming back for more ... :Cool:

Having signed up to Hobby Squawk three years ago but only posted twice, I'd say "Welcome to Hobby Squawk" but you've been a family member for a while now!

You're flying a capable trainer from FMS, keep at it and don't lose hope. You'll do just fine, I'm sure! I recommend making a flight plan and sticking to it, flying the same routine over and over again. Consistency is key. Gradually add new maneuvers as you master familiar ones.

I'm the guy who literally points at the sky before I take off and talks to myself, narrating everything I'm going to do once I take off all the way to landing. "Power up here, rudder right here, manage the tail, tail up here, release rudder here, beware pitch over here, throttle gradual not sudden, liftoff here, shallow climb, gear up here, 80% power by here, turn here, wings level here..." I talk myself through that process for maidening prototypes here at the factory, which is important since they're most often the only one in the world at that time and a crash would be costly in time and money. The same principle applies for teaching yourself how to fly and working up the ladder. Preparation and Consistency.

[RCjetdude]

DYP-1026S 10.5*8*4 (4 blades standard rotation)
I found the package tag.

I flew it for a while on APC 11*9 4 blade. That's too heavy load on the OEM motor and ESC.
I did upgrade the motor to the one from the Dynam Me-109 so I could spin it higher rpm using 4S.

The Dynam prop looks better on the model. It would work with the OEM ESC and motor on 3S. (not 4S)

The OEM prop on the P-51 can be used with 4S without changing motor or ESC.

Thanks for the info. :Cool:

[fhhuber]

DYP-1026S 10.5*8*4 (4 blades standard rotation)
I found the package tag.

I flew it for a while on APC 11*9 4 blade. That's too heavy load on the OEM motor and ESC.
I did upgrade the motor to the one from the Dynam Me-109 so I could spin it higher rpm using 4S.

The Dynam prop looks better on the model. It would work with the OEM ESC and motor on 3S. (not 4S)

The OEM prop on the P-51 can be used with 4S without changing motor or ESC.

[RCjetdude]

There is no perfect trainer that suits everyone's needs.

My main reason to not recommend UMX (anything) for a beginner is they are small, light and get bounced around by light wind gusts. You'll be flying low because you need to keep them closer to be able to see which way they are pointed so you are more likely to be in the ground turbulence.
Around here, small and light doesn't fly much. The wind is often too strong for the micro P-51 to make forward progress over the ground when going into the wind. The UMX Radian is slower.

Different prevailing winds can make that UMX Radian into an excellent choice as a first airplane.

I have given beginners lessons on just about anything other than an EDF model. That included (when I had it) my GP 60 inch Fokker Dr1. You can tweak almost anything to be OK as a trainer as long as its not overweight. A trainer does need to fly slowly enough to give the student time to react.

For example, the Dynam P-51, add the flaps (they are pre-hinged, easy to do it) and put them down appx 10 degrees. Push the CG forward, shim the LG so the wheels are further forward when down and you can get the CG a little further forward. It becomes very stable.
Note that the Dynam P-51 has a reputation for out of balance spinner and that can rattle the motor off the mount. My Dynam P-51 now has a Dynam 4 blade prop. (I have to pull the spinner to see which for sure, looks better than the original 3 blade.) and DuBro spinner cut for the extra blades. Its a heavier spinner so the CG goes forward just by making this change.

I have a Dynam P-51 and it has the out of balance spinner problem so I would be very curious which 4 blade prop you are using.

[fhhuber]

There is no perfect trainer that suits everyone's needs.

My main reason to not recommend UMX (anything) for a beginner is they are small, light and get bounced around by light wind gusts. You'll be flying low because you need to keep them closer to be able to see which way they are pointed so you are more likely to be in the ground turbulence.
Around here, small and light doesn't fly much. The wind is often too strong for the micro P-51 to make forward progress over the ground when going into the wind. The UMX Radian is slower.

Different prevailing winds can make that UMX Radian into an excellent choice as a first airplane.

I have given beginners lessons on just about anything other than an EDF model. That included (when I had it) my GP 60 inch Fokker Dr1. You can tweak almost anything to be OK as a trainer as long as its not overweight. A trainer does need to fly slowly enough to give the student time to react.

For example, the Dynam P-51, add the flaps (they are pre-hinged, easy to do it) and put them down appx 10 degrees. Push the CG forward, shim the LG so the wheels are further forward when down and you can get the CG a little further forward. It becomes very stable.
Note that the Dynam P-51 has a reputation for out of balance spinner and that can rattle the motor off the mount. My Dynam P-51 now has a Dynam 4 blade prop. (I have to pull the spinner to see which for sure, looks better than the original 3 blade.) and DuBro spinner cut for the extra blades. Its a heavier spinner so the CG goes forward just by making this change.

[mcriley2]

Hello everyone,

I've been following the discussions on this tread for some time and now feel confident enough to add my 2 cents worth. I'm basically a self taught beginner pilot. When I decided to indulge into this hobby, I went in, eyes wide opened. My first two planes was the Dynam Corsair and FMS P-51B. After two years to date, neither has had it's maiden yet, for I too, am a slow cautious flyer. I purchased the FMS Easy Trainer, to begin my actual flying experience once I tore myself away from the sim. My major transition was being able to distinguish distance and depth, landing follows close behind, as making mistakes on the sim was much more forgiving. I ALMOST hate that I'm babying my Corsair and P-51B and treating the Easy Trainer, as a bald-headed step child. She has been up numerous times and came down hard numerous times. She's been under repair so many times, I'm thinking of nicknaming her:
Evel Knievel:Dizzy:(for those of you who knows).

For now, she'll take all the bumps and bruises, until the time's right. Even though, I do consider myself a self learner, that's not entirely true. I have a great many instructors helping me here on this forum as well as those we may encounter at the field. With that being said, thanks to everyone who spend the time to educate those of us, who benefits from your experience and helpfulness.
As long as you keep giving, I'll keep coming back for more ... :Cool: