My First RC Flight

by Buddy
(Covina, CA)

I flew control line when i was a kid. I never had the money for r/c.

Recently my son came across an r/c plane and was learning how to fly courtesy of an old timer in his area. He invited me to give it a try. With great excitement I met him at the airport and strapped on the controls (the same old feller was supervising me).

I have to tell you that that event was one of the most harrowing things I've ever done. In spite of the excitement and my looking forward to flying r/c, I did not enjoy it one bit.

I was a nervous wreck. I'll certainly try it again, but my enthusiasm isn't what it used to be.

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My First RC Flight

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No fun
by: Buddy

Matt...

There was no adrenaline, it was total stress. I've done many things in this life but nothing has affected me like that first flight. Because I'm not a quitter, I'll try it again sometime.

Hey Buddy
by: Matt

What you felt during your first flight is completely normal. The fear of crashing is one of the things that makes this hobby so awesome. It's what gets your adrenaline up and your blood pumping!

The trick is not biting off more than you can chew. As long as your instructor is there with you, you really don't have much to fear. Especially when using a buddy box. Don't fly solo until you are completely comfortable with your abilities.

Once you get comfortable with your plane, that feeling of being scared eventually goes away. Until you upgrade to a more advanced plane, then it starts all over!

Also realize, it's not life or death if you do crash. Nobody wants to crash a plane. But guess what, most RC pilots have crashed their fair share of planes. It definitely shakes your confidence for a while, but you have to put it behind you and keep going!

Hang in there and stick with it. You will be thankful you did!

Good luck!

Matt