The primary goal for a beginner is that first solo flight (without the help of your instructor) much as is done with full-scale aircraft. You can read books and magazines, watch all kinds of video training tapes, and try different simulators, and that leads to making that first flight on your own.
The entire purpose of this guide is to get you do that in the least amount of time with the least expenditure of your “discretionary” or household funds. How long will that take?
We have seen some people get to that solo flight goal in two weeks or less. The key point to that timing is how much actually flying time you can get in with your instructor. As stated, the more flying, the faster you learn. The average person, flying an average of once a week, might realistically take about two months to solo! On some rare situations, the person may never learn to really fly, but fortunately that hardly ever happens. Some pilots learn fast and progress rapidly to more sophisticated aircraft. Others only get to a certain level, but still enjoy being regular sport fliers for the fun of it.
What can you do if you can't get an instructor in your area of the country? This should be your last resort, but we recognize it still may be the only choice for some people. Hopefully you can pick a rural (non-populated) area to try learning to fly RC model aircraft all by yourself. No one would like to see the accidental loss of property or bodily injury result from unsupervised RC model aircraft training flights.
You will undoubtedly crash a lot while learning by yourself, but with some resources and the ability to purchase replacement parts you should be able to keep the flying sessions going. The EasyStar should make an excellent choice, but keep in mind it is one of many quality trainers available on the market today.
Although you may have to fly most of the time by yourself, try to arrange your time so that you can look up some RC modelers to visit. The more you can interface with a local flying club or group, the easier is going to be the learning process. In the same regard, visiting regional or national RC hobby trade shows once or twice a year will keep you up to date on all the latest improvements and new technologies.
MOVING ON TO FOUR CHANNEL CONTROL
After you master three-channel control, you will soon want to move up to full four-channel control adding ailerons to the wing. An excellent follow-up aircraft to the EasyStar is another Hitec Multiplex RTF/ARF aircraft know as the Magister. A review of this airplane is on the AMA Web site, Sport Aviator. You can find by clicking here.
Keep in mind there are many high-quality advanced trainer aircraft available, so it will be to your advantage to read several magazine and Web reviews before making a decision, in addition to talking to other modelers.
DON'T FORGET FUEL POWER AS AN ALTERNATE SOURCE
Although this first quick start guide used an electric-powered model aircraft as an example, you should keep in mind that fuel-powered aircraft are as popular in our hobby. When you are ready for four-channel control, I recommend you look up this Sport Aviator review of the Horizon Hobby Alpha-40 trainer. Click here.
To continue, click here.
