From Start To Solo Flight

The Simulator:

I was first introduced to the Real Flight Simulator by my neighbor Tom.  This type of simulator is quite different from the Microsoft and other popular flight simulators; in that it uses a flight controller just like those used by RC pilots.  Moreover, the user/pilot stays on the ground as the model flies around.

No big deal I said to myself, the first time I tried it.  As the model flies away right is right and left is left, but wait a minute!! guess what happens when you try to turn and bring and bring it back.  Sensing the difficulty I developed a plan.  I decided I would buy a simulator first and when I was able to land a trainer back on the runway 50 without crashing I would buy my first RC Aircraft.

 I went to Mikes Hobby Shop for my simulator .  When I got there I was blown away (a good aeronautical term).  I hadn't connected that shop with Mike Darnell, whom I have know since he was in Boy Scouts.  I could tell a lot of Mike stories but I will refrain. 

After maybe 1,000 simulator crashes my goal was met and I went back to Mike's form my first RC trainer aircraft.  All the guys & gals at Mike's are knowledgeable and helpful, but, having known Mike for so long I asked for his help and he gladly gave it. 

I came away with everything I needed to get in the air for about $500 (that was 2001).  With todays prices for the Chinese imports you can probably do better than that.