I was heavy into R/C cars, but I always had a love for aviation. I'd often thought about getting into R/C planes, but I knew it would be a dangerous slope. I had a ton of R/C cars, and I figured if I got into planes, I'd have a bunch of those too.
Fast forward to 2018, I was in my mid-30's. I decided to purchase a Spektrum DX6 transmitter, an E-Flite Apprentice 1.5M, and a handful of batteries. At the same time, I ordered a Real Flight Simulator. Assembling and programming the Apprentice came super easy with articles and videos abound, I did it all by myself. I did things by the book and registered in the FAA Drone Zone and joined the AMA.
For two months, I practiced on the simulator until one July evening around 7PM, I went out for my first solo flight at a local flying field. My wife provided video footage of the very uneventful first flight. I could not believe how much easier it was to fly in real life as opposed to the simulator. My old laptop was not that great and most of the time I could not see the plane on the screen. At the field, the Apprentice was really visible.
Let's just say I was hooked. The R/C cars all got sold and I was buying and flying foam electric planes at a rapid rate. The DX6 didn't cut it for very long and I replaced it with an iX20. As a couple years went on, I began flying 35cc gas planes, mostly aerobatic in nature. Soon I was up to 70cc and then to 120cc. Had to have a 150cc so bought one of those too. EFD jets soon followed.
This whole time, I was becoming more and more active within our local club, the Crossed Signals Model Airplane Club in New Hampton, Iowa. In April of 2022, I was elected club President and still am to this day. Since in office, we have installed a new safety fence, added power to our flying site, and we are currently saving money to build a nice clubhouse. Since 2022, some members have retired from flying and new members have joined keeping our membership at an even keel.
Right now, I'm flying a turbine jet on a buddy box with a waivered instructor, working on my turbine waiver. I love the hobby and the people I've met along the way. I fly every chance I get and fly about every type of fixed wing plane out there. The way I got into the hobby differs from most.
But I want people to know it can easily be done by yourself on your own schedule. There is nothing wrong with training with an instructor if that's what you prefer. Just be safe whatever way you choose.
My advice to AMA clubs is to be kind and welcoming to newcomers. Be polite, answer their questions without a sarcastic tone, no matter how "stupid" their questions might be. We all had to start somewhere, remember that. And don't be that guy who gets into someone's face and starts reciting every flying field rule known to mankind. Let them look at the planes up close, let them buddy box and gauge their interest before harassing them about joining the club and the AMA. That can be done once they are hooked! (Which won't take long if you follow this advice).
I don't regret getting into this great hobby. I can't imagine the money I've spent, in fact I don't even want to think about it. A brand new 16' enclosed trailer to haul planes was my most recent purchase, the ten-footer was not cutting it anymore. Honestly, the only regret I have about this hobby ... I wish I'd got into it 20 years ago!
