Take a good look at this and other R/C soaring web sites. They are here just for you. You are the reason we go through all this trouble to create and maintain a web presence. Start by looking at all facets of the hobby and then narrow your attention down to the planes and equipment designed for the beginner.
Pay careful attention to the costs involved. Many are interested
until they find out that an inexpensive R/C sailplane 
will
likely cost over $200. For many, this is just too much money to
spend at one time just to "see" if this hobby is right for
them. There are ways to get around this by buying used equipment.
Beware of unacceptable "cheap" offers. Don't cheat yourself
here. Cheap offers from many retailers have little more benefit than
to line the pockets of the seller. Be prepared to spend $300 and
consider a minimum of $200. Follow some of the links
found here on this web site to better get an idea what this hobby
will or might potentially cost. Don't be scared off by $850 airplanes
and $500 radios. They are reserved for those who at least are
committed to the hobby. To start, $200 to $300 will suit you well.
DON'T BUY UNTIL YOU CHECK WITH AN ACTIVE MEMBER. They can steer you
clear of the offers that can't provide what you'll need. The right
equipment will enhance your chances of staying with the hobby long term.
Shut off the computer, get in your car and go to the flying
field or a club meeting. Seeing these
planes and the club in
person
is far more impressive than this or any web site. I haven't met anyone who
came out that didn't at least enjoy themselves. Members can be found at
the field in Mesquite on any Saturday or Sunday that has acceptable weather.
If the winds are over 20 MPH you might not find any fliers at the field.
Choosing a day that falls on one of our advertised
contests can be a sure way of finding members on the field. Introduce
yourself as one who's interested in finding out more about flying with us
and everyone will bend over backwards to see that you get all the information
you need. You do not have to be a dues paying member to come out to the
field or club meetings. You will be required to join the AMA
before we can permit you to fly. Our agreement with the field owners is
that ALL fliers will have AMA
membership since this provides the proof of liability insurance and therefore
eases their concerns of legal action against them. Membership
with SLNT is not required but it's advised as the club provides and
maintains the expensive launching trailers with membership funds. At $20
a year it's a great value. While you're with the club members, ask about
different planes that you may have seen and start to get a feel for what
airplane might suit your initial interests and budget.
With your AMA license at
hand and a plane ready for its first flight, make your way to the
field. But take time to 
read
the field rules posted on this web site first. The rules sound very
strict at first, but realize that they are a direct result of
conflicts and problems encountered over many years time. Once you get
into the rhythm of flying with the club, you'll see that all the
rules are just common sense. Some of us take our flying very
seriously and others care little. One thing we are all very serious
about is safe flying and preserving our good relation with the landowners.
Rules don't run fliers off the field, they keep us on the
field for many years to come.
Before that first flight, prepare yourself to have an experienced flier checkout your sailplane for mechanical soundness. No one likes to have their "pride & joy" scrutinized, but it's very logical. It's amazing how many make simple and understandable mistakes are made in preparing a sailplane for its first flight. Even our most experienced fliers have another member "check" a plane before its maiden flight. It's much better to have a member say "this is wrong" than to try and fly and have a poor flying plane or one that crashes. It's humbling to have to go back home to fix a major problem without ever flying that day. Still, it's better than "re-kiting" your plane. I too have had to do this.
Side Note: I had no idea how poor my control over emotions was until
I started flying R/C planes. You get all 
excited,
you're ready to finally realize your dreams and bang, someone bursts
you bubble by telling you it's too windy or the plane needs changes.
Even when we crash and destroy a plane the issue of personal control
has to be dealt with. Expect some day to be disappointed with the
hobby and prepare yourself ahead of time to know how to deal with
these normally dormant emotions. I dare say that most of us have
emotionally matured as a direct result of our hobby. If children are
to be taught how to fly, they too will be taught to manage emotions.
This is one of the reasons that parents that get their kids
involved in R/C are happy with their children's progress in emotional
control. Kids are a natural for this hobby and sailplanes are the
best vehicle to get them started.
Expect to have a member fly your plane for the first time. The
reasons for this are numerous, not the least of which is 
that
your plane has its best chances in experienced hands. Even some of
our top pilots have more experienced fliers perform the initial
flight. Once the plane is trimmed to fly stable, and everything
checks out, it's your turn. Expect to be under the close supervision
of an experienced pilot for your first several trips to the field.
Some will need only a flight or two, others may need many flying
sessions until they are ready to solo, that is, fly the plane without
any help. It took me about 2 months and 6 flying days to get to where
I wanted to solo. You notice I said "I wanted". I probably
should have stayed under the watchful eye of my instructor longer,
but "I" decided that it was time to solo. The club members
will let you solo the first time out if that's what you want. They
will just shake their heads and wait for the inevitable crash. Stay
humble, take your time and before you know it you'll be hooked for
life! I know I was. Fly safe and have fun.
Here's a link to another's web site on how to get started in R/C Sailplanes. It's provided by H.O.T.S.S., a club in San Antonio Texas.
Gary Warner
