I have been a “wanna-be” RC’er for more than 40 years. I’ve dabbled with it off and on, and earned my solo wing at my local flying ground. I have always had a problem with confidence. Takeoffs and landings were always a white-knuckle experience for me. Some of my takeoffs would be so exciting that I’d get cheers for getting airborne from other pilots. My flying didn’t improve much over time.
The members of my club were always helpful, but it was confusing to hear so many different opinions on the same topic. “You need more rudder in that turn.” “Take the rudder outta’ that turn and you’re better off.” “You need more speed when you land.” “Fly it all the way to the runway.” Everyone seems to have their own favorite way of flying that works for them. I was really confused by the conflicting advice.
When you want to know how to do things the right way in any area of life, spend time with those who do it best. Author and radio show host Ken Coleman calls this the “Proximity Principal.” So I did. I completed a week of basic RC flight training at Dave Scott’s 1st U.S. R/C Flight School in Shawano, Wisconsin. Dave Scott is…
