Like riding a bike?

I'm finally about to go up after a seven year layoff. I never made it beyond the beginner pattern, but I did make it beyond frequent "figure nines"

Will this be like riding a bike, i.e., I won't be far from where I left off. Or will it be more like starting all over again?

I guess I'll just to see how it goes, but I know I'm not the only one that has come back after an extended layoff.

I have a Oriental to build, but I'm worried that maybe I need to start more slowly and consider a more simple plane for my next build.

I guess I'm just a wuss...I'm nervous of my first flight or two.

>I'm finally about to go up after a seven year layoff. I
>never made it beyond the beginner pattern, but I did make it
>beyond frequent "figure nines"
>
>Will this be like riding a bike, i.e., I won't be far from
>where I left off. Or will it be more like starting all
>over again?
>
>I guess I'll just to see how it goes, but I know I'm not the
>only one that has come back after an extended layoff.
>
>I have a Oriental to build, but I'm worried that maybe I
>need to start more slowly and consider a more simple plane
>for my next build.
>
>I guess I'm just a wuss...I'm nervous of my first flight or
>two.

The basics are like riding a bike. That comes back to you quite quickly. But even the best modelers need to continually practice to stay sharp. But, get a few flights under your belt and you will be comfortable (or as comfortable as you were before.)

Just remember the old joke: Man is getting released from the hospital after a serious operation. He asks the dock, "Dock, will I be able to swim when I get home?" Dock says to him, "Yes, you will be able to swim with no restrictions." Man says, "Good, I could never swim before." (other variations include playing the piano, go roller skating, go snowboarding, ... )

Just don't expect to do things you didn't do before without learning how. Practice high and have fun.

One thing you may want to do before your first flight is get used to spinning in circles again. The basics of flying the plane will still be there no problem, but it is very hard to keep it under control when you start getting dizzy and stumbling around. I know this first hand.

Start with a minute of slow ( 6-7 sec) revolutions, then increase the length of time until you start to feel dizzy. Take a break between sessions, just as if you were flying and had to stop and refuel, let others fly, etc. I did this a couple times a day, and within a week could go 4 minutes preety easy.

Good luck, and don't fill the tank your first few times.

"One thing you may want to do before your first flight is get used to spinning in circles again. The basics of flying the plane will still be there no problem, but it is very hard to keep it under control when you start getting dizzy and stumbling around. I know this first hand."

Heck, I do this all the time and I don't even need the airplane!

Jake

Tom,

Welcome baqck (again!)

You may be thinking of my old comment: Getting back to flying CL IS like riding a bike -- you don't forget how. What you DO forget is how much work it is and how wobbly you can get...

I don't think you'll have any problems. The 'practice spinning' -- probably not necessary -- would help your confidence. It's like learning to fly inverted; many people trip over their feet because they have to turn the other way, and hadn't considered that simple fact.

Keep us posted!

Ah Tom........
Don't worry, you will not be the least bit nervous! We are going to be hitting you so hard with ridicule that your mind won't even be on it!! LOL!!!!!!
You'll do fine. Anyone who had the _____ (fill in the blank with your favorite) to fly where you did will do ok!
Bill <><

Right on Bill. At one contest in Huntersville, I thought the guys were laughing with me, But NO, they were laughing at me!! I had it coming for my antics in the circle. So, you have just come back? heh,heh, your turn in the barrel. Hang in there and never put off asking for help. It's out there just waiting for you.

It's OK. I used to fall off bikes all the time, too......
Enjoy!
Kelvin

After a 10 year break I was conned into flying a slow combat model with 30 seconds notice. I managed loops, eights and a nice figure nine. As noted your biggest problems will be dizziness and timing. Other than that, it will all come rushing back in no time. About a month after my return flight I came second in a sportsman stunt event. You don't forget some skills that easily.
A.

Do what I', doing. Buy a Ukey 40. Put the engine on it that you want to use on you next ship. Mine is a Cardinal profile. It's finished so I'm juct going to admire it hanging in my shop while trying to improve the beginning pattern that I just completed a couple weeks ago. On Momorial day week end I will do my best to compete as a beginner in the North West Regionals with my Ukey. After that the OS 40 will go onto the Cardinal. That doesn't stop now as I'm waiting for my Brodak 40 to go with the ship I'm building now, A build up Oriental.

I reckon if you start to get dizzy, just do a load of consecutive "lazy 8's" until it passes

That reminds me, we used to mess about trying to do a full tank, without doing a single cirlce, including launch and landing.
Handy for backyard flying

JB - N.W. - UK

Always looking for C/L flying buddies in the N.W. - UK - mail me !

I had a little traffic altercation with my Moto Guzzi and a fellow in a pickup that left my good arm somewhat paralyzed. About three years later, I got back into flying with the folks of Northern Virginia Control Line. These idiots let me fly a few of their planes left handed!

And now, sometimes I let them launch for me.

Seriously - nothing to it. I have more trouble making scissors work than I do my aeroplanes.