Chances are good that everyone
reading this has purchased at least
one product that came with an
instruction manual and also some sort of a
“quick-start” guide. Typically a quick-start
guide is a document designed to allow you
to get the product up and running
immediately. The idea is that you can then
learn the fine points of operation as you go
and need to use the more involved features
of the product.
As an example, I purchased a scanner not
too long back and it came with a quick-start
page that allowed me to hook it up to my
computer and begin experimenting with it in
only a few moments. No, I never did get to
the instruction manual; I was able to learn
just enough to make it do the things I
wanted it to do. Hopefully I will get the time
to delve into the manual, as I’m certain there
are more useful features that require
additional study to implement.
You might ask, “Why is there not a
quick-start guide for RC aeromodeling?”
There are a couple of answers to this
question.
One is that there are so many different
types of equipment and classes of models
that a quick-start guide couldn’t possibly be,
well, “quick.” Another reason is that for
safety’s sake a quick-start guide might
overlook the very important safety issues
that are inherent in all types of
aeromodeling.
Still, the idea of a comprehensive
document that would enable a newcomer to
achieve success in a shorter period of time
than is usually the case in this hobby/sport
might be possible. Today’s society has
evolved in a great degree to one that is used
to getting its information in short, quick
bites.
A good example of this is the magazine
“sidebar,” which is designed to highlight
elements of an article. Instead of having to
read the entire piece, now a person can get
many of the salient points in a much quicker
manner. Of course there may be more to
learn by reading the entire article, but
sidebars allow the editing staff to highlight
the more important/interesting aspects.
It is my belief that the necessary lessons
that need to be learned and fully understood
for even minimal success in RC flying
cannot be shortcut and presented in an
abbreviated format. Just the myriad safety
issues would suggest that a total grasp of the
nature of the equipment and theory of the
operation of that equipment be the minimum
schooling before taking to the skies.
Hey, safety means a lot to me ...
Okay, having set the tone, let me introduce
you to MA Technical Editor Bob Aberle’s
R/C Model Aircraft Quick-Start Guide.
Right now you must be thinking that I’m
just a bit more weird than usual.
Trust me; this isn’t a quick-start guide in
the normal sense. Bob wanted to put together
a document that would give the incoming
modeler a chance to achieve success in as
short a time as possible while maintaining
safety.
So the term “quick start” in relation to
this piece only means that it is the minimum
Bob feels a new modeler should read and
absorb before starting. Believe me, it’s not a
quick read, and it isn’t really broken up into
sidebars that shortcut the learning process.
However, if you really want to do this
aeromodeling thing the right way, this
document will enable you to make
substantial progress without taking any
wrong roads along the way. After reading it
you should know where you fit in
abilitywise. You should be able to find
additional information you need because you
will know what specific questions to ask and
what the modeling terms mean.
You should also come away with a good
bit more confidence. I’ve always believed
that knowledge breeds confidence.
A more detailed description of the R/C
Model Aircraft Quick-Start Guide can be
found on page 9 in the “In the Air” section
of this issue. The piece, written by AMA
District II Vice President Dave Mathewson,
includes ordering information and suggested
uses for the guide.
This is a resource that the new modeler
can instantly use and then continue using as
a reference tool. I highly recommend it!
As always, I can be reached by phone at
(610) 614-1747, via E-mail at robinhunt@
rcn.com, or by mail at Box 68, Stockertown
PA 18083. MA
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/03
Page Numbers: 6