Tim Davis

IN MY EXPERIENCES this past year trying to organize and operate a "Learn to Build and Fly RC" class series, many of the points Bob Underwood stressed in the August 1997 "NewComers" article are quite valid, and clubs should sit up and take notice. Newcomers want to get in the air and fly today. With some, the time it takes to build their own airplane from a kit is just not available. With others, however, we have found that once the newcomer is coached past the initial stages of ICB (I Can't Build) Syndrome, we have found newcomers enjoy the building phase of the hobby and take far more pride in their aircraft than the ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) student-pilot. The need to fly today is curbed with simulator and hands-on buddy box training, all included as a part of the "Learn to Build and Fly" program.