Model Aviation Online - Modeling Spoken Here (March 2007)

I've always believed that
knowledge breeds confidence.

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