Oldish Newbie Question

[Spongeworthy]

Aloha Y'all and Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!


I have a question, and it's about a very sensitive topic. I was inspired by the Rotor Riot and like videos on YouTube to embark on this journey, however, I just turned 59. And let's face it, my tree climbing days are over. Does one ever reach a level of flight expertise that you don't get stranded in embarrassing places? Freestyle and racing are both options that interest me. Yes, I realize that if I fly in wide open spaces, which are far and few in Hawaii, that it's highly unlikely. However, what attracted me to FPV is the sense of freedom I experience watching the videos. My question might seem like a no-brainer to many, but for me it's a realistic consideration. I know I'm not the only venerable newbie out there. Any and all responses, suggestions, advice or jokes are welcome.

 

[Dugdog47]

No you never get so good that you don't crash lol unless you're me. I never crash!

All joking aside as long as my eyes can see in the goggles I'll always fly FPV!

 

[RENOV8R]

You'll never reach a level of perfection. but with a decent amount of stick time, you'll be able to fly just as well as most of the pilots you see on Youtube. For me, it's not a matter of comparison, am I as good as Mr. Steele, whatever. I'm just happy to have enough confidence in my skills to punch a few holes in the clouds without that feeling of clenched butt cheeks (that's a technical term) and the feeling of impending doom of my 500 dollar quad hitting the ground at 100+ mph and shattering into a million pieces.

 

[holtneil]

Hi the guys are right , I watch lots of the videos your see the building or tree coming but they still crash into it WHY ?it's big enough to see , start slowly learn to fly line of sight once your flying is becoming second nature then jump into FPV , also find a good SIM and fly FPV on the SIM
I am 58 and fly RC Helicopters as well as quads so if I can do it you can too

 

[Spongeworthy]

You'll never reach a level of perfection. but with a decent amount of stick time, you'll be able to fly just as well as most of the pilots you see on Youtube. For me, it's not a matter of comparison, am I as good as Mr. Steele, whatever. I'm just happy to have enough confidence in my skills to punch a few holes in the clouds without that feeling of clenched butt cheeks (that's a technical term) and the feeling of impending doom of my 500 dollar quad hitting the ground at 100+ mph and shattering into a million pieces.

Thank you for the response RENOV8R. That's encouraging. I like your perspective.

 

[Spongeworthy]

Hi the guys are right , I watch lots of the videos your see the building or tree coming but they still crash into it WHY ?it's big enough to see , start slowly learn to fly line of sight once your flying is becoming second nature then jump into FPV , also find a good SIM and fly FPV on the SIM
I am 58 and fly RC Helicopters as well as quads so if I can do it you can too

Thank you holtneil. That's all I needed to hear, I'm all in! Been on a SIM for a couple of months now. Deciding on which quad to start my first build.

 

[holtneil]

Use ecalc.com to help you work out set ups

 

[ArmyVet]

Aloha Y'all and Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!


I have a question, and it's about a very sensitive topic. I was inspired by the Rotor Riot and like videos on YouTube to embark on this journey, however, I just turned 59. And let's face it, my tree climbing days are over. Does one ever reach a level of flight expertise that you don't get stranded in embarrassing places? Freestyle and racing are both options that interest me. Yes, I realize that if I fly in wide open spaces, which are far and few in Hawaii, that it's highly unlikely. However, what attracted me to FPV is the sense of freedom I experience watching the videos. My question might seem like a no-brainer to many, but for me it's a realistic consideration. I know I'm not the only venerable newbie out there. Any and all responses, suggestions, advice or jokes are welcome.

I started at around 60 with quads. I did have RC fixed wing experience from many years ago so I did have some "muscle memory" that helped in flying.

No matter how good you get or don't get. It is fun and keeps you young in mind and body.

Enjoy!

 

[Spongeworthy]

I started at around 60 with quads. I did have RC fixed wing experience from many years ago so I did have some "muscle memory" that helped in flying.

No matter how good you get or don't get. It is fun and keeps you young in mind and body.

Enjoy!

Thanks ArmyVet. I guess as long as our thumbs continue to function with a reasonable amount of dexterity we could do this for years to come, or until we run out of money. Whichever comes first. I've decided to stay away from abandoned buildings and trees, but I can't promise not to crash.

 

[holtneil]

Crashing is part of the RC hobby

 

[ArmyVet]

Crashing is part of the RC hobby

Very True! No guts, no glory.

My wife would always tell me your going to get stuck if you go down that trail. But that is what 4X4s are for. If you don't get stuck you are not trying hard enough. And that is why God made winches

Ohh and she was correct about half the time.LOL

 

[Spongeworthy]

Crashing is part of the RC hobby

I'm starting to look forward to it a little. Is that weird?

 

[RENOV8R]

I'm starting to look forward to it a little. Is that weird?

hahaha you're going to fit in here just fine

 

[AngryHatter]

Just started, I'm 62.
I went aloft twice yesterday and it landed on its nose both times. But the second time it went nose down tilted forward and then the props went straight into a rubbermaid shed.
Cost three propellers.
I had a blast.
A good long handled fruit picker helps me.

 

[Alan_Hepburn]

I just got my first quadcopter - an SJRC F11. I'll be turning 68 in 3 months! Took it out in the back yard to test all the features (at least most of the features!) and it turned out the only time ran it into the side of the house (3 times!) was when I tried flying in "headless" mode - kept turning it the wrong direction!

 

[wafflejock]

Can second others, everyone starts off crashing A LOT and breaking props and ending up in trees. I've use a paint roller extension pole from the hardware store to poke my quad out of a high tree, another good option without climbing is slingshot and fishing line or other light strong line. Using a Sim is the best way to get up to speed once you grasp the basics.

 

[Spongeworthy]

Thanks Waffle. Just so happens I just bought a paint extension pole to attach a blade to trim my palms. I haven't even had to slide it out to full yet so I'm sure it will be sufficient. I'm on a Sim now, plan to buy a cheaper BNF first to learn on before I start building. Like the slingshot/fishing line idea. Never seen that method used but I'm certain it would work.

 

[ArmyVet]

I built one of these to shoot wire antennas up into the trees. Of which some are over a 100 feet on the property. Fairly accurate too.

This baby will reach any quad!

At 100 feet will take a few tries hahaha

 

[Spongeworthy]

I built one of these to shoot wire antennas up into the trees. Of which some are over a 100 feet on the property. Fairly accurate too.

This baby will reach any quad!

At 100 feet will take a few tries hahaha

Wow! You need to get this beast patented. I've decided, if I ever get stuck someplace high enough I'll tie some fishing line to an arrow and use my bow.

 

[Spongeworthy]

You all have been great. Thanks for brainstorming with me. I'm thoroughly confident there's no drone that can't be retrieved with a little ingenuity and a little help from my friends.