reviews
Not all training methods are created equal. While others offer up excuses for students falling short of expectations, 1st RC Flight School has been consistently exceeding the expectations of its customers for decades...
primary solo course 5
I flew yesterday, but on take off a line of squalls came through creating turbulence. The plane performed all sorts of gyrations on its own at low altitude. Heard David's voice, neutralize and level wings! IT WORKS! Completed circuit and arrived safely. Thanks David, your system really works. I learned so much and continue to learn as I reread the manual which reinforces what you taught us.
Thomas Harris. Ajax, ONT
I'm going to touch a bit of controversy by plugging the 1st R/C Flight School site because there seems to be a great deal of debate about whether people should have to pay for R/C instruction. As far as I'm concerned, if it gets more flyers in the sky and they have the cash to pay, then why should anyone care? Regardless, they have a good site and offer a step-by-step ground school there, which contains some excellent lesson plans and graphics that can be useful to any instructor or beginner. I dare you to go see them! www.rcflightschool.com
R/C Cyber Tour, Model Aviation Canada
I just wanted to say thank you for your great instruction. I flew three solo flights one week after your school! I am so excited to finally have independence from the buddy box! Thanks to your instruction I am no longer afraid to fly!
Dale Smith. Ann Arbor, MI
Each time I have flown since the class, I have been able to improve because of the proper basic training. When I make a mistake, they have not been catastrophic thanks to now knowing what I did wrong, correcting properly, and how to perfect my technique.
Jim Hahn. Birnamwood, WI
I learned more after the first two flights at your school than I had in three years at my club.
Neil Reynolds. Peterboroug, ONT
My flying continues to go very well. My landings are crisp or as some say "greased.' The takeoffs are steady and flights themselves steady and organized. All the result of your training at the Primary school. I am considering the Acrobatic school next year to improve my flying experience.
Jim Klass. Lewiston, NY
It has really been fun flying out at the field and to listen to the remarks guys make about my flying. I keep remembering what you said you do to keep it interesting; trying to make it look real. You would not believe how many guys are amazed at how fast I have progressed and are now asking me if I want to fly their airplanes! What a terrific testament to your training!
Bob Kohler. Cedarburg, WI
I had five flights with good landings my first time out after the School. Told myself, small bumps and do not hold in the aileron. Have been flying nice patterns, have been flying mainly right turns due to the wind directions. One fellow yesterday wanted to know how long I have been flying. I told him a week and he was kind of shocked at the ease of my flying. I told him I attended your school and he was impressed. I was a little afraid that I would forget everything, but Dave, it was automatic for me, very little thinking just action (not reaction). I am so excited to fly, each flight was a little better, smoother and automatic. Pencil me in for some aerobatics.
Michael Pad. Bloomfield, MI
Your training methods have stayed with me. I still laugh when I see all the complicated garbage out there about landing in a crosswind, etc..
Glenn Dye. Saukville, WI
7/18. I am pleased to announce that after flight school I went to the field and flew four solo flights. The club instructors were amazed as to how I could do such landings. I confessed and let them in on our secret of the approach. The club "diehards" were still not convinced until later that day when we ended up with about 20 mph winds and I took off and landed with no difficulty. They were amazed as this would have been deemed a "no-trainer day". I know it would have taken me years of club instruction to have advanced to where I am. Your school is invaluable for struggling pilots-to-be, like myself, whose time is very important and solo flight is the ultimate goal.
7/20. Went out again yesterday and had a great day at the field. I now have 2 other novices using the same system and they improved immediately. They were over correcting the controls and with coupling now are able to see that holding in the stick is not the way to do it.
Tony Graham. Jasper, AL
Dave, you gave 150% and you did get through to us. I have had 9 flights. Winds both days, 15 - 20 mph. Gusty. Last flight, engine quit, landed Ok. Miracle! Maybe we'll be ready for aerobatics next year.
John Wall. "Gust Busters"
I cannot express how much you've helped me gain confidence. That first day when you had me fly in 20 mph winds, I would not have believed it unless I had tried it myself! Your training has helped me to be better prepared to fly successfully on my home field.
Michael Anthony. Naperville, IL
Your teaching methods and style are excellent, as proven by taking a novice, such as myself, and in one week of training, not only getting him to solo several times, but giving him the confidence that he goes off and "knows" that he can do it on his own.
Ralph Mallin. DCRC
First I want to say, what a joy it was to be one of your students. I still can't stop telling people what a wonderful learning experience you have put together for the RC student.
Ed Bleske. Pewaukee, WI
You are a great instructor and the school you run is the best. I now have the confidence to take my plane out and fly by myself.
Eddie Lord. Sheffield, MA
I am soloing well all thanks to you! Your techniques are getting rave reviews.
Jack Hepting.
Thank you for developing all the training aids and the school itself. Your school has gotten me off the ground in the right way.
Paul Moore. Plymouth, MN
The club examiner wanted me to do 3 take-offs and landings to receive my wings.....I did more than 20! Thanks for the great week in Wisconsin and for the skills and confidence to solo! I'm looking forward to the aerobatics class next summer!
Ron Capstack. Harrisonburg, VA
After a great week in Shawano, I flew six solo flights---no problems. It was extremely windy when I was finally able to get our chief flying instructor to the field. However, having high winds all week at your school proved to be advantageous as I achieved a total score of 87 out of a possible 100 and therefore received my wings.
Neil Robertson. Peterborough, ONT
Like you predicted, the first home solos after completing the course were anticlimactic! I had absolutely no apprehension at all and flew the plane like you taught me. Like you said, losing an airplane is unacceptable. The check pilot found it difficult to believe that my total experience was one week and that I soloed in three days, but he said "you don't need my help at all."
Bill Voss. Grand Rapids, MI
I flew all day Friday after the course and greased 9 out of 11 landings. Saturday I flew with an old friend who was amazed at my improvement and overall confidence. I showed him a few things that you taught me and he improved immediately.
Jeff Wallach. Dallas, TX
I had told my club mentor that I was going to fly my plane. He offered to come out with me but I felt that I had to do it by myself. If he had taken it off and trimmed it out and then handed me the transmitter I would have missed the experience of making a successful maiden flight with an out of trim airplane. I couldn't have done this without the training you provided. I certainly wouldn't have even tried with a crosswind if I had not flown all week at the school in crosswinds.
Joe Thompson. Palm City, FL
I am still sooooo thankful to have attended your primary flight school! Your teaching helped make flying enjoyable. I have purchased several of your manuals and I put in a good word for you whenever I can. I hope to attend sport aerobatic school this summer.
Dale Smith. Ann Arbor, MI