Subj : New hobby
To   : Pistolgrip
From : Amcleod
Date : Sun Jan 07 2001 11:16 am

RE: New hobby
BY: Pistolgrip to Amcleod on Sun Jan 07 2001 03:11 pm

 >  > The first thing I'd have to do is learn how to fly.  
 > 
 > Learning to fly is not too terribly difficult.  I think those 'zagi'
 > planes are a great place to start, they look very durable.  

The Zagi 3C looks like an ideal starter.  Foamed construction, carbon-fibre
spars, etc make it look tough.  Only $45 for the airframe so if you total it,
or after a few flights decide this isn't for uou after all, you have not blown
the mortgage.  They have what they say is a suitable radio for what. $65?  That
is just over $100 and you're in the air, and that's pretty good.

It was apparently built for "combat" flying where you deliberately mid-air
collide trying to knock your opponent into the ground.  I think that it would
have to be pretty tough!

BAD NEWS on this hobby here though.  Aparently, anything that flies (kites,
R/C, anything!) within 25 miles of an International Airport falls under the
control of The Ministry of Pointy Things That Whizz Past Without Touching The
Ground.  And this country is so small that the ENTIRE COUNTRY is within 25
miles of the airport.  Therefore, you can't import a plane or a radio unless
you have the support of one of the three R/C clubs in the island.  They will OK
the purchase of certain "trainer" aircraft, and watch over you while you learn
to fly, before finally allowing you to buy/build/fly _any_ old thing.  All
flying must be done at one of the designated flying "spots" and they aren't
interested in unpowered or electric aircraft.  That means, you start with a
powered trainer and go from there.  

Frankly, I've always been interested in this sport, but I am _NOT_ interested
in _starting_off_ with an expensive powered plane and about 3,000 in necessary
accessories just to learn whether I really want to persue it!

So it looks like I'll be doing some SMUGGLING in the near future.  Do you think
I could get a 2-Meter sailplane in my hand-luggage?

.