[Temptation]

I think getting young kids involed in this sport is awesome. Especially if you compete is some way. The reason I think competition is important, is that they will be around some really great proffesional people.

I believe as soon as their little fingers can reach the sticks, they are ready to start flying, if they are interested (that is the key). My son is 11 months old now, and he has been an AMA member for 11 months. He is also a member of one of the clubs I am in. He loves watching r/c plane videos, playing with the transmitter, and turning the props on my planes. He is very interested, and does fly on the simulator. He also moves the sticks on the transmitter, and knows that he is the one moving the control surfaces on the plane.

More power to you for wanting to teach them to fly. Don't get frustrated. Let them learn at their own pace. Let them do it when they want to, not when you want to. I have learned that is very important. They will let you know when they want to play. Don't ever think your kids are to young, or not smart enough to do something, they can sense that. Reward them for doing good, by telling them they did good. They need that feedback, it fuels them. Let them crank the fuel in and out of your planes when you go to the field. Let them be as involved as much as they want, but no more that what they want. It will pay off in the end. Remember you are doing this for them, not you. Your fun is just a biproduct of them having fun. Don't ever forget that. These kids are so smart it isn't funny. So many adults don't realize how smart young kids are. They are little sponges, they can learn a lot more than we can in a shorter amount of time. Kids are wonderful, and so much fun. Everytime you do something with your planes let your kids know. It takes longer, but let them help with things. I found that the most important thing and hardest thing to teach them at 11 months, is how to be gentle with everything, but he is learning. My son can walk around at the airfield and he knows to stay away from other peoples planes. He will walk up to a plane, and stop at a safe distance from it, and just stare at the plane. He knows better already. People are amazed. He knows where to stand when a plane is being started, and where not to stand. He can't even talk yet, but he can understand certain things.

Have fun with it. If your kids take to it, you will never regret it, and neither will they. Hand to eye cordination is a good thing to learn. They will learn disipline, they will learn how to deal with people. It will be great. Everybody wins. Get them involed in competition as soon as they are ready. They will learn to respect other peoples property.

Now, i'm not saying they can't learn this stuff in other ways, but this is fun for everyone.

Keep us informed on your childrens progress, I am sure others will enjoy hearing about your adventures also. Once my son starts to get involed in a serious way, I will share it with the Giants as well. I am expecting him to start flying the summer of 2008. Stay tuned.

Mike Darr