Dealing With Failure

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Failure can be hard. Something we all face as radio controlled aircraft hobbyists is the prospect of a violently destructive end to our planes. Although sometimes this can be amusing, it can more often be painful and highly frustrating, especially if the cause of the disaster is unknown. 

The twisted wreckage of a two-meter wingspan FPV platform.

Initially, a crash can be devastating. Maiden flights are arguably one of the worst times to have a crash as all of the imagined potential of the aircraft goes down the drain in an instant. All of that work, all that money, what was it for? Often the shock of it can take over and the frustration can just go up and up. This is where it is benificial to step back, breathe and rationalise. 

In the aftermath of a crash, try and approach the issue logically and ask yourself questions.

This really applies to all crashes, not just those that occur on maiden flights. It's a mind game. Emotions are powerful things and are actually felt incredibly strongly within our hobby. Before takeoff, there is often trepidation and after a successful flight, there is often an overwhelming sense of great satisfaction. This applies to both micros and huge scale beasts alike. The key thing is to try and work with your emotions to overcome problems and to not let failure send you into dispare! 

Launching an aircraft for the first time can be an intimidating experience.

Taking time to understand the series of events that led to the crash can help. Approaching it logically and investigating can not only help you in the future, with fixing the aircraft and trying again or moving onto a new project, it can also bring closure to the disaster. All this can help you pull something truly positive out from the experience.

Sometimes it's a good idea to fly something you know you'll have fun with after failing.

Although crashes are something critical to the excitement of RC aviation, something deep within the DNA of the hobby essential for the adrenalin rush, it is important that successive failures don't put us off. Sit down, work out what went wrong, enjoy a cup of tea, and move onto the next plane. 

Stay positive and keep going.

Many thanks for reading this article. If you found it interesting, please leave it a good rating and a possitive comment. Also, tell me how I can improve in the future if you'd like. Cheers!

- James.