Myth 5: You have to be an engine expert to do well

See Myth 1; speed isn't everything. Many of the "tricks" people do in an effort to gain a little extra power actually do more harm than good, or reduce the useful life of the engine.

As a newcomer, your best bet is to learn what engines are being used locally, buy one, fly it slightly rich with the recommended propeller until you've gone through a gallon of fuel, then enter a contest and see how you do.

Dub Jett, who produces Jett engines, has a marvelous Web site featuring how-tos for engine care and a series of articles he calls "The Crap Trap." If you have any problems or questions, fire up the computer, go to Jett and click on Tech Tips.