Hotrod69
Senior Heliman
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
My Posts This: Topic Forum | I thought I would share what I experienced this week in learning how to fly a heli. I have been flying fixed wing for about 4 years now and have numerous aircraft from pylon racers, to wings and 3M glider. Although I really enjoy the fixed wing aircraft and the speed they can fly, there was something missing. I figured it was my desire to learn how to fly helicopters.
So about 6 months ago I started researching beginner micro sized electric helis. I kept hearing people tell me how hard they are to fly and to be prepared for expensive crashes. So one recommendation was to purchase a flight simulator to practice on. I ended up buying Real Flight G3, and after buying a new computer to run it $$$$!, I have been trying to fly a heli on it. No matter how many times I tried to fly, I just could not get the hang of it (crashed continuously) and became so disappointed I gave up on the idea of flying a heli.
Then last weekend my wife surprised me with a gift, a Sabre Micro helicopter. I was quite pleased but cautious to even try flying it due to the poor flying skills I demonstrated on the SIM.
I gave it some thought and said what the heck I will gie it a try. Well I have been flying it now for 4 days. I fly 4 battery packs a night in the garage. As of last night I can almost keep a hover within a 5' circle going for the length of the battery, maybe 5 minutes. I was totally surprised at how I was able to catch on so much quicker by just flying the real thing than using the simulator.
So for kicks last night I fired up the simulator to see why I was not doing so well and maybe the "realism" was not accurate. Much to my surprise I picked it up instantly on the simulator and was hovering near perfect and was actually able to fly the heli around doing figure 8's quite easily. I admit I had a few screw-up's but I got to a point of flying on the SIM that I had never reached before. And I can honestly say it seemd the SIM was very close to the feel of the real heli. Obviously I have a huge learning curve to still climb, however I have so much more confidence now.
So here I sit trying to figure out why my brain just could not get the idea until I actually flew a real heli? The reason I bring this up is that if any of you out there are considering buying a heli but are concerned about getting the hang of it, you just might be surprised that if you follow the steps and suggestions from the experts on how to start flying it's much easier to grasp the concept with real life than on a SIM. Can't wait to get home and fly! Next step hovering with the tail pointed away from me....wish me luck.
Oh by the way I highly recommend using the training gear (sticks and ping-pong balls), it helps tremendously.
|
You'll find nitro Helis to be totally kool
On possitive side there are some really great electric Helis such as the T-Rex or a larger size like the LOGO. The T-Rex has a even greater power to weight ratio than most of the nitros
