100% Noob

[Joker0720]

Hey guys,
I recently purchased a Blade CP. Now, I've never flew a RC airplane before... it is a really bad idea to start with helicopters? I just feel as though an airplane would be too easy and become boring too fast... do any of you find this true? Thanks in advance

[hawkman]

No reason why you shouldnt start with helis...I fly both types of models...both have their merits....though helis are that bit more interesting...especially setting them up so they well well.

My advice?

get a good simulator....its worth every penny....try Pheonix...I have just got this, its cheaper than other sims and just as good...you can get this supplied with a 'radio' as well which is a good idea.

Read up on the hobby....subscribe to a heli magazine...that way you can see whats about and what prices to expect.

Keep in touch on this site.....its the most friendly and helpful site there is....no one takes things too serious....this hobby is about having a good time....and staying safe....there is something for everyone in this hobby.

Rob

[Joker0720]

Thanks Hawkman,

I'm taking a good long look at simulators right now. RealFlight G3.5 seems great, and comes with a controller. Never heard of Pheonix.. i'll have to look that up. Damn simulator is almost as much as my first Heli!! I just dont want to buy a crash kit the minute I start flying.. so I might invest in a simulator just to practice before I fly at all.

[uneverno]

Hey there joker,
yup, sim is a must. You can get a taste of it with FMS here: http://n.ethz.ch/student/mmoeller/fms/index_e.html Free download, and you may be able to get an interface for your TX to hook in to your computer. If available, they're typically about $ 25 or so.

Originally Posted by hawkman

try Pheonix...I have just got this, its cheaper than other sims and just as good...you can get this supplied with a 'radio' as well which is a good idea.

I don't think Phoenix has been released in the States yet. It's available on line from the UK for about $ 125, but I'm not sure about shipping costs. I'm going to look into it next week when I have some time, and may well order, since G3 is a bit out of my range at the moment.
I used to fly sailplanes (thermals, not cliff), and that's mostly relaxing. Actually can put you to sleep One thing's for sure - even a really well set up heli will keep you on your toes - not boring at all! Once it starts to get easy, then turn it upside down and start over

If you don't have it, invest in some training gear - 'bout 7 bucks or so for ping pong balls on sticks, but it's saved my blades from many a crash that would've otherwise broken them (and probably more as well)

[hawkman]

The thing is about helis is that if they are looked after...ie maintained well...which doesnt take much....just a drip of oil here and there....and you do your pre flight checks....check tightening all screws etc....or check them after you fly.....then helis are perfectly ok.

Getting a sim is important.....it will pay for itself in the first 'crash' you have....get really good on a sim....then take it easy on a real model and you should be ok.....you will crunch the model at some point....flying anything and being a spectator is hard work.

I crashed plenty of planes when starting out....I havent crashed many helis....only by pushing my luck too far is when things usually go wrong.

I give helis the thumbs up.....they do require care and attention to detail....they are not for the lazy amongst us.

Rob

[uneverno]

'tis true, 'tis true
I used to race RC cars on an "amateur" level. I had a case with $ 1000 worth of motors back in the early 90's. $ 250 in batteries every 3 months, many much money in cell balancing and charging gear, a micro lathe to refurbish the motors and turn my tires every week, etc., etc.
Four 3 minute races per week, and then tear the car apart completely and rebuild it. 12 mins of racing and 5-6 hours of inspection, tear down and rebuild.
That is half the fun, however, i'n it

I'm a cautious pilot, mostly because time costs more money than it used to, so haven't really crashed my current bird. Hard landings, mostly. Have still managed to break the boom at one point, but have so far not had to replace main or feathering shaft, knock on wood.

doh - gotta go - CHP (California Highway Patrol) got a heli hovering over the house - must to go watch

[Joker0720]

Thanks guys!!! Some insperational words thanks! Still not 100% sure if I'm going to buy a plane tonight when I go to pick up my heli or not... I think I should have some flight experience before the heli. I got RealFlight G3.5 now. Doesn't have my heli in it, but I'll just edit one of the others until it is more like mine Thie forum is awesome, plan on seeing me daily for the next few years

[hawkman]

Plane flying will stand you in good stead...becuase when you fly a heli around in forwrd flight the controls on the cyclic are the same....but you wil lfind that with a heli you need to use the rudder more in turning....ie a 'co ordinated turn' if you practice this with a plane then heli flying wont be so hard to do.....the big diffrence is slowing the heli down so you can land....which takes co ordination of the controls....this wont be learnt in a day....so do make use of a sim....and get as good as you can with it.

I like helis because with training legs and hovering about you dont have to worry about turning the machine upside down.....a plane with ailerons can be inverted in the blink of an eye....and it then ends up being trashed.....the other crucial point is that once you take off with a plane....you are committed to doing a circuit in order to land.....helis can be hovered around and gently set down if you need a break....its quite intense flying these things....but a lot of fun.

Rob