First flights

[MrZero]

Well, we all had this time once. The first flight with your new heli. Thank goodness I put in all of that simulator time. I ran two sets of batteries dead in my TX on the sim. I took my Blade CP to work on Monday. In the back there is a nice open spot, plenty of room. So, I put my heli down started everything up and applied the throttle. I was absolutely amazed, I could actually hold the Blade at about 4 feet in a hover. It was awesome. I thought I was going to really like the Blade and then I flew it. I am HOOKED. I still have a lot of work to do with liftoff and landing, flying etc. I'm not gonna win any flying contest, but I am very happy with my progress.
I have lurked here for a while and finally posted. I did the Radd's school thing on the sim and in real life and it really helped.
This is a great site. You folks have helped me more than you will know just by reading other people's questions and your answers. Thanks a lot for that and I'm sure that I'll have more questions later. Man, do I love to hover that heli.

[hawkman]

Welcome to the hobby.....I agree....sim time is an excellent training tool....teaches you to be gentle on the controls....and gives you confidence.

Its a magic feeling...doing that first hover....totally magic.

Take it easy....and push yourself a little at a time....you have to to make progress. ALWAYS give yourself a 'get out plan' eg when you are hovering and are turning the heli around to face you....just program yourself to swing back if you feel uncomfortable....say you are swing the nose left....just do it a little at a time....and swing back.

Flying contests? dont worry....doing tricks and stuff will break your heli in no time.....just get the basics right first.

I have flown inverted etc but it gets risky...and expensive after a couple of prangs.

Keep posting.....I am smiling as I write this....I know how you feel.

Rob