NEW to Nitro and to heli's

[eartaker]

I have a nitro buggy and a nitro truck but I think it is time to take to the air. I want to buy a Nitro Helicopter but I'm totally lost here. I am willing to spend $1000 but don't know what to go with. I want something that will be good for awhile so that i can use as my skills advance. I don't understand what all i really need to get it up and going i know the basics such as radio, kit, engine, but what is this gyro? just give me some advice on a beginner nitro helicopter.

 

[hamz9561]

Most RC heli-jocks I know recommend starting with a good electric first. Those can be had ARF for about $400-$500. I would recommend starting there.

 

[Candyman]

Starting on a nitro is actually a decent idea. Especially if you're willing to get a bigger one. Most people recommend a Raptor 30 or 50 to start. They're bigger than the electrics thus they are more stable and more forgiving in wind.

ONE BIG PIECE OF ADVICE! If you're going to learn to fly big birds, get involved in a local club and find a heli instructor. These things are dangerous. Very. You WILL be out of control for a while. And it's important to keep yourself in a controlled environment for everyone's safety. These are not things you wander down to your local park and fly.
And get a simulator. Flying a heli is unlike anything else. Planes are easy compared to this. And by practicing on a sim, you will hone your skills without spending tons of $$ in crash damage and repairs. Trust me, it's a wise investment. Consider something like RealFlight, Reflex XTR, Aerofly, Clearview or something like that.

 

[eartaker]

do any of you have yahoo or AIM messenger so i can talk to you about this?

 

[eartaker]

So this Raptor looks affordable and fun. I found a complete package deal tell me what you think ( http://www.helihobby.com/html/raptor_heli.html ) It is the very first one Complete Raptor 30 V2 Sport package. What flight sim would you recommend? How can I tell if the TX I'm ordering will plug into my computer so I can run the Sim?

 

[RevoME]

So this Raptor looks affordable and fun. I found a complete package deal tell me what you think ( http://www.helihobby.com/html/raptor_heli.html ) It is the very first one Complete Raptor 30 V2 Sport package. What flight sim would you recommend? How can I tell if the TX I'm ordering will plug into my computer so I can run the Sim?

Hi eartaker,

have you got someone local that can hook you up with dual control? I'm more than with candy on heli's and dual control... I'd even get the nice 89 dollar crash kit which will help with first hovers. Flying a real helicopter right up to solo was a lot easier than R/C LOL and cheaper...
I have been "pitgirl" for a bunch of helicopter jockeys and some of these rigs will seriously harm you, bystanders and your wallet.
I quit after 2500 euros "bout 3K Dollars went into it, and after figuring out that I hate autorotation landings. There is very nice cheap stuff out there that will teach you the basics. I use a Ikarus AeroFly PRO Deluxe RC Flight Simulator COMPLETE with "RC Transmitter" (typed right off the package, sorry...) it was about some 200 dollars and is ok.
Hope this helps.

 

[Candyman]

Revo gives some more good advice and I don't think we can stress enough how important safety is. It was only a couple seasons ago that a very well-known RC heli pilot was killed while teaching someone to fly. So it happens. And your best bet is to not try to learn on a large nitro machine without help and a big area to fly.
As far as sims, AFP can be purchased with a TX so you don't have to use yours. So can RealFlight. I use Reflex XTR, and you can get a cable that is compatible with your tx to plug right into your computer's USB port. If you get that Rappy combo, the Hitec Optic 6 is easily compatible with XTR.

 

[eartaker]

The space for flight isn't a problem, but if I did buy that combo do you think that combo would be good? what else would I need to get up and going?

 

[Candyman]

That combo looks pretty complete. Heli-hobby is a good about those things. The only thing you'll need is fuel pretty much. That took kit looks like it has most of the tools you'll need including a starter. So that would get you in the air. You may want to pick up one of the crash kits because you will dart this thing at some point and it's good to have the parts on hand.

 

[eartaker]

I think I will order it. I can get fuel, plugs and the normal nitro stuff from the LHS. I just was puzzled about how to get these things up and running... Much different than my Savage lol message me on yahoo, skype, or AIM sometime to talk about RC

 

[eartaker]

ok here is what I'm going to order... tell me what u think

# Reflex Flight Simulator with Futaba / Hitec Round connector (qty x 1)
# Large Carbon Fiber Training Gear w/balls .30 - .50 (qty x 1)
# Complete Raptor Package V2 with TX (qty x 1)
# Crash Kit R30 V2 (qty x 1)

 

[RevoME]

ok here is what I'm going to order... tell me what u think

# Reflex Flight Simulator with Futaba / Hitec Round connector (qty x 1)
# Large Carbon Fiber Training Gear w/balls .30 - .50 (qty x 1)
# Complete Raptor Package V2 with TX (qty x 1)
# Crash Kit R30 V2 (qty x 1)

Sounds like a pretty nice package!
Since it's Nitro, I'd hate to be seen as the Safety Snob (just way to many rotorblades I've seen flying w/o the heli attached). Use your best sense to concious decision making and do as much as you can on the sim. I did not have a sim when I started with helis, I would now ) Keep in mind that you are controlling a lot of forces:
I taught aerodynamics in Germany, my special field is Spin Awareness, Upset Recovery & Advanced Aerobatics ask away if there are any questions.
Understanding what happens and why, is the first step to success...

U.S. Army Field Manual on Dynamic Aerodynamics:
http://www.dynamicflight.com/aerodynamics/
http://www.dynamicflight.com/aerodynamics/hovering/
http://www.dynamicflight.com/aerodynamics/rotory/

As far as traning goes on a heli, by all means be friendly and keep bystanders away as far as you can, not that anyone thinks you had no skills, it's about where the poop flies after you loose it. Position yourself so you can control the heli from behind or at a slight angle. Make sure you pick a good solid reference point. Flying will vecome second nature but visual reference rules! Have someone experienced help you with balancing your rotors. It's not rocket science, its Aerodynamics and Physics only. Dual control's are damage and cost reducers.
Hover, Hover, Hover and Hover until you can Hover anytime, anywhere, backwards, sideways.. With negative pitch you will soon be able to fly inverted, and hover upside down... Transition from and to Hovering is the main reason for loosing it, besides engine failures and poorly executed Auto's... LOL

Have fun!
Jason

 

[TalonOne]

Sounds like a pretty nice package!
Since it's Nitro, I'd hate to be seen as the Safety Snob (just way to many rotorblades I've seen flying w/o the heli attached). Use your best sense to concious decision making and do as much as you can on the sim. I did not have a sim when I started with helis, I would now ) Keep in mind that you are controlling a lot of forces:
I taught aerodynamics in Germany, my special field is Spin Awareness, Upset Recovery & Advanced Aerobatics ask away if there are any questions.
Understanding what happens and why, is the first step to success...

U.S. Army Field Manual on Dynamic Aerodynamics:
http://www.dynamicflight.com/aerodynamics/
http://www.dynamicflight.com/aerodynamics/hovering/
http://www.dynamicflight.com/aerodynamics/rotory/

As far as traning goes on a heli, by all means be friendly and keep bystanders away as far as you can, not that anyone thinks you had no skills, it's about where the poop flies after you loose it. Position yourself so you can control the heli from behind or at a slight angle. Make sure you pick a good solid reference point. Flying will vecome second nature but visual reference rules! Have someone experienced help you with balancing your rotors. It's not rocket science, its Aerodynamics and Physics only. Dual control's are damage and cost reducers.
Hover, Hover, Hover and Hover until you can Hover anytime, anywhere, backwards, sideways.. With negative pitch you will soon be able to fly inverted, and hover upside down... Transition from and to Hovering is the main reason for loosing it, besides engine failures and poorly executed Auto's... LOL

Have fun!
Jason

What he said!!!
:goodpost:

 

[eartaker]

There isn't really anyway for me to get some help with it here. I'm int he Army and stationed in Korea for now lol. I thought the Blades came balanced? BTW nice FM's. Are you Military by chance?

 

[RevoME]

There isn't really anyway for me to get some help with it here. I'm int he Army and stationed in Korea for now lol. I thought the Blades came balanced? BTW nice FM's. Are you Military by chance?

Okay, makes sense. It's your wallet but I'd look around and see if there is anyone operating Heli's that would be willing to take you by the hand for a while.
I am sure the blades will be balanced, since it's RTF, but sooner or later you'll find yourself doing it. Looks awesome to see one of these "rugbeaters" shake and rattle until the RPM's are top...

Not knowing who you are asking about Military, if me then: Ex-German Airforce... but using Army & General Military Documents for a lot of students all the time, good basic knowledge transmitter. If student refuses to read up Flight Lessons will stop. It's waste to try to teach someone about aerodynamics if there is no desire to "learn" whats behind. The Field Manuals teach the basics, are easy to explain and ... cheaper than books... LOL.

If you do it by yourself all the way: Go by the book,and excuse my french:
TAKE YOUR TIME AND GO EASY!!!!! Stuff happens darn fast! Being ahead of them gives you great advantages. I remember my Grandfather giving me his elbow, right into the ribs whenever he felt I was following the Aircraft rather than the other way aroud.

Sorry, long post, but I tried to contribute something )

 

[Candyman]

OK, looks like you're going to try to do this heli thing alone. It can be done. But you do need to work at it. I strongly recommend the simulator. It will give you a lot of basics that will save you crash repairs on the field. Build the heli. Make it look all nice and pretty. Then put it on the shelf. Yup. Just hang it there. Get Reflex running asap. And take the time to register with their website. They give free upgrades. There have been 4 since I bought mine. So you'll want to get those. Practice hovering. Start with tail-in. Then nose-in. And then left and right side. You'll be amazed at how hard that really is. Then basic circuits and 8s.
Another good resource is Radd's School of Rotary Flight. http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html His lessons are oriented to electric mini-helis, but can be pretty useful for the big birds, too. Just make sure you have some degree of confidence before you put the real thing in the air. And read a lot on setup. Helis are tricky to set up. If you're off, it will fly and crash horribly. So take the time to set everything up properly. And believe me, there is a lot to set up.

 

[eartaker]

Ok the package I posted. I ordered it. I got the sim you suggested. I plan on taking it very slow. I want everything to go smoothly although I know it is going to be hard. I have nothing but time right now lol. thanks for the help it should be here next week. I will look around to see if I can find someone to help me that speaks English, maybe ill look around on base.

 

[hamz9561]

Definitely follow Candyman's advice about RADD's flight school very good if you have to learn on your own. :surrender

 

[eartaker]

Wahoo its on its way. lol

 

[eartaker]

I plan on spending alot of time on that sim before ever trying to fly. I also want to make sure all of my settings are perfect before hand as well.