Getting Started...
Before you can get started in the world of model helis there is a few question you may have:-
Which kit should I buy?
First of all make a visit to our or your local club. This is important as you dont want to be buying something that no one in your club has any knowledge of - as this would cause you frustration from the beginning. Once you have a feel for whats going on down the local club - have a look in a magazine such as "Model Heli world" as this will have all the current prices.
Should it get a 30 size heli or a 50?
In my opinion - Ii would go for a 50 size model as for the little extra cash spent at the beginnig will benefit in the long term. A 50 size model can be tamed to feel exactly the same as the 30 but when you get more experienced you can turn up the power and enjoy!! it also costs the same to crash!! I would advise you stay away from 60 - 90 models until you can fly and feel you need to go that little bit further as these models will cost you a lot more to run and crash!
PPM or PCM?
I would opt for PCM - this system operates digitally and allows you to program a fail safe into the heli - this means that if you loose the model because say your transmitter battery dies - the failsafe will kick in and the servos will turn to a preset position thus stopping you heli from flying away and worse causing someone injury.
What is ground effect?
When the model is close to the ground the airflow through the blades is forced to move outwards across the ground rarther than down through the blades, this causes an increase in lift which sort of feels like the model is sat on a bubble of air - this causes the model to randomly move around - this isn't such a bad thing as it will teach you good control from the word go! ground effect gets less after about 2ft upwards.
Heading Hold Gyro?
There are two types of Gyro available: 'rate' gyros and 'heading hold' gyros. The latter gyros are able to distinguish between outside influences (such as wind) and pilot applied inputs. This enables the gyro to recognise and position the tail where the pilot wants it, and not were the model wants it.
Getting a good heading hold gyro will make your life much easier from the word go! one that holds well will mean you can concentrate on all the other controls - the last thing you want is to be correcting unwanted tail movement!!
How much will it cost?
For a 30 - 50 size model (new) it will cost between £650 and £1000 depending on the quality of equiptment and the model chosen.
Will i crash?
This is a certain fact about flying helicopters - what goes up will eventually come down! but to help minimise the crash we reccomend that you purchase a simulator (crashing this is free) - and it will teach you the inputs required for flying, see the simulator link for prices and the sims available on the market. If i dare to memtion i am currently on/ around my 14 crash...... but dont let this put you off.
Would i benefit from a simulator?
Simulators allow you to practice the correct control inputs with the model in different orientations. Practice on the sim will aid your real flying, any problem that confronts you in the field you should have a better understanding of which stick to move in which direction to correct the unwanted movement.
Should i follow the model around?
There is a temptation to do this for many beginners, but the idea is to make the helicopter do what you want - not the other way around. I suggest once the helicopter moves out of the training square - you goto the model - pick it up and move it back to the middle to the square and start again.
Do i point the model into the wind?
This help if you dont have a "Heading Hold Gyro" - on a non Heading Hold Gyro the helicopter will naturally want to weathercock into the wind, this meaning you will have to do extra work on the tail to maintain the heading you want.
What next?
Keep practicing!! the more you do both on the sim and for real, the easier it gets!