helicopter training

[Jez N]

Another big +1 for Noel Cross.

He is passionate about all aspects of model helicopters and takes great pleasure from teaching both new and experienced people to fly better.

It's not cheap, but when you consider the price of fuel, his time and the model, as well as the fact you will be a far better pilot and crash less, I think it is a worthwhile investment. I learnt so much from the lessons I had and still practice many of the things he taught me.

Sim practice is great, but there is something about having someone stood next to you to firstly give you confidence to try something new, but also to make you do it properly and not cut corners.

[jimmyhorns]

I havent had any lessons myself, but at our club there are two guys who have lessons from another member.

Both have progressed noticeably since starting these, and their flying is a lot more disciplined.

One passed his A test with flying colours last week, and this is from being able to do a shakey tail in hover less than a year ago.


They arnt cheap, and I guess he has probably spent upwards of £800 on the lessons, but then with the size of heli he is flying, thats 3 bad crashes, and he has had none. So I guess its down to personal tastes really. He made the choice that it was better to spend the money on lessons than on another heli and to be honest I think he was right. Every time I put a heli in it knocks my confidence whether it was 'my fault' or a build failure or a system failure, and this probably knocks me about a month or so back in my flying, plus the downtime when I only had one model.

If you are flying a 450 or smaller, its definitely not as economical, as £800 goes a long way in 450 parts, so I guess there is always a trade off.

I think if you are going to give lessons a go you need to give them a reasonable go. Not much is going to happen with your £40 and an hours lesson.

[icequake2000]

thank you for all your advice. I think I am going to go for 2 or 3 hours training to just get the basics right then join a club. How long does it take to pass the A test ad what's involved. Newton Abbott helicopter club how busy is it packed all time or just weekends.

thank you

[anyw]

weekends is the time most members are down newton abbot heli club, especally on sundays. even at weekends you will get more then enough flight time, we have members at all levels and abilities from myself who can just about do very lazy 8s to chris chunk newby who can do lazy 8s and a little bit more ( well quite a lot more actually, its worth a vist just to see what he can do with a 700e )

[chris jones2.4]

Like andy says. If you fancy popping down i can tame down one of my 700e and put you on a buddy box and teach you basics

[jimmyhorns]

thank you for all your advice. I think I am going to go for 2 or 3 hours training to just get the basics right then join a club. How long does it take to pass the A test ad what's involved. Newton Abbott helicopter club how busy is it packed all time or just weekends.

thank you

How long?... well its a basic test of competency and control, so it takes as long as it takes to get to this stage.

Someone who takes to this like a duck to water, probably a month or so from starting. For most of us probably about a year given the limited amount of flying we can get in.

This is what is involved:

http://www.bmfa.org/Info/RCAchieveme...ad&EntryId=140

[delboyo2005]

Hi
The trouble is when you start how can you assess your instructor? , instruction needs to be given in the correct order by some who understands what he is passing on to you. I am afraid I have seen some very average instructors at BMFA club level who cannot fly correctly accurately themselves.
As I have been in aviation , engineering , piloting all my life I decided I could teach myself to fly RC Heli's . The first £800 + I spent on helis ( Trex 450's ) and spares, i soon became brilliant !! not at flying but repairs and 'setting up' . So that money was virtually wasted. I decided to pay for some lessons ( Paul Heckles School of Flying ). I soon realised my approach to learning to fly rc heli's had been totally wrong.

If I had invested on lesson, and on advice from PHSoF bought the correct heli for training, I would have been to A cert standard flying and probably not know how to repair ( get my drift ? ).

The thing is with learning to fly with PH School is you start flying immediately on dual control with as many controls as you can handle, maybe just one at the beginning, no crashes, its not going to happen ! My Instructor Paul Heckles very quickly sussed out my mental ability to cope without me getting stressed, and he tailored my lessons to suit. I was given full briefing on the effect wind/direction and quickly developed a greater understanding of what to expect ., like many other skilled pilots he started very young and has so much RC flying experience. But the most important asset is his enthusiasm and ability as an instructor , very good.

My advice to anyone starting to learn this reasonably difficult skill INVEST your first £500 in lessons it will save you money in the long run, I can recommend PH School of Flying, you will become a much better and safer pilot and you will enjoy learning to fly.

[jimmyhorns]

Hi
The trouble is when you start how can you assess your instructor? , instruction needs to be given in the correct order by some who understands what he is passing on to you. I am afraid I have seen some very average instructors at BMFA club level who cannot fly correctly accurately themselves.
As I have been in aviation , engineering , piloting all my life I decided I could teach myself to fly RC Heli's . The first £800 + I spent on helis ( Trex 450's ) and spares, i soon became brilliant !! not at flying but repairs and 'setting up' . So that money was virtually wasted. I decided to pay for some lessons ( Paul Heckles School of Flying ). I soon realised my approach to learning to fly rc heli's had been totally wrong.

If I had invested on lesson, and on advice from PHSoF bought the correct heli for training, I would have been to A cert standard flying and probably not know how to repair ( get my drift ? ).

The thing is with learning to fly with PH School is you start flying immediately on dual control with as many controls as you can handle, maybe just one at the beginning, no crashes, its not going to happen ! My Instructor Paul Heckles very quickly sussed out my mental ability to cope without me getting stressed, and he tailored my lessons to suit. I was given full briefing on the effect wind/direction and quickly developed a greater understanding of what to expect ., like many other skilled pilots he started very young and has so much RC flying experience. But the most important asset is his enthusiasm and ability as an instructor , very good.

My advice to anyone starting to learn this reasonably difficult skill INVEST your first £500 in lessons it will save you money in the long run, I can recommend PH School of Flying, you will become a much better and safer pilot and you will enjoy learning to fly.

I have heard mixed reviews about Paul Heckles School of flying, though it certainly sounds like you know what you like!

[delboyo2005]

I would probably have ditched the heli flying game, no access to a heli instructor., the knowledge and training I bought keeps me safe !

[Bavers777]

Noel cross is one of the best, top bloke. Go do it....

[RafeyRJX]

The most important thing I think youll get from a lesson iniatially is having your heli set up correctly for learning with and being given good direction on how to progress to the next level in achievable stages.You spend a long time learning basics otherwise. Ive seen lots of new pilots crash because they are getting ahead of themselves too soon.
You will get just as good a lesson though from a seasoned club member that can talk you through the stages if your patient as you will by paying.... my opion
As for fp and coax models, personally I dont advocate spending the money. Use a sim and be patient with your cp model. Its what your going to fly so fly it.

[choppertastic]

HI I am new to rc helicopters and would like to have some professional lessons before getting started. Has anyone on this forum ever used Skids n' skills for training or could you recommend me another flying school. Thank you

You won't go wrong with Noel at skids n skills. He got me started with this hobby many years ago. He's a very good instructor and explains things in a easy way to understand.

[Red3]

hi a buddy of mine Ian aka coolice has a flight school Coolice Flight School
drop him a p.m he will be only to glad to help you along.