Beginner requires direction

[Tweeky]

Hi All
Radio Control flying is one of those things I've always wanted to do, I always thought it was mega expensive in the first instance to aquire a machine at all, but the internet has prooved otherwise. Well that is while I'm on the ground. Having read many quotes here I see where the expense is derived!
OK; I see many of you use a flight sim, a Pheonix is mentioned in particular, is this the best one for the beginner to get hold of? If so can you tell me why? and what about Real flight G4 is this any good or only for the intermediate.
My thoughts are to get some experience before joining a club,- bad move some of you might say, but in my experience it is better to have some experience as apposed to looking a right plank!

Your answers would be appreciated.
Paul

[Boggy]

"Beginner requires direction" north mate and dont stop!!! welcome to the forum. we recomend phoenix because its the one most of us use and regard it to be the best for helicopters. it will do you from beginner to pro! ive personally never used any other except fms which is a free download and not much use except to give you an idea as to wether you will like the hobby......you will!!!! and it will cost !!!!so get running and dont stop

you may be wrong about the club !! the right people will teach you from the start! and clubs are not just about flying its like minded people in a field wondering why they are there but bloody enjoying it

[Thomas]

A SIM is the best place to start, there are three main ones, RealFlight which comes with a controller, Reflex and Phoenix, there are pros and cons to all of them but most on here use Phoenix as it is a local firm and the latest one on the market.

[robgt]

I'd agree, get Phoenix.
I've used Reflex (prior to Phoenix) a lot and it was ok, but had issues on some of the flight characteristics when moving into more advanced flight.

I've also played around a bit with RealFlight G4.5 and after the settings have had a tweak, it's actually pretty good!!

No sim emulates real life, but the top sims will give you a good idea of how to fly a model in the real world and Phoenix is my current favourite of that crop.

Cheers,
Rob

[Buccaneer]

Why run north Ron.......

[Boggy]

furthest distance before he has to stop!!

[Buccaneer]

[heliTV]

Hi Paul

Welcome to the forum!

Never used anything but Phoenix following a recommendation here. I started in August with a Blade CX2 and Phoenix which, at the time, was the "standard" recommended way... (awaiting the flak from the nitroheads!)

A sim is a great place to start as it costs nothing when you crash (which you will often!) and if you decide helis aren't for you, you'll get back nearly what you paid. All Phoenix updates are free and the value is in the dongle so a used package is exactly the same as new. With the sim, you can fly a whole range of models that would cost a fortune in the real world.

I would also get a real heli as it helps if you do some real flying - the simulator can't simulate the nervousness you get when a crash will cost you money! As I said, the Blade CX2 was the "standard", but for value-for-money, fun and an esy start, I would recommend the Blade mCX. Its small and can be flown easily in any living room by a beginner...

Finally, there is a big difference between the contra-rotating helis mentioned above, and a single rotor collective pitch heli - with the sim you can try the much more difficult CP machines whilst gaining confidence with a contra.

This approach worked well for me, but beware, it IS addictive and isn't cheap. However, it is hugely rewarding if you put the work in to learn.

Finally, finally, this forum has been invaluable to me in learning about the hobby and you'll find plenty of people more than willing to help.

All the best

Graham

[heliTV]

furthest distance before he has to stop!!

Hi Ron
How about up!!!

ATB
Graham

[Boggy]

Hi Ron
How about up!!!

ATB
Graham

if tweeky can run up he dosen't need helicopters

[Tim Procter]

Why run north Ron.......

Because that's where Yorkshire is Ian..



Back on topic as stated a sim is the best start you can make, Crash that a 100 times a day and it costs nothing.

Crash your model once and spend £100's.

I also use Phoenix and can recommend it although most users have issues joining "Online Sessions" but really think hard about this..............

Buy a heli and definately crash it or learn to fly on a sim and give yourself a chance.

Stick input is everything, One twitch the wrong way and the heli has bitten the dust.


Good luck.

[madgooner99]

My thoughts are to get some experience before joining a club,- bad move some of you might say, but in my experience it is better to have some experience as apposed to looking a right plank!

Your answers would be appreciated.
Paul

Hi Tweaky

There's an evening indoor meet in Collier Row thats always a laugh and you'll learn loads. You don't have to be a member to fly or just come allong for a chat with like minded lunatics. PM me if you're interested in future.

I have Aerofly Professional on my laptop that i can bring along if you want to try it out (not that i'd recommend Aerofly over Pheonix but it will give you an idea).

Cheers

Ray

[Tweeky]

Hi All
Thanks for the prompt input all of which I take onboard and I will follow your advice. Incidently Graham isn't far wrong - Direction UP - I'm going up and down all day!
Can anyone recommend where to get one Phoenix that is?
Tweeky

[Tweeky]

Hi Where in Collier Row is the meet and what day.

[Tweeky]

Hi Do you plug your own radio into phoenix?