Shall I go for it?

[englishbloke]

I have wanted an RC helicopter (specifically a bell 222 or 'Airwolf') since I was about 8. Now, at the age of 28 I have been given the opportunity to take my first step into RC heli's!

Strangely I am finding it hard to take the leap that I expected...the more I look the harder the decision.

Now I realise I can't just go out and buy a IC powered Airwolf but I had much higher hopes than a 12 inch long dual rotor toy thing that my local model shop has recommended to me! No matter how much I tried to go for the bigger stuff the guys in the shop insisted I should start with this little 'ez-copter'.

If I go ahead and spend £120 on a toy which is 'much easier' to fly, won't I get bored in two weeks and be £120 down? Should I just spend £150 and get something with a proper tail rotor etc? Trouble is I want to fly it in my garden and garage!? Joining a club and making trips out seems like a lot of hassle?

I know this is a pretty common thread on these forums but any advice would be greatly received!

[Smoothound]

Its a pretty good option for getting your head around orientation and the basics without spending too much money and finding you can't be bothered to put the time in on a "proper" RC heli with the inevitable crashes

[jimbob]

Unless you've got a REALLY big garage or garden, actually flying a proper sized heli there would be asking for serious trouble.

If you've wanted to fly a heli for 20 years, and you can afford it, then you should probably get a proper sized heli (30 glow) or similar.

However, this is a complicated and potentially lethal machine, which you WILL need help with, both to fly, and to operate safely.

In my opinion, you should go the club route.

[Smoothound]

Like JimBob says if you really are planning on flying in your garage/garden a proper RC heli is not an option, even less of an option if you are learning.

The contra-rotating helis are ideal for your garage or indoors if you have plenty of room but not outside as the slightest bit of wind will lift it away and unless you chop the throttle it will be gone quickly over the hedges an away.

If you really aspire to having an Airwolf scale heli you really need to get to grips with a nitro heli(you can do it smaller but it's always easier with something larger) which does really mean a club and training. You can do it on your own but it's costly and dangerous

[Fixxxer]

Where abouts are you located, I would imagine the best course of action if your ultimate goal is an airwolf would be to find a training school or club that offers a trial flight with one of thier nitro heli's & experienced pilot. This is a very cheap and effective way to see if it's really for you and just what it will entail. As a rule of thumb the smaller a heli is, the harder it is to fly. Check the link for a list of BMFA affiliated clubs http://www.bmfa.org/clubs/index.html

[englishbloke]

Thanks for all the advice people!

I am based in near Market Drayton in Shrops, I found a club near by so I will go and check that out at some point.

Cheers!

[Ade_Law]

i would be looking for a local flying school that has models you can fly. That way you pay a small amount of money. take the early steps in learning to fly properly without picking up any bad habbits or shelling out large amounts of money.

but then i would say that as i run a school!

Ade

[bandicoot]

wether you go for a small electric or a nitro as ade sais visit a club or school where you can watch others and have a go. It gives you a head start and a better idea of what you want to spend you money on