Introduction

[ayjay]

Hi Guys, My name is Andy, I'm 57 yrs old and I'm a Newbie - God, sounds like an AA meeting intro
A quick resume - I started IC combat wing control line flying at age 11.
Moved to South Africa and didn't fly again for years. Chris Sweatman the then SA champion re-introduced me and I "flew" 2 4ch planks for a time before becoming disillusioned - 8hrs at the club for 15min flying time - not worth the effort! BUT, I saw my 1st RC Heli back in 1985-ish and vowed the ONE day i would have one. 7 years ago I bought my 1st electric heli, an Icarus Picolo and learned to hover - after breaking every single part of the model umpteen times over. She still works today - just! Then I got an Esky Lama coaxial and learned far more. Had to give up due to work & family pressures etc and now, many moons later, I'm back. Just got a 450SE V2 from a friend (plus an ex Blade 400 that need a complete rebuild). I have got Spectrum Rx's but no decent TX except for an eFlight 6ch HP6DSM. BIg question is - DX6i or 7 ??Bearing in mind that I will never go IC (too messy & noisy) and will stick with e-power all the way.
OK just to stir up the passion, I have an FMA Co-Pilot II which I haven't yet fitted . I need to learn again, there are no club vacancies near me and no-one to help so I will have to find some safe, open land where I can practice. The Co-Pilot is supposed to be my crutch - if all else fails, let it re-orientate itself. Any suggestions, criticism, comments will be most welcome.
Thanks for reading/listening to my little story..

[Eckchaz]

Welcome mate.. you have found the best forum and a great bunch of guys.. any help is always at hand here! Dont be afraid to ask!

[Mart61]

Welcome aboard. I too have a 450SEv2 and I can honestly say that it's my favourite heli to date.

The DX6i is a great radio and I/many of us started with one. However the DX7 is a whole different baby. Just feels right in your hands.

Still, the DX6is can be had for a very reasonable price these days.

[coptermanic]

Hi Andy, welcome to the forum, and to the growing band of us Southerners.

[Pitman]

Hi Andy,

Welcome to the forum Where did you live in South Africa?

[challis349]

Welcome Andy, as Martin said above, many have had both the 6 and the 7, the 7 feels smaller in the hands, sticks seem easier to reach, and just feels a whole lot better with a much better quality to it, having said that there is nothing wrong with the 6, just I prefer the 7, I only fly electric too

[ayjay]

Thanks

Thanks guys, I think you have helped my decision, I was swaying towards the DX7 anyway...
To Answer Pitman, I was in Cape Town from 1968 until Jan 2001. Arrived back here with a messy divorce, a lost business, a 15 year old daughter and £50 in my pocket.. What a ride it's been.
I would love to meet some knowledgeable, experienced pilots sometime, but in the meantime, I'm really happy to know that there is a forum like this full of friendly, helpful guys, willing to share their experience.
By the way, a helpful hint to any other newbie wanting to learn - have a look at the chopperaddict site, Ian has patented his EZEhover system but will allow anyone to make their own. It means that anyone can now learn to hover and control their heli up to a 600 electric I guess, in the complete safety of your own back garden - totally under safe control. It has helped me tremendously.
Anyway, just a thought and helpful hint.

[Gaza07]

Welcome to the forum the trex 450se v2 is an excellent heli, the phoenix sim might also be a good idea

[ayjay]

Thanks Gaza07, I am in the process of getting the phoenix sim. Looking at your list, you are driving some serious hardware.... maybe one day ~sigh~ first I need to master the 450, then we will see..

[David Drew]

Welcome to a great forum

[ipitombi]

Hi Andy,
Welcome to the forum, I was born in SA and left 1975, went back in 1995 March
and it was to hot for me and it's there winter????
cheers,

[gazza131]

yo Andy and welcome, i'm sure you'll get all the help and advice you'll need here

[adieuk]

Hi andy and welcome to the forum
and this great hobby

[asomaro]

Hi Andy and welcome to the forum.

I also started by flying control line combat when I was about 12 or so. I took up heli flying a couple of years ago (when I was 51 - its never too late - lol)

Believe me, the bug will bite hard - but its a really great hobby and the folks on this forum are the best I've come across for help and advice.

I started off with a Honey Bee then very quickly moved onto a 450 SEv2 which I still have and enjoy! Got a few others since then though.... oops

Drop in for coffee and some heli chat if you like, I'm just north of Ringwood.

Cheers,