How do I perform differnt manoeuvres?

[ed_vh]

Any sources of info on how to fly helis. I have been practising on Phoenix for a while, but really feel I could do with knowing how the basic manouvers are performed. Key one at the moment is doing constant height figure 8's. How much is it collective, how much rudder? I seam to gain height or loose speed on the turns.

Maybe there are some good books, DVD's, websites etc? I have been reading Helicopter world but the moves in there are a bit beyond me!

Thanks
Ed

[Steve]

Join your local club.

It's the only way.

[warboysastro]

Think of the heli as a frictionless device. As you add forward cyclic it'll start to 'skid' (fly!) forwards, and ignoring translational lift for a moment, even if you then return cyclic to neutral stick will carry on like that until you apply back cyclic to stop it. Coming back to translation lift, as speed increases, so does lift on the rotor disc and the heli rises. You can control this with pitch. More forward cyclic would increase forward speed which would increase translational lift which would cause the heli to climb even more. You get the idea.

You've obviously found out by now that simply putting rudder in doesn't necessarily cause the heli to change direction. Apply bank with lateral cyclic, but avoid putting in stick-fulls of fore/aft cyclic. Bank and rudder with just a smidge of cyclic to help it will have it change direction. Try and make the tail follow the heli's nose. Apply pitch as required to keep height constant.

Nobody said it was easy The sim is invaluable for practice.

Cheers - Rob

[nightstalker]

If it was easy it would be boring, that's what i like about this hobby every days flying is different, different wind directions, different wind speeds, etc keeps me on my toes. you just have to adapt to the conditions each time

[ed_vh]

Join your local club.

It's the only way.

If I could find one I would, but most seam to be plane focused around here. If anyone knows one in Cambridge let me know! I do not have easy car access so I really wanted to be able to fly in my local (huge) park that is a short walk (coldhams common for those in the area). If I can find a club out of town I would be able to go occasionally and would definately find a way to go there a few times to learn the basics.

Thanks

Ed

[golddust]

Join your local club.

It's the only way.

Easier said then done I feel.

Looking at the clubs about Cirencester, they seem a little plank biased. Someone needs to prove me wrong :-)

[quanter]

Cambridge club

http://www.cambridgemodelaircraftclub.co.uk/
Fly at Waterbeach, which you can get to by bus from Cambs