Tentative lift off causes problems?!

[cyberman]

Whilst practising with my Blade mCX I have noticed that if I am very cautious during lift off and only go a few inches of the ground the helicopter is harder to control and will drift off to a greater extent.
But if I am more positive with my lift off and go a few feet into the air control seems much more stable and I am generally able to get a much steadier and controlled response.
Is this normal or just my amateur flying?

On the plus side I seem to be getting to grips with controlling it whe its nose on to me. Forward and backward are pretty much ok, and left right and rudder are starting to come good with me getting it right more than wrong!

[Mart61]

Yes, the situation you speak of is perfectly normal. The blades are actually more efficient near the ground and, as such, the smallest change to control input, wind, head speed and other external and internal factors can have a significant effect on the hover.

It's called ground effect. Take a peek here for a good description.

Glad you're enjoying your mCX!

[cyberman]

Thanks for that, I was hoping it was not me being a muppet!
The link you sent is very good and has a lot of very useful info, and is now added to my favourites.