 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Learn to fly Helicopter
Nadmas has three grass helicopter hovering pads (view the 360 aerial here )which are clear of the fixed wing flying area. We have a small number of members who fly helicopters who will be able to offer help and advise. We are however limited to the depth of training that we would offer to fixed wing trainee mainly because number of helicopter pilots in the club. Saying that, Nadmas offers a fantastic training ground where you can learn to hover and fly your helicopter in a safe environment with like minded people.
We recommend for the complete novice a professional rc flight school such as Paul Heckles just down the road at Swindon who will be able to start you in the world of Rc flying, you can then use the Nadmas flying field to practice and develop your skills. Once you have your helicopter set up it will then come down to pure practice and many hours of hovering before you move on.
Learning to fly Helicopters does take time and practice, an instructor can only teach you the basics and with that the best way to learn is to spend many hours learning to hover before your able to move out the flying box, this is a self discipline skill that only you can learn. There are many web site out there for advise on learning to fly, for the first time flyer it is highly recommend to buy a flight sim as you can practice without breaking the expensive parts!
Type of Helicopter
| Electric: These are a great way of starting with so many sizes on the market now that is a choose for every skill level | 30 Size: These are a very popular choice for learning with. They are also capable of doing a lot of the different styles of flying. They also keep the running/repair costs to a minimum. 30 sized models are as follows. | 46/50 Size: These are a mid sized model, which are normally a little more expensive to set-up with than the 30 size. The overall running costs are a little higher, although repair costs are very similar depending on the model chosen. The major benefit is their stability in the wind. Both the 30 and 46-size fly very similar on calm days, but in the wind the 46 size is a lot more stable. 46 sized models are as follows. | 60 Size: These are generally the biggest models on the market. These have much higher running costs and are normally a lot more expensive to set-up with. They are also a lot more expensive to repair. The stability of course is the best of the bunch, but the costs of repair generally out weighs this benefit. 60 Sized models are as follows. | |
Cost Of Helicopter So Which should I Buy? There is no need to buy the most expensive Helicopter on the market unless you are absolutely convinced that in several years later on you will still be in the sport (and yes it is a recognized sport). A basic version of any of the helicopter kits will perform the same maneuvers and acrobatics as the top specification machines and will continue to do so for you to become a component flier. From the point of maintenance the difference between the basic and top specification model will be the length of time before the bushes and clutch wear out, bushes will take many hours before they will show signs of wear and will probably last a few years. It is always normally possible to upgrade a basic spec machine to that of a top of the range spec as you progress through the sport and your abilities require the additional refinement the upgrades will give. This is more expensive option than if the higher specification machine was purchased from the onset. Buying Second Hand Here you pay your money and take your luck, unless you know the individual that build the craft, or know history of the model it may be worth staying clear. If you do see a bargain and have your heart set on it, ask to see it fly first to check if is mechanically sound. Check the model very thoroughly and don't be afraid to ask questions. Basic Starter Kits Many Model shops offer Starter kits (beginner kits) which combine all of the essential components to get you started they contain: Helicopter, Engine, Silencer, Radio (Transmitter, Receiver & servo's) and gyro that can work perfectly well together. the average cost ranges from £455.00 to £590.00 for a 30 size Helicopter: If you already fly fixed Wing you may already have some of the above items which will reduce the price somewhat, especially if you have a compatible radio set. Accessories and Training Aids With the model already to fly, there are a few other accessories which you will need in order to go and fly it. Here they are (they are in no particular order of importance):
The average price for all of the above should not exceed £120 but this is once again up to the specification of the equipment you purchase. Some of the better model shops will have this as a starters field kit. If you already fly fixed Wing you may already have some of the above items. Links: |
||||