Psycological Obstacles
Introduction
When learning to fly I found there are several mental / psycological / physiological combination barriers to successfully flying model Helicopters. Unfortunately, unless these are documented when learning, the proficient pilot has forgotten the learning curve, and how he overcame them. So here is mine - yours may be different.
Do use a Simulator (FMS Cobra is excellent) to improve control and orientation prior to any attempt with a real model. Bear in mind that the model is usually a lot more sensitive than the Simulator, so Exponential can help on the model. If the Simulator model is too sensitive, then use Exponential on the Simulator.
Joining a Club which specialises in Heli's will help enormously with learning / progress and give you access to an accumulated knowledge base of people, and people who are at various stages (including yours) in the learning process. Lessons can also be provided using the buddy-box system, which saves breaking your Heli. Unfortunately, there is a down side to this where you will get conflicting advice from well-meaning pilots - be prepared to question, listen, and evaluate for yourself - they are not all correct !
Learning Helicopters from a Plane background
Coming to Helicopters from Planes also presents it's own extra brand of problems ;
These are usually ;
a) Elevator does not increase height - use throttle/pitch.
b) The tail must follow the nose, so rudder must be used.
c) Fly the nose, not the tail.
d) Elevator controls speed.
e) Height is safer. Fight the tendency to panic and try to land when in trouble. Go up and get control back, not down. When trying anything new, stay at 20ft - 30ft and practise until proficient, then lower the height.
f) Helicopters do not glide - a reliable motor is everything, especially when learning.
g) Set up the engine properly with head loaders, not the field engine "expert" random way, then it won't stop in flight.
h) Learning autorotation early is a good idea and will save your machine.
Obstacles
A) Height
This is the first problem I had. Being used to Hovering at eye level when first learning, it is a major transition to fly higher. I found that orientation was ok for the first 10-20ft but then at 30ft the whole perspective changed. In fact, I actually had physical warning bells going off telling me to get lower to improve my perspective. I could not see the rotor blades or determine the angle the blades were at. This took around 3 weeks to overcome and the only way was to keep raising the bar, and lowering it, until I was comfortable with the orientation at height.
B) Orientation
This is a major issue as you have to get used to seeing the Heli from all the different angles ; RHside/LHside/front/back (low or at height). I tried painting my skids different colours to improve this, which was a help, but finally the clues came from a) the rotor blade angle and b) both skids c) the body and canopy. It can be helpful to add different coloured rubbers to the undercarriage rails. Also, you have to have a safe mode ("escape route") to return to, and that is the Hover (tail towards you). When at distance, it helps to turn the Heli sideways on to improve the attitude detection. This needs a lot of practise.
C) Distance
This takes a while to get used to as the Heli area seen from the back or front is very small.
D) Speed
This is very difficult, especially flying towards yourself. I still have problems judging this accurately. It takes practise to judge how much Elevator to apply to slow things down without stalling, and falling backwards.
E) Nose-in
This is the most dificult and I find it is better attempted from one side at 30ft into wind initially, coming slowly forwards. The wind helps to hold the Heli stationary, and the Elevator should be slightly down to keep up forward speed which adds further stability. Make sure you have planned an escape route, as you will get it wrong many times !
F) Fear of Breakage
This is difficult to overcome, but there are some ways to make it easier.
a) Initial flights should be on a buddy-box until you can Hover.
b) Always check / test the Heli controls on the ground prior to take-off / Hover. I broke my first Heli by not checking - the Heli pirouetted on take-off due to a change in rudder trim and I tried to put it down quickly (panic). Unfortunately it landed sideways and broke the frames/blades/flybar/bent main mast etc.
c) Practise on the Simulator until confident of the manoeuvre. Then try it on the model - always at height.
d) The Hover is the basic eye level manoeuvre and needs to be practised from all angles except nose-in. You need this as your "escape route" - it is invaluable.
e) When learning do not fly in a strong wind.
f) Keep the Heli in front of you at all times and 10-15ft away, tail towards you when first learning.
G) New Manoeuvers
Fly on the simulator first to check orientation and control inputs needed. Always learn 50ft high and plan an escape route first. Keep practising until you get it right. You cannot hurry it - it will take as long as it takes. If stuck, seek some help from someone who has already cracked it.
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