Brilliant intro into RC :) - RC

[Evil_Carrot]

Recently bought a helicopter online, while I am waiting for it to arrive I have been 'flying' planes in FMS (Can't fly heli's in it until I receive my new Futaba Tx, that is supplied with a buddybox->PC lead so I can hopefully use it with FMS (Win98se))) - flying the Heli with keyboard is not worth the learning experience IMO.

Orientation was a problem for me initially, couldn't land it [plane] for love nor money, been using for about 30-45 mins a day over the past 3 days, I can now confidentally 'fly' the model around and steer it naturally from whichever orientation - I can also land it competently.
To get a feel of how flying an RC model will be, this software is excellent - I'll use for another 2-3 days on heli's (when I get my Tx) before hovering my one for real, just so the sticks functions are etched into my brain - thinking about what each one does whilst flying will spell disaster - need to become au fait with each function first of all! This is where the sim comes into it's own, for 'finger memory', so each stick function becomes 2nd nature.
I've been told to spend a week learning to hover precisely (on the real one) before attempting anything else.
I know the real thing will be a lot harder, but this has pushed me up a few rungs on the learning ladder, which should prove hugely beneficial.
Anyway, once again, good work people - it's an invaluable learning tool!

[Skitchen8]

I'd actually suggest for helicopter you spend more time on the simulator, or else buy a trainer stand that straps to the landing gear and lets you fly attached to the ground. If you try to get into R/C too quick, especially heli's, you will spend a lot of unneeded money and time repairing things you break. I also highly suggest you join a club, they will have people willing to teach you, and sell you cheap planes/heli's/parts