Learning exclusively on a simulator

[Patrick Free]

Since the simulators are reported to be so accurate, I was wondering if
anyone has learned how to fly a real RC helicopte exclusively via
practice on a simulator?

Patrick

[kodi]

I am also in the process of learning to fly by using a simulator G2, but I
think one will still need some help from a experieced heli flyer. Why?
Well I don't think one can learn to set up and trim the helicopter by using
a simulator. Also I think it would be better to have an experienced pilot
to do that first flight test. Again I'm just getting started so I can only
guess. Maybe if the directions explain in sufficient detail how to setup
the chopper one may be able to do it on their own but I'm sure your chances
will be greatly improved with experienced help.


"Patrick Free" <pfree@nukem.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.18ff8df39d5e24d298973a@news-server...
>
> Since the simulators are reported to be so accurate, I was wondering if
> anyone has learned how to fly a real RC helicopte exclusively via
> practice on a simulator?
>
> Patrick

[Biggie in PA]

Sure! I did. I originally got a Nexus... crashed it.
Then I got the Real Flight G2 and practiced with it.
Next, I bought a GPH-346 (no more Nexus) and assembled it.
I had an experienced flyer (Paul at Valley Forge... kudos) check it out for
proper set up, and have not crashed it yet.
It can be done!

--

Biggie in PA
sjg1958 at hotmail dot com


"Patrick Free" <pfree@nukem.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.18ff8df39d5e24d298973a@news-server...
>
> Since the simulators are reported to be so accurate, I was wondering if
> anyone has learned how to fly a real RC helicopte exclusively via
> practice on a simulator?
>
> Patrick

[Mike]

>> Since the simulators are reported to be so accurate, I was wondering if
>> anyone has learned how to fly a real RC helicopte exclusively via
>> practice on a simulator?
>>
>
I think your big problem here is definition of 'learned to fly'. Most people
would agree that model helicopter flying is an ongoing learning experience, not
to mention one of achieving personal goals and common standards.

A five second hover to a newbie, with a safe landing at the end, could very
easily be classed as a successful flight, so he has effectively 'learned to
fly'.

I think you have to ask how many people feel happier flying a real model after
having simulator experience, ie how much do they feel it helped them.

I learned to fly without one, but wish I had had one available when I was
learning. But then, I could have wished for a gyro.... 5 servos..... computer
radio..... nyloc nuts......threadlock.........weighted blades... errr think
I'll stop now.

[Chuck W]

I've had a Nexus since last christmas. Took me a week to get it together
and I've been tweaking the setup ever since. I have no chopper pilots near
me, so I've been on my own except for this newsgroup. I finally got a copy
of G2 near the end of March. Up till that point, I was still hovering and
tweaking, hovering and tweaking. Since getting the sim, my flying has
progressed more in the past few weeks than in the past few months. I can't
say that I would have felt comfortable learning without a real heli, but the
input of the simulator into the training process can't be over-valued.

I'm wondering why Great Planes hasn't come up with a bundle deal yet for the
sim and an RTF heli. Have they, and I just missed it?

-Chuck W

"Patrick Free" <pfree@nukem.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.18ff8df39d5e24d298973a@news-server...
>
> Since the simulators are reported to be so accurate, I was wondering if
> anyone has learned how to fly a real RC helicopte exclusively via
> practice on a simulator?
>
> Patrick

[Heli Genius]

First you said ...

"I think your big problem here is definition of 'learned to fly'. Most
people
would agree that model helicopter flying is an ongoing learning experience,
not
to mention one of achieving personal goals and common standards."

THEN you said...

"I learned to fly without one, but wish I had had one available when I WAS
learning."

Hmmm, a slight contradiction perhaps?

Personally, I am still learning using one (a sim) to help me fly the real
thing. With the real thing, I am comfortable with what might be considered
'fairly' advanced flight. You are right though, learning continues
regardless of your skill. If I ever stop learning, I will sell up and look
for another hobby. I hope that new hobby will be daisy pushing :-) Why?
Because it's only the challenge that keeps me interested. I know this is
not the case for everyone - there are people I know who are more than happy
to potter around and will probably do so until they die.

JB

[Mike]

>First you said ...
>
>"I think your big problem here is definition of 'learned to fly'. Most
>people
>would agree that model helicopter flying is an ongoing learning experience,
>not
>to mention one of achieving personal goals and common standards."
>
>THEN you said...
>
>"I learned to fly without one, but wish I had had one available when I WAS
>learning."
>
>Hmmm, a slight contradiction perhaps?

Perhaps I should have said that the most expensive, painful and timeconsuming
part of my learning process was done at a time when simulators were not
available :-)

I also make use of a sim occasionally, although it usually deteriorates into a
session of totally mad flying, doing outrageous things that I would never
attempt with a real one. I call it 'honing my reactions', lol...

[Heli Genius]

"Mike" <mikespruce99@aol.comnospam> wrote in message
news:20030411165107.19160.00000499@mb-fl.aol.com...
> >First you said ...
> >
> >"I think your big problem here is definition of 'learned to fly'. Most
> >people
> >would agree that model helicopter flying is an ongoing learning
experience,
> >not
> >to mention one of achieving personal goals and common standards."
> >
> >THEN you said...
> >
> >"I learned to fly without one, but wish I had had one available when I
WAS
> >learning."
> >
> >Hmmm, a slight contradiction perhaps?
>
> Perhaps I should have said that the most expensive, painful and
timeconsuming
> part of my learning process was done at a time when simulators were not
> available :-)
>
> I also make use of a sim occasionally, although it usually deteriorates
into a
> session of totally mad flying, doing outrageous things that I would never
> attempt with a real one.

Why not?

I do! It's great - a tremendous buzz. The secret is that you have to get
yourself in the same frame of mind as you do with the sim - forget the £££s
and go for it - it works. If you do have a head lockout - well y'know,
'nothing ventured.....'

JB