Supplement to FAQ .

I have been going through tons of forum posts in various forums and haven't really found a concise beginner FAQ or sticky post that puts it ALL in one place. There are some basic questions most beginners are looking to get answers and little do we know that our "simple" question is usually subjective and leads to many more other options to consider before arriving to the "final" answer. The difference between a FAQ and what I am trying to do here is not only list what some of the most common options are but also poll the members of this forum in order to rank the options for a beginner. I am hoping that with a large enough pool of responses and entries someone can look at the list and make an educated decision or make more educated questions to lead them into this fascinating hobby.

I am going to do my best to catalog the questions I am going through and catalog my findings in some sort of clear cut way. I need some help from the experienced pilots here to complete some of the charts and information I have come up with. Keep in mind that the target audience is new pilots with 0 RC flying experience and will baseline this as a Beginner.

I will split up my findings into separate categories that I believe will be useful for the next n00b like me that comes asking.
1) First Heli Options
2) Simulator Options
3) Additional Costs
4) Heli Dictionary
5) How To...
6) Stunts

I will monitor the responses and add to the content based on discussion and personal discovery from my research. All help is appreciated.

I notice HTML code is set to off. Anyone know how I can make tables in this forum?

FIRST HELI OPTIONS

**Information gathered from posts in beginner sections of various forums**
RCGroups.com, helifreak.com, runryder.com, helifever.com, rcuniverse.com

User Ratings are base on a 1-10 scale 1 being the easiest and 10 being the hardest to fly/maintain for a beginner with 0 RC flying experience.
To participate in the poll click:
http://www.polljunkie.com/JAd4c5/Poll5180.aspx
Use this link to view the results of the poll.
http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx


Helicopter Name: Blade MCX/MCX S300
Manufacturer: E-Flite
MSRP: ~$100
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $20
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $120
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor
Blade Style: Coax
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Mini
Recommended Level: Beginner
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor: $5
Avg. Repair Cost – Major: $20
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ght=mcx+review




Helicopter Name: Blade MSR
Manufacturer: E-Flite
MSRP: $150
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $30
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $180
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor
Blade Style: Single Fixed Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Mini
Recommended Level: Beginner - intermediate when switched to advanced mode
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor: $5
Avg. Repair Cost – Major: $20
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ight=Blade+MSR


Helicopter Name: Blade 120 SR RTF
Manufacturer: E-Flite
MSRP: ~$180
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $50
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $230
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor/Some Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Fixed Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Mini
Recommended Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor: $20
Avg. Repair Cost – Major: $50
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1265101http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1266566



Helicopter Name: Novus FP Micro
Manufacturer: Heli-Max
MSRP: $160
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $32
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $192
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor
Blade Style: Single Collective Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Mini
Recommended Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...Novus+FP+Micro



Helicopter Name: Lama V4
Manufacturer: E-Sky
MSRP: $89
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $17.80
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $106.80
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor/Outdoor
Blade Style: Coax
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Micro
Recommended Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1128502
Comments/Review: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=688338



Helicopter Name: Blade CX2 + Tx
Manufacturer: E-Flite
MSRP: $180
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $36
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $216
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor/Outdoor
Blade Style: Coax
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Micro
Recommended Level: Beginner
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=607057




Helicopter Name: HoneyBee – FP v2 or v3
Manufacturer: E-Sky
MSRP: $90
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $18
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $108
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor/Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Fixed Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Micro
Recommended Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=444936
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289414
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=157659



Helicopter Name: Falcon 40 + Tx
Manufacturer: Exceed-RC
MSRP: $90
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $18
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $108
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor/Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Fixed Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): Micro
Recommended Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review:




Helicopter Name: Hirobo SRB Quark + Tx
Manufacturer: Hirobo
MSRP: $360
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $72
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $432
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Indoor/Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Fixed Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): micro
Recommended Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review:


Helicopter Name: Esky BELT-CP 450 V2 + Tx (RTF)
Manufacturer: E-Sky
MSRP: $175
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $35
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $210
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Collective Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): 400-450
Recommended Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): No
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1073291
Build Video -http://www.helituning.com/index.php/...ld-videos.html



************************************************** ************
**********KITS BUILD IS REQUIRED AT THIS LEVEL**********************
************************************************** ************



Helicopter Name: T-Rex 450 Sport Super Combo (All electronics and motor included)
Manufacturer: Align
MSRP: ~$430 (includes electronics) needs Rx/Tx and 3s battery to fly
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $86
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $516 + Rx/Tx + 3s battery
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Collective Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): 400-450
Recommended Level: Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): Yes
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review:





Helicopter Name: HK450 (HK=Heli Kit/Hobby King)
Manufacturer: Hobby King
MSRP: $30 + Electronics Recommended to buy multiple kits
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $30 (Buy 1 or 2 extra kits)
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $60 + electronics
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Collective Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): 400-450
Recommended Level: Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): Yes
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
User Rating: http://www.polljunkie.com/dA4G9o/View5180.aspx
Comments/Review:
Suggested threads by MikeSt for beginner heli kits.
beginners cheap cheap
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=114833
"....I am writing an article on a super cheap 450 size electric for beginners. Alot of people who are considering the RC Helicopter hobby are put off by the cost. Well I found a Hong Kong Distributor that has the lowest prices and I was able to put together a complete Trex 450 S Clone for a Total cost of $161.90 shipped."

And

hard to be cheaper
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=976255




Helicopter Name: CopterX 450 SE v2 (http://www.copterx.com/kit_cx450v2se_c.html)
Manufacturer: Copter X
MSRP: $150 + Electronics + Tx
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $30
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $180 + electronics + Tx
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Collective Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): 400-450
Recommended Level: Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): Yes
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
Comments/Review:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=746386



Helicopter Name: CopterX 450 SE v2 (http://www.copterx.com/kit_cx450v2se_c.html)
Manufacturer: X Heli
MSRP: ~$80 + Electronics + Tx
Recommended Spare Part Cost: $20
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $100 + electronics + Tx
Use (Indoor/Outdoor): Outdoor
Blade Style: Single Collective Pitch
Size (Mini/Micro/400/etc): 400-450
Recommended Level: Advanced
Assembly Required (Y/N): Yes
Avg. Repair Cost – Minor:
Avg. Repair Cost – Major:
Comments/Review:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=933046



Still thinking about going straight to a CP Heli and skipping the Beginner/Intermediate level? Read the following thread and it may help you make a decision
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1112144

Simulator Options

Google Spreadsheets Link: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...EMUxAqpw&gid=0

Sim..............................Manufacturer....................MSRP
RealFlight G5+................Great Planes....................$200.00
Phoenix Sim....................Phoenix....................... ..$130.00
Clearview Flight Sim.........Clearview.........................$40.00
E-SKy Flight Sim..............E-Sky.............................$20.00
Heli Sim RC.....................MarksFliers.net.............. . Donation
FMS Simulator.................Roman & Michael Möller......Donation
Pre-Flight.......................Pre-Flight........................$40.00
AlphaMac Sim.................Alpha Mac Software...........$40.00
AeroFly Pro....................AeroFly....................... ...$188.00 (Mac)
CRRC Sim.......................CRRC....................... ......Donation (Mac)
Heli-X ...........................Heli-X.............................Donation (Mac)
SSS..............................Rowl House......................Donation


Comparison Chart
Which Sim Is Better? Thread

Additional Costs

Google Spreadsheets Link: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...EMUxAqpw&gid=0

Misc Costs........................Cost.............Comments..................................................Link
AMA membership.................$30-60...........Varies by age and Full vs Park membership..........http://www.modelaircraft.org/members...lications.aspx
Local Club membership..........$25-200/yr.....Varies by area and club...................................http://rcsource.hobbypeople.net/link/clubwebs.htm
Training Kit.........................$6-25............Match to your starter heli................................http://www.helihobby.com/html/training_gear.html

Heli Dictionary/Background

No need to reinvent the wheel here. Great info at http://www.rcheliwiki.com.

How To...

Finless Bob How To Videos
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=52530
I don't know what he is talking about most of the time but it makes me interested in the hobby even more.

RADD's School of Rotary Flight
http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html

Swashplate - Toshiyasu Morita Guide
http://www.swashplate.co.uk/html/ehbg.html

NightFlyyer's YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/NightFlyyer

NuttCaze YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/nuttcaze

Jasmine's Dx7 Setup Video and VideoHome Page

Spektrum DX7 Helicopter Setup (19 min 8 sec)

http://www.vimeo.com/jasmine2501 (She is always there to help and needs credit for it. A personal thanks, Jasmine)

Stunts
FAI Sporting Code - Contains descriptions of all FAI maneuvers and "F3N" schedule.
ftp://www.fai.org/sporting_code/sc4...icopters_09.pdf



Following video contributed by member Jasmine2501 of Mr. Nathan Schneider flying T-Rex 700. Stunt identification to follow.

Originally Posted by jasmine2501

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkJa36vq-CE

Any volunteers from the experienced pilots to provide some videos and name the stunts at particular times during the video.

ie Barrel Roll 1:02
Tic Toc 1:30
Inverted 8s 2:00

Would be nice to get a couple of vids of different pilots for this section.

Bump

Changed display of the tables since I could not find BB code to do it with. I hope this helps people as they come to this site.

This is excellent. Thanks for putting in the work on this. Keep going

BTW, I've got some videos where I could edit and put in the names of the stunts... would that help? I've got one with an electric Trex 700 and I think he does everything in it. It goes by fast though...

Electric Trex 700 Helicopter (4 min 42 sec)

WOOT! Thanks Jasmine. I was beginning to think I had stepped on someone's toes.
We could list the times of each stunt or even better edit a video where the stunt name appears at the bottom of the screen. If you can provide the stunt names and when they occur I can do the vid work. I know time is a luxury.

Awesome video, by the way.

Oh I'm not flying that - I was filming that one. The pilot is Mr. Nathan Schneider - he's pretty good - one of the best in this area for sure. Nice guy too... he really helped me one day when I was learning.

Originally Posted by jasmine2501

Oh I'm not flying that - I was filming that one. The pilot is Mr. Nathan Schneider - he's pretty good - one of the best in this area for sure. Nice guy too... he really helped me one day when I was learning.

Thanks. Fixed credit.

Added YouTube Channels to How To segment.

Originally Posted by Paintrain

FIRST HELI OPTIONS

Helicopter Name: HK450 (HK=Heli Kit)
Manufacturer: --
MSRP: $400
.....
Total Price (Heli + Parts): $480
.....
[/url]

$400 ??

The basic heli kit Basic Heli Kit
is $29.99

beginners cheap cheap
http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=114833
....I am writing an article on a super cheap 450 size electric for beginners. Alot of people who are considering the RC Helicopter hobby are put off by the cost. Well I found a Hong Kong Distributor that has the lowest prices and I was able to put together a complete Trex 450 S Clone for a Total cost of $161.90 shipped.


And

hard to be cheaper
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=976255


My HK450 was ~$200.00 fully equipped, so $150-$250 is easily doable.

Yes, with transmitter, receiver, charger, extra batteries, then $400 starts to get closer, but in that case, the Trex450 for example is closer to $700-800 as well.

That might be a good point too, that regardless of the heli, a transmitter, receiver, batteries, and charger is probably a minimum of $200-$250.

Mike