in this video we cover how to: understand the basic controls involved with a collective pitch rc heli, also we go over first time hovers and some dos and donts.
Freddy... Thank you, thank you. I'm 74 yrs old and I returning to the hobby after a 10 yr absence. I built an ALZRC Devil 505 electric heli and I have been practicing poorly on the RealFlight RF8 Sim. I found your series by doing a search on RU-vid and Lesson #1 put me on the right track. It retaught me to stay off the damn sticks and or move them gently to let the ship settle in a hover. I'll work on side-in, nose-in hovers before moving on to practice turns. By the time I get out to the club field, I will not be "walking the dog" away from the flight line.
been 3 to 4 years since i flight and this video is Super for content beginners terminologies. well spoken. well done. thank you for all your beautiful work. all the best
I recently went from toy to hobby grade with a blade nano and man did I feel stupid but hey these videos are great not enough people wanna take the time to help others so thanks.they helped me a lot!!!
Freddy, To me you are an incredibly awesome, generous, considerate & exceptional individual. The knowledge, experience and information you share with others on RU-vid concerning RC Helis is the best bar none!!! Thanks for all the time, effort and attention to details. Thanks for sharing and revealing information that allows and permits others to become and perform great in the hobby and sport of flying, maneuvering and manipulating RC Helis in the air.
A Big Thank You.... I first watched your series of videos several years ago... I haven't flown for the last 5 years, and thought I'd re watch them to refresh myself. Still very helpful today. Many thanks for your time and attention to explaining.... 23/05/2021.
Thanks Freddy, I have just started flying collective pitch for the first time having never flown RC (Middle age + Crisis need to do before its too late) I found your tutorial real helpful my hovering and mastering the Cyclic collective free hovering is going really well, I am loving it. Rob (UK)
Freddy, I'm a beginner and have watched your videos over and over and this has help me greatly. Practice, practice and more practice now I am thinking like a pilot. Wish I had got into this hobby earlier but as a 64 year old, I'm having the time of my life. Thank you.
Excellent instructive video. I have the blade 230 s v2. Took it out today by myself away from the crowd. Fl ew 7 30 second hover flights, no crash, very proud of myself. My philosopy a llttle bit at a time will take me a long way.
Freddy - Thank you very much for your training videos. I was a fixed wing RC pilot for years, and made the jump into HELI's with an Align 450L dominator 6S. Spent a few hours on Phoenix RC before discovering your videos. I've got 4 flights on the Dominator and it's still in one piece! Now I can really accelerate my helicopter skills !!!!
still extremly relevant. Every single video is so informative and helpfull, I didn't think I would ever be able to fly clean and precise 3D but here I am. I regret thinking these videos would be useless for so long.. Big props
Great video One tip for beginners like myself using Phoenix:Set the simulation speed down to 50% to begin with (In Program setup... Physics). It gives you loads more time to react to what the heli is doing, and correct mistakes. Once you've got 50% down, increase the speed 10% at a time until you're at 100% or above. It's especially good, if you're impatient like me, and just want to storm into doing loops and hammerhead turns and knife edge flying without hours of hovering practice. Hovering practice is certainly important, but at slow speeds, even a person taking up the controls for the first time ever can perform some relatively advanced manoeuvres, and get a feel for how the bird reacts to the controls, tail in or out, or inverted. And of course, when you inevitably crash you come back to hovering for a bit.
i have been in self induced flying layoff for almost a year, I went flying first time yesterday with some friends and was pleasantly surprised at the control I had without nerves. i learned to fly without this manor of instruction and was the kind of pilot that did the i can fly and without this orientation training have ruined quite a few great helis. my flying is abrut and not smoothed as this training of orientation will provide now I am going to start over and do these drills until i get proficient and relearn the right way thank you.
Really appreciate that Freddy. I'm very new and I have a Trex 250. Extremely touchy on the cyclic. How to watch your video over and over just to make sure I'm getting it right. Almost ready to go to lesson 2
Your collective free hovering is an excellent tip. My first heli was a 1975 design called the DuBro Whirlybird. Primitive as heck but it flew and taught me the basics. One thing. Back in the day we were told about ground effect. In fact, near the ground, the blast of air from the rotors is impacting the ground and compressing that air. When in ground effect, it's like you're balancing on a ball,,,, yes, of compressed air. And the heli is constantly falling off the ball. In fact, when you get a bit higher, and out of ground effect, you should find that some stability is gained. Good work.
I could already fly a little around with my micro CP, but was hovering in a 3 m sphere. Thanks to your video I've gone back to hover exercises and can now hold the little machine stable as a rock 😃
Grt tutorial, I have flown planes, gliders and drones of all sorts but helis is the one aircraft I find the hardest. I have just found out now where I was going wrong thank you for such a great vid. You now have another subscriber 👍
darn it, i have seen so many instructional videos, bu this is a first! i almost gave up on this hobby, feeling i could never get it right.i learned a lot from you sir. thank you so much. still rough but thank you!!!
I just got the Phoenix Flight Sim to practice fixed wing 3D flying. Just for fun, I tried the heli sims and BOOM! instant respect for the guys at the field that make even these simple first moves look precise and graceful. But I like a challenge so I'm going to practice until I get I get it. Thanks for the help.
Wow, that was a great beginners video, and kind of where I currently am. I use Sim (Phoenix) a lot, and I can fly inverted and so, but I always crash when I start to fly high and turn it, I lose control. So my IRL Choppers I'm still on hovering and nose in and but I newer start sideways, but with tail against me, and focus on hold it still. This is hard with a Blade 230 S, as it doesn't hold the throttle well, so if I leave that stick alone it will go up or down, I think it's the wind, for my Razor 500 SE is far easier to fly, than the small once, but a lot more expensive to crash. I have signed up to your videos and hope I can learn some more from you. I really struggle with flying head against me, all become opposite, right is left and much more as you ofc know. I guess practice and practice is the way. I can sure hover now, but when I'm trying to do pirouettes, the Throttle stick is so lose and sensitive, that it's hard to use tail-rotor without giving a bit of throttle or too little, and I lose control. But my Transmitter is the lowest Spectrum DXe, and the one I have for my Razor 500 is way better. So I decided I'll buy Spectrum DX9, it feels way better. What are your views of Transmitters? What's your favorite and why? Thank you for this video, and I hope you will give some answers
Best tutorial iv seen so far especially when I can see both the Helicopter and the Remote Control because for me a beginner it’s making learning a lot more interesting through observation🤷♂️😮😃😍👌
Freddy one more time your videos are master pieces of excellence in planing and communication. I have being in the hobby for one year. I my opinion your videos are the best in Utube. Thank very much. Dr. Mendez. ( alias Nykkytta )
Excellent video. I've pretty much mastered my tail hovers and travelling sideways, forwards and backwards on my own and with minimal use of a sim. Its enough to get me my bronze cert, but its a long way off from what I'd consider proper flying. I've done a few circuits too (with cyclic and rudder), but they always felt hairy cause my orientation is still poor. This video has given me a push in the right direction. After watching this vid, I started practicing sideways facing hovers in phoenix. Took me a few goes to get it right, but after approx 20 mins, I continuously nailed it. Eventually, I'll move onto nose hovers. Subbed.
That was a great video. I've been flying RC for about 37 years now but have only casually played around with choppers a few times. The heli I owned was a glow powered .30 class and that was about 15 years ago now. So I just bought an electric heli yesterday and decided this time instead of just pretending that I know what I'm doing because "I've been flying RC since before you were born" (the attitude a lot have in this hobby),,,, I would seek out some experts and do a little learning first. Thanks a lot for doing this, I'm about to see if you have any other videos online and continue my education.
Thank you for watching, please feel free to check out my playlists for more organized Heli info. And also feel free to reach out to me any time if you need some help :)
Built, set up and learning myself on an Sceadu. Got to hover tail in and side on and can just about manage a figure 8 but had to step back and re educate myself to fly the nose and not the tail. Also as I fly fixed wing mode 1 the throttle on the left was a little weird so I bought a little Hubsan X4. Cracking little job ,nigh on unbreakable and builds your confidence without thrashing itself to pieces if you get it wrong although I have broken the Sceadu only twice. Once when I put it down too quick and struck the boom ( adjusted collective setting to make that more unlikely now) and once when I didn't put it down quick enough and clipped the blades in the corn. Let battle commence.
I've just bought a Blade 120 S2 and have learnt to tail in hover, I was wondering what steps to take next in my learning journey and found this video to give some great direction. Thank you! I'm moving to side hover and nose in hover now.
Freddy Cordova please may I ask if the new Blade 230 s v2 (collective pitch) Heli is a good heli to take your course with. I’ve been flying for a while with fixed pitch but want to start from scratch. I mean will the gyros in the Blade even in agility mode interfere with my learning? I know I need heading hold gyro but do you know whether there are AS3X ‘features’ in agility mode that will inhibit my progress by making it too easy for me?
Joe Fagan I have just bought a simulator.. Real Flight 9, and my flying has come on leaps and bounds, I’d highly recommend getting one of those to speed up your learning!
Very nice & instructional. I also purchased Phoenix 4 to learn and hopefully crash less. Also going to work with some Quads, then move into a 450 series collective pitch. Enjoyed this first lesson, thanks.
Just starting out and so glad I found your videos! Very well organized progression of lessons! Thank you. after 20 years of airplanes, I never thought I'd get into heli's. I'm having a blast! Thanks again!
Awesome Freddy , getting my 50 size heli setup by a mate of mine, looking forward to practice some hovers after watch your video, you are one of the best Rc heli instructors for sure👌
I already know this stuff but it is a great thing to just remind me that small steps are actually bigger than you think. I was having the weirdest problem I could fly nose in just fine but tail in was giving me fits. I have been flying for a long time and never thought that that would happen. LOL . This video has been a big help. Thank you
I have every RC type out there from 4x4's to jets but have not owned a Heli till last week. I bought a Goblin 770 three blade and a Blade 120 S2 and I hope with your video's and starting slow I will be able to add Heli to the list of a flown RC's. I will be going slow and steady.
Hi Freddy, Thanks for these vids. Been flying since the 80's (Airplanes) Haven't seen enough Heli vids that actually teach anything, until yours. Very well done. It is simple, (your direction) but very effective. That's all I needed to know! What to do (or not) with the Cyclic! I always lose it, now I know why.
@Freddy Cordova. Thanks for an absolutely fantastic first incite into heli flying. I have only just recently installed RF 7,5 at time of this post, and am learning to fly the trainer plane, i think its the Nextstar nitro version. I have never owned, flown any type of RC plane or heli before so i am very new to this. I am now at the stage were i am comfortable with flying the trainer anyway i like, i have even masted inverted flight too. After viewing your video on basic flight for the heli i will be looking into giving the heli ago. I will take your advice and do it very slowly just as i did with the plane. Thanks again for your fantastic tutorial
I hate to say it,but I feel that because of my color that I have often been shunned by many of the Hobby Shops in my area when I go for help. When they do help,the prices are very high! So,all that I have learned,I have learned from watching your videos,and a whole lot of trial and crashes! That has not,and will not stop me from learning not just to fly,but to repair. So far,I leave my radio alone! Fooling with it has caused my Helicopters to develop a mind of their own where they seem to have turned into "BLADES OF FURY!" I hate the T-6 Radio!
Is it easier to program? I got very lucky on my 1st attempt to program my T-6 Radio. It was more like trying to control a helicopter intent on my shredding! No harm done,but it did blow my mind!
just got my first heli...a nano cpx...i dont kown much about flying them...i have a quad copter but that almost flys itself...this heli thing is like trying to balence a plate on a stick whilst on a trampoline....great video...i am going to start out like you said...small steps ....thanks for the help....
Thanks for the great video. It was a tremendous help. As I am just getting started, all I was doing was crash after crash, until I watched this. Now, I still have a long way to go, but getting better each flight. Your video gave me the starting point I needed.
Wow I feel so much better after watching this. I got my first RC heli very small Trex 150 and can fly it but wow so different from drones. But tons of fun getting the hover has been the biggest challenge.
Freddy, I've got a Blade 120 SR (my 1st heli) on it's way and your video is the first one that I've watched for beginner pilots. Great lesson and presentation. Thanks for the "lesson inspiration" because I sense that the learning curve is a bit more than my flying my airplanes.
Thank you for this guide. I'm currently learning how to hover an acro mode quadcopter line of sight before going fpv. I know a quad is more stable than a heli but the same principles and exercises can be applied!
i just started flying helicopters. i have a SIM (phoenix ) and I quickly figured out what you have gone over. i wish I had seen this video first but hey. you did a great job on explaining things.
Didactic. Easy to understand. A dooropener for me just going into helis after doing quite a bit of props and EDF. Thanx Freddy! An yes you CAN fly. Lasse
I would like to say thanks, this is and good video. I'm and beginner and I learn and great deal about hovering. pitch. and tip and tricks looking forward to the next one.
Thanks Freddy for some awesome training videos. I'm new to this sport and there is no flying fields in my area so I have to learn on my own. Videos like this will make it possible.
Excellent video. Even as someone who can hover this provides some helpful tips and a useful framework for getting into the right headspace. Well done Freddy!!!
Keep up the good work. I understand your emphasis on no collective, but here's what newbies encounter. When moving rudder the thumbs go up/down slightly due to inexperience. In flying actual 450's out door it happens. Also, in flying outdoors you "must" work the collective continuously due to wind even the tiniest breeze will send a 450 up about 2-3 feet. I used to fly in an indoor public garage. There you "could" fly with little collective.
WoW!! Thanks Im very new I just got a Walkera V450D03 but I have yet to fly it. Im prepping myself with a WL911 micro. Then b4 that Im thinking about buying the TR-808 mini 3D or the WL977 Power Star to get in some practice b4 I try out my V450D03. Your video was very helpful. I can't wait to try my bigger one but know that I need to put in the time b4 I do. Thanks from a new pilot Nes.
Excellent instructional video on basic Heli hovering...I am new to Heli's and this is excellent!..I will watch each one as I graduate to more advanced skills...thanks..BB
Really AWESOME info. I'm new but not really. I was stupid and started with a heli and not a sim. I'm gave up and I'm back into it again. I got a couple quad copters and now want to get another heli. But want to do it right and work with the sim first. Thanks for the info. Hope you have a few more starter video's.
I really appreciated your advice to not do nose in hover because of the danger involved. These machines can inflict bodily harm and death. I personally had a one explode on me during liftoff.
Thanks for sharing this. I saw one of your more advance video lessons and figured there had to be more basic ones. I'm going to review all lessons. Thanks for show stick positions.
Getting back into this amazing hobby after a long break and so happy your videos are still available. Also glad I never upgraded my pc so I can still use Phoenix. Thanks so much Freddy!
Thanks so much for your time and sharing your knowledge friend. Your videos are great, and very enjoyable to watch. I'm a noob, so I can take all the help I can get!
Very very nice tutorial !!!!Thanks man ....don't believe it could be a better way to explain to my friend who is joining rc helis the basics controls :)
you are amazing, in phoenix i found this field very interesting, "Kambah Field" we have circle, we have straight line drawn on the floor, we have spot in the center of the circle which i use for hover center and practise.
Glad I could help! please feel free to reach out if you need any further help. Check out my play lists also, I have all the series in one section and other videos as well.
Excellent stuff there. I found your site via a RCGroups link on the WL V950, which I have two of these machines. Just learning CP now and have an Align 450 waiting in the wings. Keep up the good work. Will view your later vids as I progress.
Hey thanks so much, feel free to check out my playlists. I have tried to organize all my videos so it is easier for you to search and find Heli information.
Hey Freddy, Just wanted to say thank you for what you do. I'm really excited for your website to get up and running, so we can help support you as you've done for so many of us. Your work is much appreciated. You are an amazing teacher, and that is not a skill to be taken lightly. Thank you again friend, Mike P.S. I'm a flight RN, so I spend lots of time in an EC 145. I love flying in the real thing, but my passion for my R/C heli is just as great!
This is a great video, but I think a lesson .5 should describe setup. As others have asked, I couldn't figure out how you set up the transmitter and Phoenix. I finally think I've figured it out. I set my Tx as the McpXBL (bird I own) said to for my Dx8. Being a rank beginner, I didn't even know what you meant by throttle hold. I finally realize that using Fmode on my Tx it'll act like a real CP heli - I.e. moving the collective down will "pull" the heli down, not just essentially cut power as it does on non-CP helis. I know it could be a lot to describe setup, but it's really important to get started using this video. Thanks for them, and I hope to get through all of them to learn.
Nice tips you are a very good pilot, I try to fly my first helicopter with no experience last then two minutes my helicopter was totally destroy l bought the 2nd one and l still learning.
This video is simply awesome. Excellent / superb job. Thanks a million for the detailed information. Pictures are worth a thousand words. See position of sticks is priceless. Thanks again... over and over again.