New to sport and to Forum

[devildog36]

I'm new to the RC helicopter field and would like some help. I have a 11 year old son who is a special needs kid. He's not mentally impared, quite the opposite. His mind works too much, similar to ADD and he needs things like this sport to keep his mind occupied. We got him a RC airplane earlier this year, a beginner's model, and he quickly out grew it. The first day he was flying it by himself to its limits. He can't fly it outside when its windy and he's not challenged by it any longer. I want to buy him a helicopter as i believe it will task him more.

Now, when I tell people this they direct me to the 2 channel small helos that I'm sure he would out grow in 2 days. I want to get him a better machine such as one of these but I don't know much about them;
Esky 4-Channel Coco Lama V4 Revolution
http://www.xheli.com/es4colav4cor.html

2007 6-Channel Raptor G2 Type Z400 Belt-Driven
http://www.xheli.com/dr39elrcrare.html

Heli-Max Axe CP-L RTF EP Heli w/Lipo Pack
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/702551.asp

I plan on getting the crash kit for the skids but are these going to be too tough for him to handle. Are there other kits that might suit us better? All of these kits, especially the Axe seam to have replacement parts readily available and they are pretty inexpensive.

thanks in advance.

[devildog36]

So I found the link to the Beginner's Guide. This is helping a lot. However, nearly all of the helos recommended for first time choices are no longer available. What are the models that replaced them?

[Vince]

Hi devildog36,
The co-axial helis are fun indoors, and they are so easy to fly they almost guarantee success. But that also makes for a short trip to boredom.
The single rotor models are considerably more challenging. You should think about getting a simulator. That greatly improves your chances of success.
Fixed Pitch (FP) models are harder, but more forgiving. The have a lower head speed, and as such, are more suited to indoor flight. Once you master a micro electric FP heli, you can move on to ANY heli with confidence.
Collective Pitch (CP) helis are a bit easier to fly. The have a higher head speed, so indoor flight might be limited to the basement/garage (away from Mom's nicknacks) CP helis are more complex, and they do break easier. The do better outdoors than a FP machine. And the are more acrobatic. Even though acrobatic flight is a long way down the very steep learning curve.

A healthy progression plan might look like this:
Buy a sim. Put in lots of time practicing hovers and low slo figure 8's
Buy a FP heli. Practice indoors over the winter. Come spring, go outside and realize that the wider open space will be better with a CP machine.
Buy a more capable CP machine. Fly in the back yard or local park (when no one is near)

Realflight G3.5 has dropped down in price now that G4 is out.

Vince

[MikeVG]

Hi all i am new to Heli flying also, and when i went to the shop to purchase my first heli, they suggested that i get the Greatplanes sim, and while it was a little pricey i got it and i'm so glad i did. The Training course for Heli's and fixed wing is wonderful. The hovering training helped me out soo much, i trie dto fly the Heli before hitting the sim, bad idea, decided to try it out and after a few hours of sim hovering i went and tried it with the real thing. My hovering was not pretty by any means but i did learn to spot where i was getting into trouble and set her down rather than try to fly thru it and just end up getting angry or worse, tearing up my equipment.

I would recommend that if you can get a sim to play with go for it, it has saved me time and money that can be put back into a savings for a bigger better helo at the right time