Brady Longmore
Senior Heliman
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
| Hello to all, I am brand new to Runryder, and brand new to helicopters. So here is my first post, about me, a newbie and my Bergen EB.
I heard that a newbie couldn't learn on a big gasser like the Bergen EB. It's too big, It's too much power, It's too much to handle for a newbie. I was told to get a smaller "beginner's heli" like a little Raptor or something, then when I was ready I could think about moving up to a gasser...maybe.
Well, by fate, and mere chance, I was introduced to Gary Travis, sponsored Bergen pilot, who quickly put my mind at ease, and quickly convinced me that the Bergen EB was the way to go for me.
I went down to Utah and spent a couple of days with Gary, who had already been working on getting my heli set up. I walked into Gary's living room and saw the Bergen in all it's glory on a folding table. I'll admit, with those huge blades folded back, and that extended boom jabbing out a mile, the heli seemed to be staring me down, like a hawk watching its prey. I warily approached the beast in awe. Gary watched on, a big smile spread out on his face, almost like a proud father.
The first thing I noticed was the obvious superior quality of this machine. Metal in abundance where other models would be sporting plastic. I fingered the main gear, and was immediately impressed with how tight, and yet smooth the gear mesh felt. Then Gary had me heft it in my hands. It was heavy, solid, and felt balanced. We went out into Gary's back yard and he fired her up. The sound of the big gas engine roaring to life was awesome. Then Gary gave her some gas, and those big blades starting spooling out, and in moments the beast was hovering before my eyes.
Soon after we were in the park near Gary's house where I'd attempt my first flight. As I stood there gripping my JR with sweaty, shaking hands, I suddenly was haunted by the words of the doubters and nay-sayers, who had warned me that you can't learn on a big gasser. Did I mention that we were experiencing high winds this weekend? Oh yeah. There I was getting ready to hover this thing for the first time in high winds with gusts in the 30 mph range. Oh, one more thing to frazzle my nerves...Gary doesn't believe in buddy boxes.
With Gary encouraging me along, I brought the blades up to speed. The heli shifted for a moment as the rudder kicked in. I slowly increased the throttle, and before my disbelieving eyes the big beast came off the ground. I have to tell you that never in my wildest dreams would a RC heli be so smooth, and come off the ground with such ease. In an instant the Bergen's smoothness, and rock steady controls washed away all my fears and doubts. Somewhere on the edge of my consciensness, I could hear gary laughing and making fun of my tin-man like appearance. After several seconds of hovering the Bergen (in 30 mph gusts) I brought her down, and let a huge sigh of relief. From that point on it just got easier and easier each time.
I am still in the learning phase, and just bringing it off the ground for a few moments and then setting it down. But my confidence is builing quickly.
This post is getting kind of long, so I will wrap it up, just by saying that I am a believer now. I am telling you that if you will do what it takes to have this heli set up properly, it will fly smooth as glass for you. This heli is not a model toy that you slap together over a couple of days. This is a preciscion machine with little tolerance for sloppy building. But, if you do it right, even a beginner like me can hover in 30 mph gusts.
MUCH MUCH Thanks to Gary Travis for his indispensable assistance in getting me going, and Thanks to Tina. That was awesome Spahgetti!
I also got to witness the awesome customer assistance of Bergen. Chris Bergen called Gary's phone a couple of times just to hear my thoughts on the heli. This is a company that really cares what the customer thinks. So, thanks to Bergen for selling a heli that someone can buy with confidence, and know that they are getting a class A machine combined with class A customer support.
More posts on my progress to follow.  |
Both in flying and customer service. I know because I own 2 of them....
