driftrider
Veteran
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA. (In my own little world)
| Digital,
Don't take this the wrong way, but from what you've described you've got an accident waiting to happen.
First of all, you can go to the R/C Heli Pilot Locator an search for other pilots in your area. Since you live in San Francisco you shouldn't have a problem finding one. You could also visit your Local Hobby Shops (LHS), they should be able to direct you to some R/C Clubs in your area where you might find some help. The link is:
http://p-locate.rc-helipad.com/
It IS possible to learn on your own (I've done/doing it), if you are willing to invest the time and money to do so. The first thing you need to get is a simulator. I have Realflight G2 and it's worth its weight in gold. If you don't have a computer that'll handle G2's system requirements, there are less hardware intensive sims out there (Realflight Deluxe, CSM) which also cost less money (G2 runs $150+, but well worth every penny, IMO).
Another invaluable asset is Ray's Authoritative Helicopter Manual. It will help you get the heli, radio, and other equipment built and/or set-up properly. It costs about $20 and you can get it from Rick's (http://www.ronlund.com ).
You will also need to invest or build a set of training gear. I bought the Roto-Pod Deluxe and it works great and its design helps cushion the hard landings you'll make when starting to hover. You can also build your own; many here recommend two wood dowels in an X shape with a hula hoop zip-tied to the ends. Training gear will help prevent a tipover when you make a hard/moving landing. Go to this link and click on the video to see what I'm talking about... http://volkul.tripod.com/pages/Heli...du%20Killer.htm
One last thing, welcome aboard RunRyder!! If you have a thick skin and a good sense of humor, there are a LOT of really good heli pilots here with tons of good info to share...don't be afraid to ask!
Good Luck,
Mike |
