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While training on the FS do some
research on the web on various RC helicopter brands and equipment
available.
Go to your local hobby shop and
ask questions. Most will more than be happy to assist you as
you will bring income to them. Talk to people that are in the
store. You'll find many are happy to share their knowledge and
give advice.
Find a local flying field
and join. Talk to people about their rig. Tell them of
your plans and if they have any recommendations.
Find a friend who is in the
hobby. This would be the best in educating yourself. At
least you'll know you have someone to turn to for advice and can
greatly reduce the mistakes and make getting into the RC world an
enjoyable experience.
Buy books and magazines.
There are many introductory books for helicopters or planes.
Buy magazines and read up on the latest equipment available and
learn techniques the pros are using.
Join forums and ask away.
You will find many people online are very helpful and will
walk you through every step of the way. Their wealth of
knowledge and experience with various setups is astounding. I
was fortunate to have had the helping hands of many people. I
would have made many expensive mistakes if I hadn't done my
research.
I also thought about buying a
used heli or have the store build it for me. What I realized
was that I will be denying myself of this very important learning
stage. Let's just say I did buy the used heli or had the store
build it for me. The problem would arise when something goes
wrong. I wouldn't know where to begin looking. I
wouldn't know how to take it apart as I had no experience in
building it and would probably not have the proper tools to take it
apart. I would have to rely on the hobby shop for repairs and
upgrades. This is fine if you have the money.
Even if you do have money I would still recommend
building at least one helicopter/plane and have everything else
serviced after. At least then you'll know what they're talking
about if they recommend you need to purchase components for
repairs. You'll know if they're trying to rip you off or not.
Since I bought myself a
helicopter I can only talk about my experience with this and not
with planes. I do have plans on getting into planes as well.
I have also been training on planes with the FS.
FS One flight simulator
Bottom line is you need to
immerse yourself into this venture if you're serious about it.
There are so many technical details involved that the experience of
others can greatly reduce your learning time. Don't be afraid
to say "I don't know". It's best to be honest to yourself and
ask.
THIS IS NOT A TOY.
These RC aircrafts can be dangerous if handled recklessly. It
can cause SERIOUS
INJURY or
worse. Please do not take this
lightly. Take every safety precaution seriously.
Helicopters can fly out of control due to many factors such as
equipment failure or mother nature. When dealing with gas
powered helicopters treat it the same way you would any other gas
powered equipment. Even electric powered helicopters.
Observe every electrical safety rules. Components can heat up
quickly, batteries may explode, shorting can occur and interference can ruin a beautiful
day at the park. When building your heli take your time.
Even the smallest of parts, such as a missing or loose grub screw about 2 mm,
can bring down your helicopter in seconds.
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