AP2000i in "ordinary" flight

[psindrup]

Hi all AP's

Would it be possible/reasonable to use the AP200i "stabilizer" in "ordinary" RC-heli flying when you are learning to fly, or is that idea just "far out"?

Thanks in advance, and please bare with me, if this question is just to dumb. :roll:

Peter

[crewchief]

That's pretty much what it was designed for, I think.

[Wbird]

I would be hesitant to recommend someone use a stabilizer to learn on. You have to learn to fly with the stabilizer, then when you want to turn it off you are dependant on it saving you and can get in to trouble. I would rather see people follow the RADD SCHOOL of rotary flight (link below) and learn the basic maneuvers perfectly first. This was a big help when I was learning. Even if you don't follow it exactly it will get you hovering and doing different orientations without getting too bored. If you don't have any system to follow it is much easier to be tempted to try something before you are ready to recover from it.

http://www.dream-models.com/eco/flying-index.html

[MarkWebber]

When set up properly, any stabilizer could be helpful as a learning tool. Can save you crash $ much the same as a sim. While I was flying before I installed an AP2000i(put on for AP), I always was nervous about nose it and wouldn't do it for more than a few seconds even though I could do it fine on the sim. Decided to use the AP2000i to aid me in feeling more comfortable. Just gradually reduced gain over time until I no longer felt nervous about it. I now practice 3D with it as a bailout. And while I try to recover from hairy situations before activating the AP2000i, I know it's there just in case. Saved a ton of cash this way.

I agree that one should learn the basics well before progressing but I feel it's much the same as using a buddybox. Nothing wrong with having a bit of help in the learning process.:wink:

That said, I always suggest that any system be set up by a competent pilot on a properly flying heli. No system will save you from poor set up.

[Wbird]

Well Said Mark.

I guess I don't want to condemn stabilizers for learning, they just have to be used properly at that point and not depended on for flight.

[MarkWebber]

I still say do what you can to find an experienced pilot. No matter how good the stabilizer, it can't offer suggestions to help inprove your flying skills.:wink:

[j_kookboy]

I think they are great as a learning tool.

A friend of mine with zero RC/heli experience at all went from hovering a raptor 50 for 10 secs at a time to full nose in/side figure 8's and comfort zone flying past 100ft in just over 2 weeks.

It was because of the ap2000i.

Everyone at the field told him to start on a sim.

I told him to take my rappy and start with it right on the field.

He got stick time right from the get go and gradually progressed with the aid of the stab.

He bought the raptor from me and now flies it without the ap2000i (which I lent him to practice on).

Just wanted to say that I've seen a guy with no experience use one for learning.

Jesse

[Wbird]

Jesse

Great info. I stand corrected, I guess I am of the opionion to learn the hard way first and then everything else is easier. I have never used a stabilizer on a heli although I plan on getting one this spring for my AP work. On airplanes I know that most people in this area end up turning off the stabilizers because they tend to interfere with learning how the plane is supposed to respond and can really mess up someone learning. I just figured that helis would be similar and learning basic hovering and orientations is very critical to be in control and have reactions get you out of trouble rather than just letting go.

I believe that there are many ways to get into this hobby and there is no "Best" way. It is whatever works for you and saves you the most crashes (discouragement) on the way. Still important to have someone you can consult and learn from.