How often did you put your bird in when you first started?

[c_forthofer]

For some of you more seasoned folks and even relative newbies. How often did you/do you find yourself buying repair parts after a crash. I have 5 months of regular sim time on the Heli's but I am finding the translation of skills to the real thing a little more difficult. I havent put in my 600 yet but I've had my 450 go in 2 times now and I am wondering how long it took others to gain some confidence and keep your birds in the air for a good period of time before visiting the LHS. Thoughts? Comments? I have a membership to a local field but I am finding most people there to be Plank flyers (which I do as well). I know of a few heli only/majority heli clubs in the area but I only found out about them recently. Do you find yourself learning faster when surrounded by other heli pilots? Thanks.

Chris.

[fiveoboy01]

About 95 or so flights on my 450, probably 15-20 crashes.

Something like 20 flights on my 600 so far, zero crashes.

The simulator will help a LOT if you do have one. I would have given up on the hobby by now if it weren't for the sim.

[rfequity1]

I started flying my 450 in early December and I stoped counting the crashes on it. It's so twichy but great for learning. I had 5 gallons through my 600 before the first crash. I was trying to hover inverted at a reasonable altitude but goofed it. Anyway, I'm doing figure 8's both inside and outside, forward and backward flips, loops, rolls, stall turns, hover in all orientations upright and just started doing autos. I'd say not bad in 4 months time. I have been trying really hard lately not to rush things. Make sure I'm real comfortable with a manuever on the sim before real life. HTH

[SoftwareDrone]

>>> How often did you/do you find yourself buying repair parts after a crash.

Every time.
:YeaBaby:

[brunsflyer]

every crash you WILL need something!!!

double check EVERYTHING!

i crashed about 20 or so times and every crash i had to change parts.

im in this hobby for about 4 months. 50 flights 450 and 600.

best thing to do is stock up on basic parts that always break in your LHS.

both 450 and 600 i bought 2 kits one for flying one for parts.

[fiveoboy01]

Not always true, I've crashed once or twice with no damage believe it or not. It's rare but it does happen once in a blue moon:)

[aussiemick]

Been flying helis since june 2006 and am up to crash number 35.
2 with my HDX500
2 with my TRex600NP (both caused by Lockouts)
The rest my poor little TRex450 has drawn the short straw on.

Some of the crashes can easily be fixed at the field but most require a bit more time to sort out.

The crashes dont seem to go away, as I try to keep pushing the envelope of my flying abilities.

Its a bit like petrol in a car, with out it the car doesnt go very far.

MIck

[freeflyn2001]

I started flying in Sept of 07. Since then i have bought a CX2 Trex 450 and a 600 Pro. I have crashed the cx2 alot learning orientations. The 450 alot learning to fly. I can now fly around all day with just normal flying and basic aerobatics, without crashing, but what fun is buying a 3D capable bird if you don't push it to get better..
I have yet to crash my 600 pro "do all practice on the 450" but I do have enough parts to rebuild when I do.

[brgsstm]

Not always true, I've crashed once or twice with no damage believe it or not. It's rare but it does happen once in a blue moon:)

me too

[double0757]

I been flying for a year now last month. I tally my crashes up to last month. In Florida we have good weather for flying almost every day, so I fly almost every day I can ( average maybe 4 flights a day). Build my 600 in October 07. Here it goes:

43 crashes on my 450's amount $1,310.00
3 crashes on the 600 amount $350.00
The satisfaction of it all............price less.

The longest I gone with out crashes is now, 4 weeks and counting. I do fly smarter but I still push my self. Doing inverted forward flight, tic tocs, flips, rolls, loops, hover on all orientations, also I been practicing some precision (for AP) and scale flying.

Getting together with a group of friends to fly is the best. You push each other and share knowledge. Keep at it and don't be afraid to crash, is only money and time, and at least your living. Double O

[c_forthofer]

Thanks for all the replies, Its not that I was discouraged or anything but from everyone's posts it looks like I am about on the same curve as anyone else learning to fly. I know that crashing is inevitable (that bastard Newton and his friggen gravity, if only he hadnt invented it :rolling) and a part of any flying hobby. I need to find more folks in my area to fly with and keep up the sim time. I am happy to see that I am not the only one who finds their 450 harder to fly than the 600. That little thing goes in at the mere blink of an eye it seems. :arggg: Thanks again.

Chris.

[dDavid]

I been flying for a year now last month.
Dude, your avitar looks a little "Boogie Nights" to me. Put some clothes on! LOL :tongue

[double0757]

Dude, your avitar looks a little "Boogie Nights" to me. Put some clothes on! LOL :tongue

Point well taken, thanks Double O LOL!!!!

[TheBum]

My average number of crashes per outing with my 600N is 0.33: 6 outings, 2 crashes.

I've been flying my Diablo a lot longer, but in recent weeks, my average number of crashes per outing is about 0.25.

Sometimes I wish they would repeal the law of gravity, but it would take most of the fun and exhilaration out of flying.

[CoronaL]

once so far in 3 outings. I got alot carried away :O. Was on my 5 or 6th tank of the day and was rolling like a madman and thought I could fly inverted. Gravity intervened :arggg:

[R1R 7humbs]

So far I haven't crashed the 600N but the 450 had one minor crash that required new blades and a new main gear (20 flights on both). I owe the lack of crashing to a lot of sim time, learning the orientations and then taking it slow when flying for real.

[supergenius]

2 with my TRex600NP (both caused by Lockouts)

MIck

Spektrum?

[aussiemick]

No I fly PCM 36mhz.

Jury is still out on what the cause is, but I have a few bits and pieces I can try out if I get any more issues.

I think maybe it could be a power problem, as the last crash the heli went in only about 25m in front of me with nothing going on. I have 1/2 left rudder stick as a PCM fail safe setting, hoping the heli will swing around if it loses radio contact and this didn't happen this time.

Mick