What to do next? (long post)

[flymustangs]

I'm still a relatively new heli pilot, but I've been looking at the vbar because I like the technology and tinkering with things. I think I like building and working on the helis as much as flying them. Maybe that's why my skills haven't improved very fast. I also don't get a bunch of time to fly. Hopefully that will change when I start a new job next week.

In addition to the Logo 5003D and the TREX that's in my signature I also bought a used Blade 400 with the intent of using it to try new things so the repair bill would be less. A week or two ago I finally tried some forward flight with the Blade 400 and it wound up in the dirt. I lost orientation and based on what witnesses said, I had continued the turn and the heli was coming toward me nose it. I think the big problem was my over 40 eyes. I lose orientation on the planes I fly occasionally as well, but it's relatively easy to figure out which way they're pointed. Maybe there is a trick to the helis that I haven't learned yet.

Anyway, now to the questions. I would really like to get a vbar setup. Should I upgrade the Logo5003D or build a new one. Maybe wait until the Logo 400 comes out and then upgrade the 500. Should I get rid of the Blade and maybe the TREX and concentrate on the Logo's (larger)? I'm not in a position where money is no object, but I could swing another complete heli if that was the best option.

Thanks.
Ken

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

A person can never have to many helis.

I wouldn't worry about a v-bar at the level your flying at. After you start sport flying then yes but right now I feel you need more time in the air and less tinkering, a V-bar is tinker city.

My vote is to dump the little birds and stick with something larger..... Logo 400 is a good choice and so is MSH PROTOS. They are mid size helis and are much easier to see than small birds. I don't mind the 450 size helis because I have eagle eyes and can fly it so far away it's a spec. I do get more enjoyment out of my larger 600 size helis.

If your looking for something cheap to crash that's still big consider a Compass Knight 600E or their 50 size nitro. It's not near the quality of a Mikado but it's cheap to repair and flies better than a T-Rex 600 for sure. Even though my Logo 6003D flies better I find myself flying the Knight 600E more because it's tough in a crash and I can throw caution to the wind and try new stuff without fretting over the repair bill. I love mine!!!

If money isn't an issue and you want BIG and bad ass pick up a Avant Aurora! You will get much more flight time in being it's a nitro. Another good option is the Logo 6003D on a 8s setup. Plenty of power and stability!!!

[helicraze]

I personally just got rid of my 450 size helis. I do not think it matters what you get. I would maybe get a logo 400 months after release or a trex500.
The larger helis i can enjoy better myself.

Just did my first elevator and aileron tick tocks last night!!!!

[Mercuriell]

I did much the same - picked up a Blade 400 to try new things - well it can't do many of the things we take for granted in the bigger helis and it lost it's tail in a strong wind and crashed - couldn't be bothered to fix it. The bigger helis are not only easier to see but they perform better and more stable - I'd stick with your 500 for now and if you want to upgrade to V-Bar go for it - it's not a difficult upgrade and the basic V-BAr setup is not difficult - there's even videos (http://www.helifreak.com/showpost.php?p=703335&postcount=2) on it ! Flying the V-Bar also gives you a bit more stability and frees you up to try more exotic manouvres

[LJS]

Hi Ken,

If you're looking for something easy to see, you can't beat a .50 size heli. They're plenty big and still can be kept in close while you learn your basic hovering and forward flight orientations by doing circuits and figure eights. Oh, and don't be afraid to keep the training gear on while you're learning. I kept mine on until I could take off and land nose in (much to the chagrin of my flying buddies.) It really helped me learn the basics.

The Logos are nice helis, but the big problem when you're learning is parts support. If your LHS carries parts, then go for it. Otherwise, IMHO you're much better off with the TRex 600E. Besides having parts available locally, you will also find out that they're dirt cheap and often come in pairs so that you have one for the next mishap. There are also a large supply of upgrade parts that you can tinker with.

My 600E (.50 size) cost just slightly less then my 500 3D (.30 size) and the 600E flies slightly better -- but I still enjoy the 500 3D a lot.

This is just my opinion so be sure to check out what others have to say. With regard to the Aurora -- it is a beautiful heli. Maybe a little too beautiful if you're still having problems with orientation, if you know what I mean. You can't beat the value of the 600E IMHO.

Keep 'em flying.
LJS

[WhirlingBladesOfDeath]

I lose orientation on the planes I fly occasionally as well, but it's relatively easy to figure out which way they're pointed. Maybe there is a trick to the helis that I haven't learned yet.
As I've gained more experience, I notice it's much easier to fly in poor visual situations (gray sky, trees in background, etc) Now that I don't have to worry about every little stick input, I'm just concentrating on the bigger picture, where do I want to go! I don't need to see the heli 100% clear all the time, just enough to confirm it's still doing what I think it should be doing.

So just like your plane, after you get comfortable flying the heli you'll already know about where it's going at all times, and if you loose perfect sight of it for a moment, you'll instinctively know about where it will end up, which you can confirm with just a quick twitch of one of the sticks.

I'll fly my little foamy plane up until it's a speck in the sky with no hope of actually seeing it's orientation. I can only figure it out by how it moves. I wouldn't do that with my heli, but I imagine it's possible with a competent enough pilot. :)

I have a flybarless Hurricane 550 (SK360), and if you like tinkering with the electronics and mechanics of the helicopter, I say go for it! Once set up, I don't know if it's really any easier or harder to fly? Mine is definitely more responsive now that it's flybarless, but that can be dialed out if you want. The biggest hurdle will probably be getting it initially set up if your not confident doing a hover.

Good luck!
Jason

[flymustangs]

Thanks for the replies. They are very helpful. I've been kind of thinking about a nitro heli so maybe the Compass 50 size would be a good pick. I'm not sure what the big difference is between the sport and 3D. As far as local parts availablilty, there isn't much here except for Align. There is an outfit that does arial photography and now does custom builds and sells kits and parts. He's slowly building up inventory. I'm not real excited about buying batteries for a TREX 600E. I'm running 6s 5000's on my Logo 500. I guess I could use the batteries I've been running in the the TREX 450 in a TREX 500 so that might be the best option.

Anyone want to by a nice TREX 450SEv2 with a Jazz or a Blade 400 (after a few repairs)?

Thanks.
Ken

[Big Fil]

You may want to reconsider the nitro if the rumors are true regarding huge price jumps in the fuel. If it goes up to $76 like some are predicting then it'll make batteries look like a steal.

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

You may want to reconsider the nitro if the rumors are true regarding huge price jumps in the fuel. If it goes up to $76 like some are predicting then it'll make batteries look like a steal.

If fuel hits that much then everyone will be jumping on the Lipo bandwagon..... should drive the price of batteries down.:thumbup:

[helicraze]

Or up!

[LJS]

Hi All,

I've done calculations and the with the price of fuel right now, it's about $2 per flight with 30% nitro or 6S lipo for a .50 size machine. I don't think that price is a factor yet.

Keep 'em flying.:YeaBaby:
LJS