Reading the forums (here and elsewhere), I've come to the conclusion that many new and "new-ish" pilots seem to think that not having any exponential controls set on your transmitter is somewhat of a "badge of honor".

It seems like most threads centering around exponential have at least somebody chime in saying something along the lines of "I don't need no stinkin' expo - you should do without!". As a brand new pilot myself, I took these things to hard...

When you approach the ground while practicing auto-rotation, you flare the blades.
Auto-rotation has a certain flair, that is sure to help you with the ladies.

Ok?

Webster's take:

flare (noun)
4 a: a spreading outward; also : a place or part that spreads

flair (noun)
2: a uniquely attractive quality

Today is the day. My E-Flite Blade 400 3D has been sold and it's waiting for me to ship it off.

The Blade 400 was my first "real" RC heli (not counting my Blade CP - which never really flew) and it's what got me into the hobby. After it being grounded for weeks due to parts shortages, I had bought the T-Rex 450S and have been flying that ever since.

So was the Blade 400 a good purchase? Absolutely! I would highly recommend it to any beginner. I think it's...

Alright, so it's not a helicopter, but hopefully with a little practice, my latest purchase should be able to hover as well .

Meet my new E-Flite Extra 260 3D:

(Click to enlarge)

I went with a very basic package: ARF kit, E-Flite motor, Castle ESC and Spektrum 6200 receiver. I'll be using the servos from my Blade 400 (DS75) and hook it up with my DX6i.

Hopefully I can build it this weekend and fly it on sunday.

I've posted a guide on how to setup the Spektrum DX6i (that comes with the E-Flite Blade 400) and RealFlight G4. You can see the guide here:

http://ironcreek.net/dx6i

I've gotten various PM's in the past asking me about this setup, so I'm glad I could finally get around to making a complete guide for this.

Making the tutorial was also a nice camera exercise. I wanted to take pictures...