What Can I Do While Waiting for My RC Helicopter to Arrive?

So now you have ordered your first RC helicopter and you are counting the day. Time seems to be very slow, wanting to start flying your first RC helicopter like someone you saw in your RC club. A few things you can do while waiting for your first RC helicopter are:

1.Download your RC Helicopter Owner Manual and read it word by word. Don’t skip the Safety section. Pay attention to the set up and adjustment sections. HeliTown (www.helitown.com) has most of the popular RC helicopter link pages that you can download the manual owner.

2. Read beginner flying lessons or guides. There are good websites that provide flying lessons and guides. You can check the Newbie Link Page (http://www.helitown.com/Newbie.htm) here for links to flying and guides.

3.Get a simulator and practice. You can download a free simulator such as FMS (http://n.ethz.ch/~mmoeller/fms/index_e.html) if your budget is tight. Most free simulators require an interface cable to work with your transmitter that comes with your RTF RC helicopter such as Blade CP or Esky Honeybee CP2. If money is not an issue, try to get a good simulator. You can check the Simulator Link page here (http://www.helitown.com/simulators.html) for all simulator information.

4.Get yourself familiar with RC helicopter terms as much as possible. Once you get into the RC helicopter world you need to understand what people say. Aileron, rudder, gyro, ESC, throttle, roll are just a few examples.

5.Read forum threads for RC helicopter section as much as possible.

6.Ask questions here if you ever have any questions.

These are just a few things you can do while waiting for your RC helicopter to arrive. For those who have experience, please chime in by adding more suggestions below.

[medtech]

you should also be sure to have batteries/charger. It really sucks when you wait all week for your new helicopter to come in then realize your charger won't be in for another week. :( At least you'll have a week to look at it!!

[eddiemoth]

That is good idea medtech.

[Sleepstalker]

Depending on what you are waiting for if the bird is an ARF and you have to install the Electrics you can start to slowly purchase good quality components such as three matched servos for your swashplate and a good fast digital servo for your tailboom Also plan on thinning your wallet with a good brushless motor and ESC , don't scimp out on the gyro either get a good head holding gyro. By now you are realizing how expensive this all is , but wait there is more! Get yourself a GOOD transmitter not just one that you can afford and will just get the job done. Get one that you will use for years on any type of RC. As you can tell this is a hobby that requires an investment of time and Money! When you do start to build take your time and do it right READ your manual if you don't understand something stop and come to forums such as this and ask about it , there is no such thing as a stupid question and most people are glad to help. Oh yeah recommended tools to collect are ball link pliars , pinion puller , blade balancer , and a blade pitch gauge. Most important of all ENJOY your creation..Happy Hovering... Sleepster... 8)

[avalon]

Defiantly right there. No such thing as a stupid question only stupid answers!

[scaleheliboy]

Join your local club and get along to make yourself known to the other members.
Watch, learn and ask questions (where relevant)
But most importantly, do not touch unless asked to help.

[Fireant]

Join your local club and get along to make yourself known to the other members.

The other benefit of this is that you will see what models other members are flying. If one particular heli is being flown, then it would be an idea to buy that model, so when you take your nice new shiny one to the field, there will be someone familiar with the setup.

[rc_03]

Deffinitely get as much time in a simulator as you can

[swatson144]

the time is well spent convincing your spouse that they have too much to do, so you'd like to relieve them of some of the bill paying chores, etc. Can't cook the books if you can't touch em. :lol:

Steve

[cmktech]

Just a tip, when I was waiting to buy my first heli, I knew I was going to buy an E-Sky. I went out and bought a few batteries and spare blades so that when it arrived I was ready to go and had backups in case of a crash.

[mountains]

i agree with most of the abve particularly about spares. crashed my ROBINS22 a xmas present now awaiting parts. i am new to hobby cant wait to get practising again simulator not the same

[Griffin]

i agree with most of the abve particularly about spares. crashed my ROBINS22 a xmas present now awaiting parts. i am new to hobby cant wait to get practising again simulator not the same

A good bit of advice I got was to buy a dual rotor heli to learn to fly and see if I really like the hobby. I had many hours on FMS but learned a lot more from flying the real thing. Spare parts are also not expensive (unless you fly the way I do ;))

[ranger306ci]

When I bought my first heli, I spent the time living at the post office. I set up a little tent( by the stamp machine) and just waited........
Did you know you are not allowed to have a campfire in the post office?

[odam2k]

Perhaps we need another thread, What To Do While Waiting For Your Parts To Arrive!

Rod

[Mysterious]

sims are very helpful... its too bad tho that ones like realflight cost so much... but there are free ones

[mtpenguin]

I think one of the biggest benefits to RF, is that you can fly mutliplayer with voice chat. This lets you learn with the benefit of other pilots to help you out.


B-)

[Skytrek]

Personally,
I like to plan my workload to match the date of heli or parts arrival. I know exactly when our UPS and regular mail man deliver to our house. I will usually clean up any lose ends and honey-do's around the house too, therefore when the package arrives I can rip it open and get started!! :D:D

Oh, most importantly ensure the fridge is stocked with beer. There is nothing like building a heli in my workshop, with the stereo playing good rock, while drinking a cold one!!:D:D:D

[swatson144]

Sorry but Barry Manalow and Barbara Striesand are NOT good rock. :doubt:

Steve

[swatson144]

The best thing I have found to do when waiting on a heli to arrive is to order another one. I'm usually happier when waiting on 2 of them.

Steve

[ranger306ci]

I usually spend my time fixing the broken ones I have laying about while waiting for my new one. I always have a couple that need a little fix here or there, and have been put to the side.