Hovering Outdoors, Page 2

Mark an area slightly larger than the landing skids of the rc helicopter. Consider a sheet of plywood as a pad. This is particularly important with smaller remote rc helicopters as grass can interfere with operation and tangle in the skids/landing gear.

Clear the area. The least obstructions the better. The fewer distractions the better. Plus, the main rotors can do some damage if they come in contact with anything.

Set the rc helicopter within the rectangle. Step back and throttle up slowly. If your helicopter is set up properly, you should get slightly beyond half stick before the helicopter starts lifting off. Keep throttling up slowly. You should notice the helicopter lifting up on the training gear but the gear not yet leaving the ground. This is the point where, if there were not training gear attached, you'd be airborne.

When the rc helicopter begins lifting off, try to maintain control. It should want to drift to the left. That's natural as you are first leaving the ground. Give the controls small adjustments. Less is better.

If it twists, turns, takes off, anything but straight up and forward, set it back down, walk over, and return it to the rectangle, and start over.

Be patient. How does the real thing compare to the simulator? You did use a simulator, didn't you? Well, it's not absolutely necessary but it is highly recommended.

Continue this exercise. Each time getting a little higher. The higher up, the less ground turbulance you'll experience.