Flying circles is a good way to prepare for forward flight. First practice hovering with
the model turned sideways. It helps to turn your whole body with the model as shown
in Fig. 6-7. Next, try flying circles around yourself as shown in Fig. 6-8. Practice both
left and right circles. Concentrate on maintaining constant altitude (about 4ft or 1.2m)
and distance (at least 15ft or 5m) at first. As you gain experience, fly larger circles at
higher altitudes (do this in a big, open field away from people and obstructions).
(OCIRCLES)
Circles teach you how to control altitude and heading with the left stick, and speed
and position with the right stick. Notice that speed and altitude are related. As the
model picks up speed, it gains altitude (due to translational lift). Note too that the tail
rotor produces translational lift, so you will have to hold right tail rotor control when
the model starts moving forward. You will also discover that forward cyclic control is
required to maintain forward speed (in this regard flying a helicopter in forward flight
differs from flying an airplane).
Once you are comfortable flying circles around yourself to the left and right, try
reversing direction at the end of each circle (turn away from yourself to avoid flying
nose-in). Circle in one direction at an altitude of 10 to 20 feet (3m to 6m), then turn
away and fly the reverse circle.
Op er a tor's Guide
Learning to Fly
LITE MA CHINES
6-9
Figure 6-8.
