Heli-Max HMXE0802 - Manual (Page 18)

18
Takeoff
Slowly add power and observe the model. If you feel it needs trimming, do so
before lift off. You will find that model helicopters never allow you to return the
sticks to center. You just need to position the stick as needed to maintain a
steady hover.
You will notice the cyclic controls lag behind your inputs. This is perfectly normal
and something you get the feel for with time. It’s normal to drift around a little in a
hover until you get used to flying the model. The cyclic controls are fairly sensitive
so only small movements are necessary.
Hovering
Once the helicopter is up in the air, simply try to hold it in one spot. This can take
some practice. Wind or air currents have a big effect on the stability of the
helicopter as well. Be patient and slowly work forward, as trying to rush the
learning process can be costly.
Landing
Level the helicopter into a steady hover and slowly decrease power until the
helicopter settles onto the ground.
Basic Maneuvers
Once you get comfortable with hovering at different orientations and landing, it’s
time to move on to more advanced maneuvers.
Slow Pirouettes – Add a small amount of tail rotor (left or right) and try rotating
the helicopter slightly sideways and see if you can hold it there. If you feel
uncomfortable, then bring the tail back toward you. Once you start getting
comfortable, try moving the helicopter to the side. Then turn back and fly back to
the other side in straight lines. Once you get that down you can try rotating the
helicopter around 360 degrees, which is called a pirouette. The helicopter can drift
during these so make sure you have plenty of room when you first start
practicing.
Nose-in Hovering – After pirouettes it’s time to move on to nose-in hovering. Take
off and climb to 10 feet [3m]. Practice half pirouettes from tail in to nose-in hovering
and try to lengthen the delay in between. This will give you a little practice nose-in
and still give you a chance to get out of trouble. As you improve you’ll remain nose-
in for longer periods of time.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!