Flying FS Helicopters

"Vertigo" is a Division of the Airwego Virtual Airline Group

These tips also apply to other versions of Flight Simulator, but the new flight modeling for helis is vastly improved, and I thoroughly recommend buying the new sim.

Taxi (wheeled helicopters

In order to taxi, you must first apply a little collective pitch with the cyclic pushed slightly forward (not enough to fly, just enough to start rolling ). The amount depends on the flight model of the aircraft you have, but try in increments of 10% torque until you just start rolling (Expect about 30% - 40%). It should then be possible to stop rolling forward by pulling back on the cyclic and/or braking (leave the collective in it's set position.).

Steering whilst taxiing is by using the yaw pedals as normal.

Don't taxi too fast, or you'll take - off before you intend to !

To taxi a skidded helicopter you obviously need to take off first (:->) - see below:

Lift Off

This is the real challenge.

Try to ensure you are facing into wind to start with. Gently apply small amounts of collective, keeping the aircraft from moving in any direction by using small amounts of cyclic in the opposite direction, and small amounts of yaw to keep facing the same direction.

Don't allow the nose of the aircraft to rise too high, or you'll enter a tail slide that you won't recover from.

Remember, SMALL MOVEMENTS.

There is no short cut, this requires lots of practice.

Transition

To begin forward flight, gently push the nose of the aircraft forward, whilst slowly applying collective to increase altitude. Use the yaw pedals to maintain a constant heading (You may find that you "crab" through the air at low forward speed if there's a crosswind - this is normal). The controls begin to feel more like a normal fixed wing aircraft the faster you go.

Landing

When on the approach (preferably into wind), pick the spot you want to land on. Gently lower the collective, whilst pulling back on the cyclic to give a controlled rate of descent, that keeps the spot you have picked in the lower third of the screen. As speed decreases, it is important to keep airspeed above the wind speed, otherwise you'll fly backwards !! (Small point there :->).

In the final stages of the approach, use the outside view to control your rate of descent, using small collective movements to keep the descent rate reasonable. At the same time, use fine adjustments of the cyclic to ensure you keep a slow forward speed (the ASI needle should only just be above zero on the gauge).

If you've got wheels, it pays to lower the landing gear as well....

Congratulations !

If you managed this on your first attempt I HATE YOU - IT TOOK ME OVER TWO HOURS PRACTICE !!

Now then - once you've practiced enough to feel confident - try the exercises on the following Training pages.