First flight

[crfracer]

Ok, so I have just scheduled my first flight (really just to see if I like flying helicopters, been up before but never at the controls, have my fixed-wing PPL) and was really just wondering if there is anything I should know before I go that will make the experience that much better. I like being really good at what I do, and like knowing as much as possible when getting into something, so any and all advise is greatly appreciated. I know it will be tons of fun, just lookin' for any wisdom from current students, pilots and others that have been where I am.

 

Was there anything specific that you wish you had known prior to your first flight?

 

Thanks so much,

Ethan

[bqmassey]

Ok, so I have just scheduled my first flight (really just to see if I like flying helicopters, been up before but never at the controls, have my fixed-wing PPL) and was really just wondering if there is anything I should know before I go that will make the experience that much better. I like being really good at what I do, and like knowing as much as possible when getting into something, so any and all advise is greatly appreciated. I know it will be tons of fun, just lookin' for any wisdom from current students, pilots and others that have been where I am.

 

Was there anything specific that you wish you had known prior to your first flight?

 

Thanks so much,

Ethan

 

What day is your flight scheduled for and what aircraft will you be flying?

[helo08]

If possible study the 3 primary flight controls and know how they work and what they control. Some basic helicopter theory might not hurt. Ultimately, you don't need to do a lot just arrive with a positive attitude and be ready to learn. You already have a good hold on the other things since you are a stuck wing ppl.

 

Good Luck

[BOATFIXERGUY]

If possible study the 3 primary flight controls and know how they work and what they control. Some basic helicopter theory might not hurt. Ultimately, you don't need to do a lot just arrive with a positive attitude and be ready to learn. You already have a good hold on the other things since you are a stuck wing ppl.

 

Good Luck

 

Good advice..

 

Only thing I'd add is arrive a few minutes early and well rested. It is not like anything you have ever done before!

[adam32]

Ok, so I have just scheduled my first flight (really just to see if I like flying helicopters, been up before but never at the controls, have my fixed-wing PPL) and was really just wondering if there is anything I should know before I go that will make the experience that much better. I like being really good at what I do, and like knowing as much as possible when getting into something, so any and all advise is greatly appreciated. I know it will be tons of fun, just lookin' for any wisdom from current students, pilots and others that have been where I am.

 

Was there anything specific that you wish you had known prior to your first flight?

 

Thanks so much,

Ethan

 

If your flying in an R22, DON'T wear boots of any kind!!

Edited February 26, 2008 by adam32

[Kelly N.]

Ok, so I have just scheduled my first flight (really just to see if I like flying helicopters, been up before but never at the controls, have my fixed-wing PPL) and was really just wondering if there is anything I should know before I go that will make the experience that much better. I like being really good at what I do, and like knowing as much as possible when getting into something, so any and all advise is greatly appreciated. I know it will be tons of fun, just lookin' for any wisdom from current students, pilots and others that have been where I am.

 

Was there anything specific that you wish you had known prior to your first flight?

 

Thanks so much,

Ethan

 

 

If you have the time, the FAA Rotorcraft Handbook (http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/media/faa-h-8083-21.pdf) might be worth a quick scan (I read the first couple chapters before my demo flight).

 

Also, if you're going to be flying in an R22, SFAR73 part 61 would be good to take a look at (once again, if you like reading, I tend to learn well that way but a lot of people do not).

 

There's also a good presentation on SFAR73 on justhelicopters.com at http://www.justhelicopters.com/images/SFAR...essTraining.ppt

 

Or, just show up, fly and have fun. If it's an R22, they'll give you the SFAR briefing/endorsement prior to letting you put hands-on controls anyway.

 

Good luck!!

Kelly

[crfracer]

My flight is in the morning with Bristol Academy in Concord, CA. I have a pair of boots that I wear for pretty much everything (they are kind of like sneakers with a 9" cuff) Thanks for the info all, and I will let you all know how it goes.

[goromadgo]

My flight is in the morning with Bristol Academy in Concord, CA. I have a pair of boots that I wear for pretty much everything (they are kind of like sneakers with a 9" cuff) Thanks for the info all, and I will let you all know how it goes.

 

I think they said not to wear boots...I really have no idea why since I have .2 hours stick time but I'm sure there is a good reason! Can't "feel" the pedals maybe?

[Wannabe1]

Hey Ethan...

As a new R22 student, I too have found that boots can get hung up a bit on the pedals. I'm 16 hours into my training (started mid Feb) and found that using Microsoft Flt Sim Xplanes with Saitek X36F, Saitek foot pedals and having the Saitek X35T throttle control reversed so that pulling back is up collective really helped with the hovering. I was comfortable hovering within minutes of being given each control that first day, and what a great day it will be for you if you can get comfortable with the helicopter right away! The sim helps learn the pattern, take-offs and high normal and low landings. It helps with using the radio (should not be a problem for you with your fixed wing rating) and it helps to teach you to look out the window, not focus on the ground. It doesn't help with autos or settling with power as the torque is all wrong on the sim. Brace your right arm on your right leg and have fun! The boss in the left seat will not let you get into too much trouble.

[NorCalHeliKid]

For the record, its B-R-I-S-T-O-W,(you wrote Bristol, like the raceway) just so you know who to write the $250.00 check to at the end of the hour. Also, they fly 300cbi's there not R22's, they used to have ONE R22 on the line but I think its since been removed. ...and the advice on the footwear was "DO NOT wear boots" but for flying straight and level it wont matter in an intro ride. Other than that, show up ready to learn and find out why so many broke, strarving people are still smiling!

[Goldy]

(really just to see if I like flying helicopters, been up before but never at the controls, have my fixed-wing PPL)

 

You're screwed.

 

You're about to find out that all your fixed wing time combined will not match half an hour in a helicopter. You're about to inject yourself with a very powerful addictive drug for the first time....you sure this is something you really want to do ?

 

Goldy

[DEMO]

You're screwed.

 

You're about to find out that all your fixed wing time combined will not match half an hour in a helicopter. You're about to inject yourself with a very powerful addictive drug for the first time....you sure this is something you really want to do ?

 

Goldy

 

He's right. Your life is about to change....

[Deepseadoc]

Ok, so I have just scheduled my first flight (really just to see if I like flying helicopters, been up before but never at the controls, have my fixed-wing PPL) and was really just wondering if there is anything I should know before I go that will make the experience that much better. I like being really good at what I do, and like knowing as much as possible when getting into something, so any and all advise is greatly appreciated. I know it will be tons of fun, just lookin' for any wisdom from current students, pilots and others that have been where I am.

 

Was there anything specific that you wish you had known prior to your first flight?

 

Thanks so much,

Ethan

 

Im a fixed wing PPL and just started my training in a 300CB all i can offer is slow smooth inputs on the controls it's not like an airplane that you can kind of man handle, the helicopter reacts very quickly. it's more or less pressure inputs. And don't forget to have fun you wont go back to fixed wing.

[Hovergirl]

Hey Ethan...

As a new R22 student, I too have found that boots can get hung up a bit on the pedals.

 

Is the issue with the tread or with your ankles? I've been flying for almost a year now and have only recently started tinkering around with my footwear because I'm still too stiff on the pedals. (I was wearing hiking boots before). If anything I've had trouble with my feet slipping around at first on wet days. And of course I need a good thick sole so I can reach the rotor during my preflight.

 

Sorry if this is a bit OT and not something you need to worry about for your first flight. Have a good breakfast and good night sleep the night before because you'll be too excited to sleep when it's over. Relax and have a great flight!

 

HVG

[BOATFIXERGUY]

You're screwed.

 

You're about to find out that all your fixed wing time combined will not match half an hour in a helicopter. You're about to inject yourself with a very powerful addictive drug for the first time....you sure this is something you really want to do ?

 

Goldy

 

HA! Good one! I found that it would be like addicted to meth...you'll do anything for that next high! Sell all of your stuff...move back in with the parents...

[crfracer]

Ok, few things, I knew it was Bristow, it was just a slip of the fingers, but thank you for catching my mistake, I didn't realize I had made it. Second, I took the advise and just wore my skate shoes, but I think I would have been just fine in my boots (they are tactical boots that are pretty much just a regular shoe with better tread, but I feel more comfortable with them, even when flying airplanes, but thank you for the suggestion, I will keep it in mind for the future.

 

So on to the flight. It was fun, albeit just a little frustrating because I am more use to the freedom I already have with the airplanes (I already know how to do it so I can just kind of go.) It was a little harder than I had expected (I really didn't think it was going to be easy), but I did pick it up pretty quick and was able to hold altitude to within about 50ft and A/S to about 5 kias. Hovering was by no means completely accomplished, the instructor was with me on the controls and I was still moving about a bit, but he said for having never flown before I was doing pretty well (small inputs, though sometimes to small).

 

As of this minute I am not completely infected, but I think that were I to get some more hours in and really start to get the feeling for the controls and be able to be a little more independent (instructor there but more as a back up) I would really start to enjoy it. I absolutely love to fly so anytime I am not connected to the ground is time well spent.

 

Once again, thanks for all of the advice and sorry if on occasion I have sounded like I knew more than you guys (wearing boots as opposed to not), I do take that kind of stuff into consideration.

 

Ethan

Edited February 26, 2008 by crfracer

[Spierman]

I had trouble with the tread of my boots getting hung up on the edge of the pedals in the R22. The pedals are just enough off-center to get your foot on the outside of the right pedal. There is a raised edge in the R22 on the edges of the pedals. It was especially annoying when doing slopes on breezy days. I finally figured out to wear ropers when flying. Better feel too. I don't know about other helicopters.

[FlyNHighNFast]

My favorite footwear for flying the R-22: Piloti Spyders

[adam32]

Ok, few things, I knew it was Bristow, it was just a slip of the fingers, but thank you for catching my mistake, I didn't realize I had made it. Second, I took the advise and just wore my skate shoes, but I think I would have been just fine in my boots (they are tactical boots that are pretty much just a regular shoe with better tread, but I feel more comfortable with them, even when flying airplanes, but thank you for the suggestion, I will keep it in mind for the future.

 

So on to the flight. It was fun, albeit just a little frustrating because I am more use to the freedom I already have with the airplanes (I already know how to do it so I can just kind of go.) It was a little harder than I had expected (I really didn't think it was going to be easy), but I did pick it up pretty quick and was able to hold altitude to within about 50ft and A/S to about 5 kias. Hovering was by no means completely accomplished, the instructor was with me on the controls and I was still moving about a bit, but he said for having never flown before I was doing pretty well (small inputs, though sometimes to small).

 

As of this minute I am not completely infected, but I think that were I to get some more hours in and really start to get the feeling for the controls and be able to be a little more independent (instructor there but more as a back up) I would really start to enjoy it. I absolutely love to fly so anytime I am not connected to the ground is time well spent.

 

Once again, thanks for all of the advice and sorry if on occasion I have sounded like I knew more than you guys (wearing boots as opposed to not), I do take that kind of stuff into consideration.

 

Ethan

 

Congrats of your flight!! Tactical type boots are great in the 300. I was thinking about an R22 at first. Once you get in some bigger turbine ships you will get infected fast.

[crfracer]

When I was flying it was a little overwhelming but before the flight I was freakin' excited that I was going to get to fly a helicopter. And the more I think about it after the fact, the more I get excited to be able say that I flew a helicopter, in part because after thinking about it a lot, I can't think of anything I have done (fly planes, scuba dive, ride and race motorcycles, snowboard down double black diamond runs, etc.) that is as challenging as flying a helicopter, which just makes me that much more excited. And then you start thinking that, hey, I have done all this stuff that not many people can do, and if I can fly a helicopter it is just one more thing to set me apart from the main crowd and puts me into an even smaller circle of very talented people (everyone on this forum and other pilots that aren't here). Thanks again to everyone who has given me advise.

 

Ethan

[bqmassey]

When I was flying it was a little overwhelming but before the flight I was freakin' excited that I was going to get to fly a helicopter. And the more I think about it after the fact, the more I get excited to be able say that I flew a helicopter, in part because after thinking about it a lot, I can't think of anything I have done (fly planes, scuba dive, ride and race motorcycles, snowboard down double black diamond runs, etc.) that is as challenging as flying a helicopter, which just makes me that much more excited. And then you start thinking that, hey, I have done all this stuff that not many people can do, and if I can fly a helicopter it is just one more thing to set me apart from the main crowd and puts me into an even smaller circle of very talented people (everyone on this forum and other pilots that aren't here). Thanks again to everyone who has given me advise.

 

Ethan

 

Good to hear you enjoyed it. Any advice for me? My demo flight is on Saturday.

[crfracer]

Take to heart what has been said earlier in this thread. I would say that if you are going to be in a 300CB the boot issue didn't seem like it would have been a problem, but I really cannot say for an R22 seeing as I have never been in one. Get a good nights sleep (this will likely be kind of hard as you are going to be really excited. Also, realized that this is most likely going to be the most challenging thing you will have ever done and that at times it may get a little frustrating but don't worry that feeling will go away as soon as it sets in that you just flew a helicopter and entered into a very small group of people. Hope this helps, and if think of anything else before you go, I will let you know. Have tons of fun (I don't think it is possible not to.)

 

Ethan

[Goldy]

have only recently started tinkering around with my footwear because I'm still too stiff on the pedals. (I was wearing hiking boots before).

 

 

HVG- What is your cockpit a construction site? No need to wear boots in a training helicopter. Get in an Aircrane sure...damn pedals weigh 20 pounds each solid steel....nah, in a 300 or 22 or 44, tennis shoes work great...lightweight, makes your pedal work much smoother. Be sure to keep the weight on the ball of your heel and dont let the weight hang on your pedals. I should be able to override your pedal inputs from the seat next to you without much work..thats how light you can be on them.

 

In fact I hold the cyclic with 2 fingers, collective with 2 fingers...lighter is always better !!

[Hovergirl]

HVG- What is your cockpit a construction site? No need to wear boots in a training helicopter. Get in an Aircrane sure...damn pedals weigh 20 pounds each solid steel....nah, in a 300 or 22 or 44, tennis shoes work great...lightweight, makes your pedal work much smoother. Be sure to keep the weight on the ball of your heel and dont let the weight hang on your pedals. I should be able to override your pedal inputs from the seat next to you without much work..thats how light you can be on them.

 

In fact I hold the cyclic with 2 fingers, collective with 2 fingers...lighter is always better !!

 

I liked my hiking boots because they gave me the most "lift" when I was stretching to check the bolts, control rods etc. on the main rotors during preflight. I'm a bit on the short side...

 

HVG

[Privateer]

I've had the most trouble with my peddle work when wearing boots, always seems the sole gets caught on the edge of the right peddle (in R22 and R44). I've also heard of flight instructors haveing their students go shoeless for a ride to really get a feel of the peddles on the balls of their feet. And as far as the "lift" goes that what ladders are for

Edited March 3, 2008 by Privateer