-> -> be more than happy to. Just let me know.(RIGHT RICK?)
Who me? Sure we will help any one who wants help... I just finished up
two SRT's yesterday...
-> You are where I want to be by next year or sooner hopefully.  I plan
-> on saving
-> for some Heli equipment, but I am just a newbie.  I am somewhat
-> familiar with the prices, but I really want to buy a fairly cheap
-> RC-heli within a few months.
  I wouldn't go to cheap if I were you, It's like they say, you get what
you pay for. The only "cheap" ones that I have seen are not good to
learn to fly on. My advice would be something like a Concept 30, SRT or
an SRX. If you really have a desire to get into aerobatics, go for the
SRX, it's not much more expensive than an SRT, but if capeable of plenty
of aerobatics. You will be limited only by the capeability of your
radio.
->
-> I would like to get a simulator program for my Amiga, and use that
-> to help me train.  I'm sure Rick would have some idea where I could
-> download a Croppleware
-> version of it or something. . .
  Unless you ar talking about another RIck, I have no idea where you
would get some (croppleware?) flight simulator for Heli's. I use R/C
Aerochopper and NHP simulator. Aerochopper is the better of those two,
at least in my opinion. We also have Skylark at the hobby shop, but I
still think Aerochopper is the best.
-> Anyhow, what I really need to know is what is the best approach to
-> this as a beginner?  What parts do I need?  Where is the cheapest
-> place to get them (I am open to used parts too)?  Also, what is the
-> maximum payload capacity a RC helicopter can manage?
-> SQuire
  If my memory serves me right, a .30 size heli should be able to lift
close to 30 Lbs. ( or maybe that's my 60 size?)
  Any way, the best approach as a beginner, after you decide which heli
you want, (and how much you want to spend) is to get plenty of pratice
on a simulator, build or buy a good set of trainning gear and just take
it one step at a time. With the trainning gear on, learn to "steer" the
machine around on a smooth asphalt or concrete surface before you try to
put it in the air. Once you have the "feel" for the sticks you can start
bouncing it up just a few inches at a time and work you way to keeping
in the air and in a hover. This will give you plenty of pratice at
cyclic control. You can then try some forward flight, try flying it
around you in a circle, slowly, walk it out to the end of your driveway,
turn it around and walk it back... The most important advice I can give
you, which I give to all new heli pilots is to TAKE YOUR TIME and take
it ONE STEP AT A TIME.
  As for the parts you will need, rotor blades main mast's and tail
booms and related parts. As for the cheapest place to get them...Some of
the people at your local flying club may have heli's but thought they
were too hard to fly, or to costly to repair after a crash...or as I do,
I hang around the hobby shop where I am the Heli guy for them, and when
wanna be heli pilots that had enough cash to but their first heli then
found out the expense involved in repairing them decide to sell them
cheap I am there to buy them. I bought two SRT's for less than $400.00
AFTER they had been repaired, and a third on was given to me. (it needed
an engine and a set of rotor blades, but I just wanted it for spare
parts anyway)
Hope this helps,
TTYL8R!
Rick
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