Flying the Default Bell

[Guest TerryT]

I have been trying to fly the default Bell 206 with my Logitech Force Feedback Wingman Force 3D stick and I have to constantly push the stick forward to keep the nose from going up. Also I get what I would call dead spots in the stick and then the aircraft rolls rapidly left or right. I do not have this problem while flying any of the other fixed wing aircraft. Is there some sort of "Trim" to reduce this need for forward stick pressure?Also is it appropriate to control the collective via the rotor rpm (ctrl F2 and F3) or just use the throttle (engine rpm.TerryVirtual Rotor Wing Student

[Guest Lindy]

Sorry, Terry.... no trim on the Bell (or on any other helicopter either with the possible exception of the new Dauphin recently released). The lack of trim is something you get used to, I guess. At least it doesn't bother me quite as much as when I started rotor wing flying. It helps to maintain a light two-fingered/thumb "grip" on the stick. As for the rolling left/right, I'm not sure what you mean by that. Occasionally when I'm flying along, everything appears to be under control when suddenly the helo will begin to swing back and forth. If I'm lucky, I can get it under control and continue on my way. If I'm not lucky........ :'( But I don't know what causes it. I hope you have a set of rudder pedals ...... makes things a bit easier and more realistic as well.I have never tried controlling the collective with anything other than my throttle. Nor have I seen your technique mentioned in any of the reading I've been doing about virtual helicopter flying, so I shall venture a guess that adjusting the rotor rpm to control the collective is a no-no. :-) If you haven't yet, I would highly recommend you visit the HoverSafe website and check out their rotor wing lessons. Also there is a link to another interesting lesson site to be found at The LZ website. Sorry, I don't have the link for LZ right in front of me, but here's the one for HoverSafe:http://members.shaw.ca/hoversafe/Hoversafe.htmHappy rotoring.-Lindy :-rotor in training

[Guest]

Most ( not all ) real helos have trim - trust me just going through a 50 hr cycle can kill your arms - even on hydralic or digital assist cyclics - there is still quite a bit of movement required - I got to take a flight with a friend here locally who works for the Local SO - they have a MD600N - one of the nicest helos around for law enforcementfirst off she is a LOT quieter then any other helo#2 notar is greatand #3 - it has a digital cyclic system - if you are 8 degrees nose down and you let go of the cyclic it STAYS thereRichard GreenVATUSA4Events and VA Director

[Guest TerryT]

Richard, Sounds like a great helicopter to fly. Here in ABQ the police now have a Notar bird and you really do not know she is overhead until she zooms by. That and all of the inferred sensors she can stay at alt and still see the bad guys. I have got a couple of minutes in both the Gazzel (spelling?) and the Bell 47, but all was at altitude. I have to pysically push the cyclic forward (my stick) which definaltely wears you out and of course does not make for a smooth flight.Terry

[Guest TerryT]

Lindy,Thanks for the link. Does the joy stick need to be re-calabrated for the Jet Ranger vs flying the Cessna or Boeings?I do not mind the constant control inputs required to fly her, all I am trying to do is to get rid of the constant nose down force required to do it. It is the same as you were flying the Boeing 737 with full aft (up) trim and yet you are trying to maintain level flight. Reducing the power helps some but then you loose airspeed and altitude if too much is remeoved.Again thanks for the link.TerryPS: Is it better to try and fly the Bell from the Virtual cockpit or the one that comes up when you switch to the Jet Ranger? The one with only the panel is good for instruments but you cannot see where you are flying since it takes up so much of the screen.

[Guest Lindy]

Terry, if you go visit the HoverSafe site you'll see what they suggest you set your stick sensitivities to. I've followed their suggestions and now fly helos AND fixed wing with the same joystick setup. But the stick shouldn't need to be recalibrated. As for flying from the VC versus the 2D panel, I prefer flying with the panel. But I'm using an addon that reduces the size of the panel so you can actually SEE something outside! However, I've seen training sites that suggest you begin flying in VC mode so you can get the "feel." I believe the little addon I use is by Craig Snyder (before he got booted from Avsim) and is in the Library someplace! If you can't find it, let me know and I'll see if I still have it zipped up and will send it to you. Also there is a newly released addon that also provides you with three different panel views for the helo. You might that one first.Believe me I know exactly what you mean about all the nose down force you need with the helos. I asked about trim functions too when I first started ...... it's very wearying. -Lindy :-wave

[Guest TerryT]

Lindy, Thanks for the info and especially the fact that I am "Not" the only one having to fly with a forward push on the stick. You mentioned there are some setting for the stick at the HoverSafe site. Where might I find them? I looked around earlier and did not notice them. Maybe I did not look in the right place. Terry

[Guest Lindy]

Hi Terry.....when you go to the Home page of HoverSafe, you should see some linked categories along the top of the page. Click on the 2nd one from the left, "Flying Lessons." That will take you to a page that gives you information about your controller setup, proper "grip" and you can download their Lessons.-Lindy :-rotor in training

[Guest TerryT]

Lindy, Thanks.I have flown Cessna 150s in 30-40+ kt winds (landing in real world) so maybe learning to hover will not be too difficult. : )Terry

[Guest Lindy]

hehehe......well, I'm sure you'll have better luck with it (hovering) than I'm having. Right now I'm at the point where I'm just happy to be able to land without crashing! I started my helo flying in a personalized Hughes 500D and had a devil of a time getting it to go FORWARD instead of backwards on liftoff. LOL HoverSafe has been a BIG help to me..... and I've received lots of advice and encouragement here on the forum too. I've flown fixed wing in real life, but have never even taken a ride in a helicopter. -Lindy :-wave Happy Rotoring

[Guest TerryT]

You mean the choper is suppose to go forward? I go backward, sideways and upside down. I thought that was the way one takes off in a rotor wing. : )Terry