I have also posted this into the Chopper forum - but there is hardly any activity there at all , so perhaps someone here could help.I have noticed that if I start the sim at a situation where a default a/c has been saved cold and dark (ie with everything turned off) and then select a chopper, the chopper loads with the rotors turning and also with the sound of the rotors. But trying to then fly the a/c does not work . One needs to hit CTRL E to get the system to work. Can anybody please advise why or whether this is normal?Thanks Barry

This isn't a helicopter question as much as it is a default flight question.Many times, helos will start with the blades having momentum even if they shouldn't. That has nothing at all to do with the engines running or not. What you're seeing is that you're spawning with momentum in the blades but your engines and systems are, as the default flight specifies, cold and dark.If you pull on the collective it should act as a rotor brake and slow the blades to a stop within a few seconds.For more on all sorts of things that can go very, very wrong if you tinker with changing the default flight you can read the thread "Urban Myth?" in the Panels and Gauges forum. The subject has been covered very well in that thread.Scott / VorlinHC070NC_Vorlin *CP Inav* (means Cert. Pilot, Instrument Rated) at Hover Control.

Hey Barry, Are you using an ad on chopper, or the default? If it's an add on, I usually start with the default bell, turn everything off, Also make sure the mixture control on your joystick is up (on) before you load the heli. I know this makes no sense, but when I'm sitting in a chopper with everything off, as soon as move the mixture to the off position, the blades start turning. FS9 thing I guess. Also, raising the collective will stop the blades as mentioned.Some of the payware helis.. EX: Cera Bell 412 and 212 models, they tell you to hit E +1 , then the F1 key to make sure the controls are off before starting the heli,as well as giving you realistic control of the throttle. They do have realistic startup. As far as the blades turning issue, I hoped this helped. Some choppers don't have realistic start. Also check out hovercontrol.com. They have a great forum, and it's just for choppers. Not to mention, some amazing freeware helis that will keep you busy for days. Have a good night.