47 minutes ago, Bobsk8 said:

I used a Thrustmeter  16000m  joystick for the cyclic, and the first thing I did was modify it to reduce the spring tension so it would feel more like a Heli joystick and move easily. I didn't want to take all the tension off, because I still wanted to use it for fixed wing aircraft, but I reduced it quite a bit. I am still using that same jotstick today to fly all my aircraft from PMDG 737 to the Kodiak. Here is instructions on how to modify the stick. https://channellfd.com/the-t16000m-joystick-led-tension-mods/

Then all you need is some decent rudder pedals and a throttle quadrant like the Logitek 

Wonderful advice and link.  In the link is another link that references an excellent YouTube video.  Since I have an extra 16000m sitting in my closet, I am going to modify and try lt.  It does look pretty easy.  

4 minutes ago, PDX Flyer said:

Wonderful advice and link.  In the link is another link that references an excellent YouTube video.  Since I have an extra 16000m sitting in my closet, I am going to modify and try lt.  It does look pretty easy.  

Just take your time and get some small wire ties. 

Edited February 25, 20233 yr by Bobsk8

18 hours ago, PDX Flyer said:

Of all of these mentioned, which is the easiest to fly?

I would say; the one in with you make the most hours. 🙂
The Cabri is my favorite so I have mastered it pretty well by flying it a lot.
I have to adapt quite a bit when flying the R44 for instance.

17 hours ago, PDX Flyer said:

Wonderful advice and link.  In the link is another link that references an excellent YouTube video.  Since I have an extra 16000m sitting in my closet, I am going to modify and try lt.  It does look pretty easy.  

If we are at hardware recommendations and if you own pedals, I would advise to neutralize the self-centering mechanism (a simple spring to unhook on my mine) as the counter-torque they provide cannot be trimmed.

BTW another excellent set of tutorials http://www.copters.com/pilot/maneuvers.html

Edited February 26, 20233 yr by Dominique_K

The easiest helicopter I’ve flown in any sim is the H145 as they’ve simulated the real aircrafts  stability systems, meaning it’s like flying through the autopilot using control wheel steering.

I suppose it may not be the way to go if you want to learn helicopter flying, but for me I can make the large H145 helicopter do some impressive things with very little skill.

The best / the easiest helicopter are pretty subjective. I think it comes down to just two right now that hit both marks. The HPG145 and the FlyInside Bell 206.

Either would be great for anyone just starting who needs plenty of stability. And both have the option to turn off or dial down the stability as you improve.

Thanks for all your answers!

Cowan Simulation, Hype Peformance Group and FlyInside have great helicopters. You can't go wrong with any of them but remember that MSFS is still pretty much a work in progress, so helicopters still need some work.

I just bought the H145 the other day based on suggestions here and I love it. It seems like all important systems are implemented, has some sophisticated avionics to grow into, but you can take off, fly, and land frustration free with the rotor and cyclic assistants on in the menu. If you turn those assistants off, it has a tendency to drift a lot more making hovering and take off and landings frustrating at least with the joystick and pedals I have. But according to a real world H145 helicopter pilot on YouTube, those assistants make it more realistic so I don’t feel bad leaving them on.  He thinks the helicopter is very well implemented. 
 

 

 

Edited March 10, 20233 yr by Virtual-Chris

The Cowan MD500 is pretty good I'd say, my reference for quality being the DCS UH1 Huey.

Plus it has that Magnum PI livery 😎

6 minutes ago, iborg1979 said:

The Cowan MD500 is pretty good I'd say, my reference for quality being the DCS UH1 Huey.

Plus it has that Magnum PI livery 😎

Milviz has announced a Huey on the MSFS forum