Took the knife out today cruised around for a while, the ys was running good, so I said what the heck............pulled up vertical, and held it there for a split second, the first time that that is!......subsequent tries, got longer and longer (some shorter)....But, I definitley WAS hovering!!!!!!!!!!!!I'd say the longest was 6-7 seconds, which I did several times. I don't know if you guys believe me that I did this on my first try out, but like I said before, last year I was trying it and could hold it for a couple of sec. max. I think all the suggestions here + the ys make all the difference. This year is gonna be the year, I can feel it. Speaking of "feeling" something, all the posts so far, speak of that "feel", or a "groove". I'm starting to "feel" it!!!!!!!! I'd say about 100 more times out, and that feel will somehow feel natural. After the 1st time out, heres my conclusion, so far............THROTTLE, THROTTLE, THROTTLE!!!!!!!! If you can master the throttle, you can hover (it's not that easy, but generally true)! Next is RUDDER, RUDDER, RUDDER!!!!!! I'd say the 2 biggest causes for me to fall out of a hover was, not giving enough throttle at the right time(it's funny how you can control the nose with throttle, almost more than with elevator!) and not giving rudder input correctly, either too much, not enough, or the wrong direction. Either of these mistakes, and your out of your hover! One good thing about practicing hovering, is you can (or have to!) recover from ANY attitude!

I was doing all of this, between 15-25 feet. I tried it lower, about 8-10 feet, but once I messed up, there wasn,t enough air to recover, and hit pretty hard. A little thin ca aroud lg mount and I was back flying.........so for now I deffinitley feel more comfortable higher up!

Like I said, it was only my first time out , still got a long way to go, but I'm a pretty fast learner ( or so I've been told) So, I'm pretty confident that by the end of the year, I'll "get" it.

Thanks everybody, I'll keep you posted on my progress. (My bro. got a digital camera, and I just remembered my Dad's got a digital camcorder. If I can figure out how, I'll post some pics or vid.

Once again..............THANKS!


ps. I'm ordering a case of wildcat 30% heli feul this week, so It should help with throttle management even more. My LHS ( r.c.'s hobbies in laporte, In, a mom and pop and son hs, it's in there basement!) places a huge order march 1st, so you REALLY save on dough from hazmat shipping......get this, $17.75 a gall.! ys 20/20 $16.25 ......good prices, huh?